Under the Tree (2017) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A private betrayal and a neighborhood tree dispute escalate into custody conflict, suspicion, loss, and unresolved resentment.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

Betrayal Opens the Divide

Atli is exposed through an intimate recording and admits infidelity. Agnes responds by changing the locks, separating from him, and challenging his access to Asa.

Key Events

• The Intimate Recording — Atli is caught watching an intimate recording involving Rakel. Characters: Atli, Rakel Location: Atli's home
• Atli Admits Infidelity — Atli admits he has been unfaithful, devastating Agnes. Characters: Atli, Agnes Location: Agnes's home
• The Locks Are Changed — Agnes changes the locks and refuses to let Atli collect his belongings. Characters: Agnes, Atli Location: Agnes's home
• Custody Becomes the Battleground — The separation quickly becomes a custody dispute over Asa. Characters: Atli, Agnes, Asa Location: Family homes

Custody Under Pressure

The separation becomes a custody dispute centered on Asa. Atli demands recognition as her father, while Agnes and the school restrict his access.

Key Events

• Custody Becomes the Battleground — The separation quickly becomes a custody dispute over Asa. Characters: Atli, Agnes, Asa Location: Family homes
• School Denies Release — The school refuses to release Asa to Atli during the school day. Characters: Atli, Agnes, Asa Location: Children's school
• The Tree Shades the Porch — Atli and Inga complain that the large tree shades their porch. Characters: Atli, Inga Location: Neighboring homes
• Neighbors Defend the Tree — The neighboring side insists that nobody has the right to damage the tree. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: Shared neighborhood boundary

The Tree Feud Spreads

A disagreement over shade from a large tree develops into insults, accusations, and claims of property damage. Konrad attempts to calm the increasingly hostile neighbors.

Key Events

• Insults Replace Discussion — Insults and accusations replace any reasonable discussion of the tree. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: Neighborhood yards
• Property Damage Accusations — The neighbors accuse one another of harassment and property damage. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: Neighboring homes
• Konrad Attempts Mediation — Konrad tries to calm the feud as accusations continue. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: Neighborhood boundary
• Surveillance Escalates Suspicion — Surveillance cameras, police complaints, and threats make the feud more serious. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: Neighboring homes

Suspicion Becomes Threat

Surveillance cameras, police complaints, and a visible chainsaw make the tree dispute more threatening. A missing cat connects the neighborhood’s fears to the escalating feud.

Key Events

• The Chainsaw Appears — A chainsaw is seen, prompting suspicions that the tree may be cut down. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: Neighborhood yards
• A Cat Disappears — A cat disappears, and its disappearance becomes connected to the feud. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: The neighborhood
• Police Summon Atli — Atli is summoned over damage at a children's school. Characters: Atli Location: Police station
• Agnes Files Another Complaint — Agnes files another complaint against Atli during the custody conflict. Characters: Agnes, Atli Location: Police station
• Rakel Confronts Atli — Rakel confronts Atli after Agnes discovers the recording. Characters: Rakel, Atli, Agnes Location: Atli's home

Loss Without Reconciliation

Rakel confronts Atli, while his family argues about the damage caused by his failed relationship. Askur is found dead, but the tree feud and family fractures remain unresolved.

Key Events

• Rakel Confronts Atli — Rakel confronts Atli after Agnes discovers the recording. Characters: Rakel, Atli, Agnes Location: Atli's home
• Family Argues Over Damage — Atli's family argues about his failed relationship and emotional damage. Characters: Atli, Inga Location: Family home
• Askur Goes Missing — The dog Askur goes missing while accusations and threats continue. Characters: Atli, Inga, Konrad, Eybjorg Location: The neighborhood
• The Dead Dog Is Found — Askur is found dead, and Eybjorg identifies the body and asks to take it home. Characters: Eybjorg, Atli, Inga, Konrad Location: The neighborhood
• Resentment Remains — The feud remains unresolved, with the tree symbolizing enduring resentment and damaged relationships. Characters: Atli, Agnes, Asa, Inga, Konrad, Eybjorg, Rakel Location: The neighborhood and family homes

Story Breakdown

• Betrayal Exposed — Atli's infidelity destroys the stability of his relationship with Agnes.
  • Intimate Recording — Atli is caught watching a recording involving Rakel.
  • Infidelity Admission — Atli admits he has been unfaithful.
• Broken Household — Agnes separates from Atli and excludes him from the home.
  • Changed Locks — Agnes changes the locks and blocks Atli from collecting belongings.
  • Emotional Damage — Agnes is devastated by Atli's betrayal.
• Custody Struggle — The separation becomes a dispute over Atli's access to Asa.
  • Fatherhood Claim — Atli insists that he is Asa's father.
  • School Refusal — The school refuses to release Asa to Atli.
• Tree Boundary Feud — A disagreement over shade turns neighboring homes against one another.
  • Porch Shade — Atli and Inga complain about the tree shading their porch.
  • Tree Protection — The neighboring side rejects any right to damage the tree.
• Suspicion Escalates — Property accusations and surveillance transform an argument into a threatening feud.
  • Damage Accusations — Neighbors blame one another for excrement, punctured tires, and damage.
  • Chainsaw Threat — A chainsaw fuels suspicion that the tree will be cut down.
• Loss And Aftermath — The feud culminates in the death of Askur without resolving the underlying conflicts.
  • Askur Disappears — The dog goes missing amid continued accusations and threats.
  • No Reconciliation — The tree remains a symbol of resentment and damaged relationships.

Directed by

Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson

Key Cast

• Steinþór Hróar Steinþórsson — Atli
• Edda Björgvinsdóttir — Inga
• Sigurður Sigurjónsson — Baldvin
• Þorsteinn Bachmann — Konrad
• Selma Björnsdóttir — Eybjorg