Is Ravens, Buttercups and Myrrh Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Ravens, Buttercups and Myrrh, a standout production of 2011, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Family landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into After Lára, 13, loses both her father and brother in an accident, she discovers that her father used to be a member of a theatre group at a local theatre. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Family are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "After Lára, 13, loses both her father and brother in an accident, she discovers that her father used to be a member of a theatre group at a local theatre. In order to keep his memory alive, she joins the company. The company consists of eccentric and playful elders who introduce Lára to the magic of theatre and the importance of play. While Lára struggles to piece together the fractured life she now shares with her mother, she decides to help the company in their attempt to save the theatre with a big hit play. But evil and corrupt forces want it gone forever."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Freyja Sif Arnarsdóttir does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Eyrún Ósk Jónsdóttir is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 90 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Ravens, Buttercups and Myrrh truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Family, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Ravens, Buttercups and Myrrh explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2011 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Eyrún Ósk Jónsdóttir respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Ravens, Buttercups and Myrrh is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Freyja Sif Arnarsdóttir or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Ravens, Buttercups and Myrrh is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.