Let me take you back to 2004. The comedy genre exploded that year: 8 eminently quotable comedies came out that year. Most years can barely gather 1. In a year of funny, two names stand out among the bunch. Rachel McAdams’s Regina George is one of the great female comedic performances, probably of all time. And Will Ferrell’s Ron Burgundy led what might be the greatest comedy of the decade. Though their careers were not destined to meet, sometimes fate brings people together. On a stage. In a perfect setting for outlandish behavior. Long live Fire Saga!
That is Lars (Ferrell) and Sigrit’s (McAdams) band name. The two Icelandic dreamers have been preparing their entire lives to participate in Eurovision, the European singing competition that brought us groups like Abba. A series of circumstances land Fire Saga on the show, hoping to beat the likes of Russia’s Alexander Lemtov (Dan Stevens) and Greece’s Mita Xenakis (Melissanthi Mahut).
When not on the stage, Eurovision is a mixed bag of a comedy. Not coincidentally, that’s when Ferrell’s arc and storyline are most explored. For those who’ve been watching his late career, he’s found comedic solace in funny accents and calling out the illogic of certain characters and scenes, which are both rarely funny after the initial shock of Will Ferrell doing an Icelandic accent. These parts of the film are saved by a few things. Though Ferrell’s shtick might have lost its fastball, his eye for great running gags has not, with a couple of cleverly constructed ones with great payoffs involving Icelandic folklore and a great cameo. And some great specific details of Icelandic life used to great comedic effect by Nordic actors and Netflix’s budget, using AMAZING tracking shots of the country to show it in all Iceland’s beauty..
But once we start preparing to play at Eurovision, the Fire Saga comes alive for sure. Clearly the creators don’t want to skewer the competition’s rich opportunity for satire, choosing instead to lean into the spectacle and outlandish behavior, essentially making a movie version of a party, which makes sense. That’s the essence of the competition: unity and joy! The stage is grand, the costumes are ornate, and while everyone’s competing, the bond and camaraderie amongst the artists is what shines brightest. That feeling also gives the movie an energy when it comes to what appear to be obvious villains Stevens and Mahut. Especially Stevens, sneakily funny but also sneakily undercutting his devilish looks. Also not coincidentally, the tantalizing pairing of McAdams and Ferrell finds the right mixture in the bright lights, with McAdams front and center avec circular sequined dress, and Ferrell supplying the necessary side funny and just enough drama to help propel the film. Sigrit’s story is just more compelling: this shy flower trying to burst out and bloom, as it’s so clear she’s destined to do. While Ferrell’s star is dimming, but McAdams has never been brighter, and this movie feels like a lovely passing of the torch as he takes a backseat and lets her show off her talents while he smiles along, playing the piano.
I really hope this is the last time we see Will Ferrell as the star of a comedy. His legacy is secure as far as I’m concerned. His destiny is to continue to be the amazing performer and supporter, but in smaller doses now, opening the door as he graciously does for the next wave of talent, like Rachel McAdams. And as for you Ms. McAdams? Keep doing your thing! You can do anything, and I hope the Fire Saga helps make the world know it.