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Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) movie poster

Plot Summary

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language
2020 · 123 min · English
Echo score 82
JustWatch #3,720 14
Directed by
David Dobkin
Starring
Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Graham Norton, Natasia Demetriou, Dan Stevens

Two musicians from a small Icelandic town dream of performing at the Eurovision Song Contest. They unexpectedly find themselves as Iceland's representatives, thrust into a dazzling and competitive world of pop music and elaborate stage productions. Along the way, they face intense rivalries, unexpected setbacks, and the pressures of international stardom, all while striving to maintain their friendship and pursue their dreams.

On this page (6)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 What happens: full plot
  3. 3 Plot questions answered
  4. 4 Movie threads
  5. 5 Movies like Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
  6. 6 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

Where can you watch Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Netflix and Netflix Standard: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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Full plot summary · contains spoilers

What Happens in Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga: Full Plot Summary

The whole story of Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) explained, from the opening scene to the final frame: every key event, every twist and what it all adds up to. Read it as a quick recap before the sequel, to check a scene you missed, or to finally understand what really happened.

In the quaint town of Husavik, Iceland, Lars Eriksson (Will Ferrell) and Sigrit Eriksdóttir (Rachel McAdams), childhood friends with a passion for music, form a duo known as Fire Saga. Their artistic aspirations are met with skepticism, especially from Lars' father, Erick (Pierce Brosnan), who is weary of their musical ambitions. Lars, however, is driven by a singular dream: to win the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite their heartfelt performances, the local audience remains fixated on a cheeky tune, "Ja Ja Ding Dong," much to the dismay of the duo.

Compounding matters, Sigrit's mother expresses her concern, believing that Lars is hindering Sigrit's potential, particularly in hitting the elusive "Speorg Note," a note only attainable through authenticity. Amidst financial struggles, Erick considers selling their family home and urges Lars to move on from his musical dreams.

Fortune smiles upon Fire Saga when they are unexpectedly chosen to participate in Songvakeppnin, Iceland’s preliminary contest for Eurovision. Their excitement is met with a comedic twist when Lars is arrested for ringing the bell tower in celebration. Thanks to Sigrit's charm, they manage to secure his release from the crush-stricken policeman, Arnar (Björn Hlynur Haraldsson). As their journey unfolds, Sigrit, a believer in Icelandic folklore, seeks the help of elves to bring their dreams to fruition, hoping to capture Lars' affection in return.

Their ambitious foray into Songvakeppnin, however, ends in disaster due to technical issues, allowing the striking Katiana Lindsdóttir (Demi Lovato) to claim victory. In a startling twist of fate, a tragic explosion during a celebratory boat party leaves only Fire Saga standing, thrusting them into the Eurovision finals in Edinburgh, Scotland. They grapple with the demands of the competition, including an unexpected rivalry with the charismatic Alexander Lemtov (Dan Stevens) and a chaotic stage presence.

Challenges mount as misunderstandings arise between Lars and Sigrit, further exacerbated by their personal insecurities. Following a string of mishaps during their performance, both begin to question the viability of their partnership—both as a band and in love. The emotional tension reaches a breaking point when Sigrit discloses that the song she was penning was composed for Lars, shattering his misconceptions and reigniting their bond.

Determined to reclaim their dreams, Lars embraces the magic of their hometown, confronting his feelings and rekindling their musical connection. The grand final showcases their original composition, "Husavik," spotlighting the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Iceland. The heartfelt performance resonates deeply with the audience, culminating in a passionate kiss that celebrates their journey and rekindled love.

Despite being disqualified for changing their song mid-performance, the essence of their relationship emerges victorious over the competition itself. The film concludes with a heartfelt montage as Lars and Sigrit return to Husavik, performing at their parents' wedding, surrounded by a community that supports them through their musical aspirations and personal journeys.

Last updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:03

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Plot questions answered

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga Plot Explained: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask most about Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020): what happens in the confusing scenes, why the characters do what they do, the twists, hidden details and what the ending means. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Why does Lars' father oppose his musical ambitions?

Lars' father Erick is weary of his son's musical dreams because of mounting financial struggles. He even considers selling their family home, which puts additional pressure on Lars to give up his ambitions and focus on more practical matters.

Foreshadowing: Earlier, Erick's skepticism is shown through his weary demeanor whenever Lars and Sigrit practice, setting up the tension between pursuing dreams and financial stability.

  • Erick
  • father
  • financial struggles
  • opposition
  • dreams
Q2

How do Lars and Sigrit end up at the Eurovision finals after the boat explosion?

After Fire Saga's disastrous performance at Songvakeppnin, they attend a celebratory boat party where a tragic explosion occurs. Only Fire Saga survives, which unexpectedly thrusts them directly into the Eurovision finals in Edinburgh as Iceland's representatives.

Foreshadowing: The sudden turn of events mirrors their earlier bad luck, but transforms their misfortune into an opportunity.

  • boat explosion
  • Eurovision finals
  • survivors
  • Edinburgh
Q3

What is the Speorg Note and why does it matter?

The Speorg Note is an elusive high note that Sigrit's mother explains can only be reached through authenticity. She believes Lars is holding Sigrit back from reaching this note and her full potential as a singer.

Foreshadowing: This sets up the emotional arc where Sigrit must find genuine expression, which later connects to her song for Lars.

  • Speorg Note
  • authenticity
  • singing
  • mother
Q4

Why does Sigrit's mother think Lars is holding Sigrit back?

Sigrit's mother believes Lars is limiting Sigrit's potential because she sees their partnership as preventing Sigrit from reaching the Speorg Note, which requires complete authenticity, a level of emotional honesty Sigrit hasn't achieved while being focused on Lars.

Foreshadowing: The mother's concerns foreshadow the relationship tension that develops between Lars and Sigrit later in the film.

  • Sigrit's mother
  • potential
  • relationship
  • music
Q5

Who is Katiana Lindsdóttir and why does she matter in the story?

Katiana Lindsdóttir is the striking performer who wins Songvakeppnin after Fire Saga's performance is derailed by technical issues. Her victory forces Fire Saga out of the competition, until the boat explosion creates their unexpected path to the finals.

Foreshadowing: The technical problems during Fire Saga's performance directly lead to Katiana's win, creating the circumstances that make the boat explosion plot device necessary.

  • Katiana Lindsdóttir
  • Songvakeppnin
  • victory
  • technical issues
Q6

What causes the misunderstanding between Lars and Sigrit at Eurovision?

Growing pressures from the competition, combined with personal insecurities and misunderstandings, create tension between Lars and Sigrit. They begin questioning their partnership both as a band and as a potential couple, leading to emotional conflict.

Foreshadowing: Their earlier chemistry and shared dreams set up the stakes for this conflict, making the misunderstanding more impactful.

  • misunderstanding
  • tension
  • relationship
  • competition
Q7

What does the song Husavik represent for Lars and Sigrit?

Husavik is the original song Lars and Sigrit perform at the Eurovision grand final. It celebrates their hometown's culture and landscapes, representing their authentic roots and personal journey. Performing it allows them to embrace their genuine connection and heritage.

Foreshadowing: The song embodies everything they learned about authenticity and represents their transformation throughout the competition.

  • Husavik
  • song
  • authentic
  • hometown
  • Iceland
Q8

Why is Fire Saga disqualified from Eurovision?

Fire Saga is disqualified for changing their song mid-performance during the grand final. Despite the disqualification, their heartfelt performance and the authenticity of their relationship resonate more with audiences than the competition outcome.

Foreshadowing: This decision underscores the film's theme that personal victory matters more than competitive success.

  • disqualification
  • rule violation
  • performance
  • Eurovision
Q9

Why does Sigrit consult Icelandic elves about her dreams?

Sigrit is a believer in Icelandic folklore and seeks the help of elves to bring her and Lars' dreams to fruition. Her belief in supernatural intervention reflects her hopeful nature and adds a magical element to her character, while also connecting to her feelings for Lars.

Foreshadowing: This subplot reinforces the film's whimsical tone and Sigrit's unique personality throughout the narrative.

  • elves
  • Icelandic folklore
  • Sigrit
  • supernatural
Q10

What confession does Sigrit make that reunites her with Lars?

Sigrit reveals that the song she was writing throughout the competition was actually composed for Lars, a love song expressing her feelings for him. This confession shatters Lars' misconceptions about their relationship and rekindles their bond.

Foreshadowing: This moment pays off the romantic tension built throughout the film and connects to the earlier theme of authenticity in music.

  • confession
  • song
  • love
  • Lars
  • Sigrit
  • feelings
Q11

Who is Alexander Lemtov and what is his role at Eurovision?

Alexander Lemtov is the charismatic and charming rival that Lars and Sigrit face at the Eurovision finals in Edinburgh. His presence adds competitive pressure and serves as a contrast to Fire Saga's authentic but amateurish approach.

Foreshadowing: Alexander represents the polished, conventional path to Eurovision success that Fire Saga must overcome on their own terms.

  • Alexander Lemtov
  • rival
  • Eurovision
  • competition
Q12

Why does the policeman let Lars go after his arrest?

Lars is arrested for ringing the bell tower in celebration after being selected for Songvakeppnin. Sigrit uses her charm to convince the crush-stricken policeman Arnar to release Lars, demonstrating her resourcefulness and affection for him.

Foreshadowing: This comedic moment establishes the dynamics between the characters and Sigrit's feelings for Lars.

  • arrest
  • bell tower
  • Arnar
  • policeman
  • Sigrit

Movie threads

More Movies Like Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies about underdog dreams like Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Quirky outsiders get a shot at improbable fame and must prove themselves. Discover more movies like Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga that feature quirky underdogs chasing big dreams on an international stage. If you liked the journey from a small Icelandic town to the Eurovision spotlight, you'll enjoy these similar stories of improbable fame, fierce competition, and heartfelt personal triumphs.

  • uplifting
  • quirky
  • optimistic
  • heartfelt
  • comedic
  • triumphant
  • Tone: light, hopeful, whimsical
  • Pacing: variable, building to a climax
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows an archetypal underdog arc: characters with pure passion but unconventional methods get an unexpected opportunity to compete at the highest level. They face sophisticated rivals and imposter syndrome, learning to embrace their authenticity as their greatest strength. The central conflict balances external competition with internal growth, culminating in a triumph that redefines success on their own terms.

Why they belong together: Movies in this thread share a core emotional blueprint: they are optimistic, character-driven journeys where the joy comes from watching lovable outsiders navigate a world that initially seems too big for them. They blend comedy with sincere emotional stakes, creating a feel-good experience centered on themes of self-expression, friendship, and the value of sheer enthusiasm over polished perfection.

Musical friends-to-lovers stories like Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Creative partnerships where music sparks a romantic transformation. Find movies similar to Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga that explore the romantic transformation of a creative partnership. If you enjoyed the journey of Lars and Sigrit's friendship blooming into love through music, you'll love these other whimsical, music-filled stories about collaborators discovering deeper feelings.

  • romantic
  • sentimental
  • joyful
  • whimsical
  • comedic
  • musical
  • Tone: whimsical, sentimental, joyful
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The plot revolves around a duo whose professional harmony masks unspoken personal feelings. The pressure of a high-stakes creative endeavor—a contest, a show, a tour—acts as a catalyst, forcing them to confront their emotions. The story interweaves musical performances with key emotional revelations, using songs to express what the characters cannot say aloud, leading to a harmonious romantic resolution.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped by their unique blend of genre elements: the infectious energy of a musical, the comfortable chemistry of a long-term friendship, and the sweet tension of a slow-burn romance. The tone is consistently light and whimsical, using music not just as backdrop but as a narrative device to advance the central relationship arc, resulting in an overwhelmingly joyful and sentimental experience.

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Every angle

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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