Baltasar Kormákur’s Touch is a passionate drama that takes you on a heartfelt journey of love, loss, and the search for closure. The film revolves around Kristófer, an elderly widower portrayed by the charming Egill Ólafsson, who sets out to find his first love, Miko, after losing contact with her for decades.

The narrative often switches between Kristófer’s present life and his vibrant past in 1960s London. In the past, young Kristofer (portrayed by Pálmi Kormákur) is a passionate student who abandons his studies to work at a Japanese restaurant, where he falls for the owner’s daughter, Miko (Kōki). 

Kormákur’s direction shines in contrasting the hopeful past with the melancholic present. The world of COVID-19  which emphasizes Kristofer’s isolation as he retraces his steps through now-empty cityscapes.

Even though the plot might be predictable, Touch draws you in with its sincere performances and Kormákur’s dedication to authenticity. The film delves into profound themes of memory, regret, and the passage of time, striking a deep emotional chord. The interplay between the two timelines is handled gracefully, maintaining a compelling narrative flow.

The film’s strength lies in its nuanced performances and Kormákur’s commitment to the authenticity of true love. Ólafsson brings a quiet but strong demeanor to the role of Kristofer, portraying a man driven not by bitterness or regret, but by a simple desire to reconnect with a lost love. The chemistry between young Kristofer and Miko is palpable, making their separation all the more heartbreaking when it finally ends. 

In essence, Touch is a beautifully crafted film that, despite its foreseeable storyline, offers a beautiful exploration of love’s resilience and the human quest for closure. It showcases Kormákur’s storytelling talent and his ability to evoke strong emotional responses from the audience. While the plot may follow a familiar trajectory, with strong reminiscences of the breakout hit Past Lives, Touch captivates through its sincere performances and the reality of complex adult relationships.