2020 will go down in history for many reasons – and sadly most of those reasons are pretty awful. It will also be known as the year the Eurovision Song Contest was halted in its tracks.

The annual event, which has not missed a year since 1956, was forced to sit this one out due to the ever-present problems with COVID-19. In its place Eurovision fans were given a pre-recorded highlights package to plug the gap, but it didn’t quite make up for the no-show.

Sad times for Eurovision fans then? Well, yes; but dry those eyes, for I have good news for those still yearning for a healthy dose of Europop. This weekend, a Eurovision-inspired movie has landed on Netflix and it is ruddy brilliant!

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a hilarious musical comedy starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. The film focuses on two Icelandic singers, Lars and Sigrit, who pursue their dream of entering Eurovision, with rib-tickling results. 

Loaded with great pop songs, various Eurovision cameos, and a fantastic turn by Ferrell and McAdams, The Story of Fire Saga certainly helps to soften the blow caused by the coronavirus cancellation. What’s more, even if you’re not a huge fan of Eurovision, this is a highly enjoyable movie in its own right.

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Image: ©Netflix

As one might expect from a movie connected to Eurovision, The Story of Fire Saga is not to be taken too seriously. Will Ferrell co-wrote the movie, which tells you everything you need to know about the tone of the picture, and the cast are clearly having fun, as they throw themselves into a marvellous, heartfelt romp.

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There are epic songs, befitting of an international event; there are marvellous one-liners, courtesy of the film’s two leads; and there is something truly special involving a giant hamster wheel. Oh, and there’s also some lovely shots of Edinburgh, as the city plays host to a large chunk of the picture.

Most important of all, there is a story of love, acceptance, and growth. A union between countries, and the universally accepted fact that the UK will never win Eurovision ever again.

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Image: ©Netflix

Put simply, everything that makes the Eurovision Song Contest so popular is woven into The Story of Fire Saga, to ensure the film includes heart and camp camaraderie. Those who adore the annual event will feel perfectly at home with the outrageous costumes and larger than life characters, while for everyone else there is a neat little underdog story with plenty of laughs.

The Story of Fire Saga is exactly what audiences need right now – two hours of pure escapism. It won’t win awards for originality, but in a year seriously devoid of humour, this movie knows its audience and ensures a good time for all, with a dash of ABBA thrown in for good measure.

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