In this early film by Swedish director Victor Sjöström, set in the Icelandic hinterland, nature is not just a backdrop, but the psychological violence of the elements is itself an integral part of the action: ‘An amour fou in retreat from the world: the outlaw Berg-Ejvind finds work under a false name with a widowed farmer's wife, with whom he falls in love. When his rival finds out about his past and wants to have him arrested, the couple flees to the barren mountain world, far removed from civilisation. The continuing threat to their existence from society and the dangers of nature take their toll.’ (Milena Gregor)