This is a film that I truly adore. The Chicago setting is filled with vibrant, unforgettable scenes. The cinematography is shot in black and white with transitions in between moments. This is Hekla. Written and directed by Michael Smith, the film was also co-written by Elizabeth Stam. Stam is the fantastic star of the film. Hekla channels the life of a starving artist. It explores her trials and errors with consistency as it highlights her life. An intriguing portrait is painted of the reasons consistency and acceptance play vital roles in tolerating life’s difficult moments.Hekla displays an essence and meaning that is purely gold.

Elizabeth Stam plays Hekla Gudmunstdottir. She is an actress in Chicago that is always inspired to work until she lands a role. Through many auditions, life scenarios, and a frustrating relationship, the landscape she navigates is filled with turmoil. Wendy Robie is the narrator of the film, and her voice brings empathy and awareness to the rough patches Hekla is going through. Hekla’s personal vision is admirable, but the outside world brings her unsatisfactory results. In addition to limited success in acting, she endures an up-and-down relationship with her partner Tyler Hrabosky, played by Mary Tilden. Hekla spirals in an intriguing manner while facing these matters.

My admiration for Hekla comes from the way Smith has the vision of portraying the life of an actor who must accept mixed messages. The result is an individual who is always over-thinking. This is exhibited well in the characterization of Stam’s performance. Hekla imagines herself as a queen with a pink dress in moments that feel inspirational. Smith is wonderful at utilizing the senses which are triggered frequently in Hekla. During auditions, and when highlighting relationships and conflicts, a colorful sense of a rainbow is beneath the surface. The one-person narrative direction is so enticing in this film. I could not take my eyes off the consistency of Stam’s performance. She is truly a gem that audiences will admire.

The scenes in which Hekla is commuting on the CTA trainsallow time for reflection. As Hekla goes from audition to audition at a variety of places, she goes deep into her mind thinking about success and rejection. I felt a sense of solitude in those moments spent on the CTA train because sometimes those moments are the ones where the moving of trains can deliver value by moving thoughts throughout the day. The concept of channeling emotions is powerful in Hekla.

I thought about two important themes while viewing Hekla, i.e., persistence and presence. Both themes are tied with encouragement. Hekla’s life focus is acting. She wants nothing more than to land a project that is going to make her shine. However, with her over-thinking, that is where the problems arise as well. The writing often transitions to Hekla trying to figure out how to put her best forth in her auditions while also struggling with her relationship with Tyler. The challenge to remain realistic shows up frequently in Hekla in a fascinating way.

Hekla is an exploration of passions, relationships, rejections, acceptance, and self-worth. Elizabeth Stam portrays these components perfectly in Hekla. Every moving part of Hekla is written for inspiration. It is destined to become a film known for delivering artistic meaning and is one of the best Chicago-based arthouse films I have seen. The starving artists’ vibes deliverartistically and dramatically. The reels rolled with emotions that made me come alive. Four out of four stars for Hekla.