What Is Wild Game About?
The premise of Wild Game in 340 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the affluent Vesturbær district, a quiet evening takes shape around a dinner table set for seven. Hosts Eva and Runar have invited a close circle of friends into their stylish home, where conversation flows as easily as the wine. The setting feels polished and comfortable, the kind of gathering where laughter comes easily and old friendships settle into familiar rhythms. Yet beneath the surface of this intimate Reykjavík neighborhood, the evening carries the weight of unspoken things — the quiet hesitations, the careful glances, and the small deflections that hint at lives more complicated than they appear.
What begins as a lighthearted suggestion soon shifts the mood entirely. Eva proposes a daring challenge: everyone places their phone on the table, unlocked and visible, agreeing to share every incoming call and message with the group. The idea is framed as an exercise in honesty, a playful way to prove that no one present has anything to hide. Some guests agree with amused confidence, while others hesitate, their reluctance speaking volumes. The rules are simple, the intention clear — but the air in the room grows heavier as the first phones are set down.
The group is a study in contrasts. There are established couples whose easy familiarity masks deeper currents, and individuals whose confident exteriors belie inner uncertainty. Steini, Petur, Leifur, Hildur, and Björg each bring their own temperament to the evening — some bold and outspoken, others reserved and watchful. The chemistry among them is unmistakable, built on years of shared history, but also fragile in ways that only become apparent under pressure. As glasses refill and the candles burn lower, the boundary between public and private begins to dissolve.
What unfolds is less a game than a slow unspooling, where every notification becomes a potential revelation and every ringtone carries consequence. The Icelandic night stretches on, and with it, the delicate architecture of trust among old friends. Tensions simmer, laughter turns brittle, and the dinner party becomes a quiet stage for everything that has long been left unsaid.
What Happens in Wild Game?
The complete story of Wild Game, from the first scene to the last, in 435 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
Eva and Rúnar play hosts for a dinner party in their upscale neighborhood, inviting five guests. However, one couple fails to arrive as the woman discovers her partner’s infidelity through a glance at his phone. In a bid to highlight honesty, Eva encourages everyone to place their mobile devices on the table and unlock them, leading to a variety of reactions among the guests.
Among the group is Steini, who, after receiving an unexpected erotic message, realizes it’s merely a prank orchestrated by host Rúnar. Meanwhile, Pétur receives a call from his sister, which reveals that he is applying for a new job in the north. The atmosphere shifts when Eva answers a call from her father, informing her that she will need to have breast augmentation surgery. This revelation leaves the guests surprised and somewhat uncomfortable.
As the evening progresses, Leifur, who is waiting for a woman to send him provocative pictures, asks Pétur to swap phones, but Pétur outright refuses. Elevated tensions arise when Eva rejects the taste of a sauce that Rúnar cooked, throwing it down the sink in disgust. The awkwardness escalates when Hildur, after receiving advice from a friend to be more assertive in her sexual life, inadvertently brings up uncomfortable topics.
As tension mounts, the men receive text messages regarding an upcoming football game, much to Leifur’s annoyance as he is left out of the loop. Fed up, Hildur, growing more intoxicated, lashes out by splattering wine on Rúnar. Seizing the moment of chaos, Leifur discreetly swaps phones, leading to Pétur discovering an explicit picture which prompts him to smash his phone in distress.
The night spirals further when Leifur receives a message from a famous football player on Pétur’s phone, creating a need for an awkward explanation. As a volcano erupts in the distance, serving as a powerful metaphor for the hostilities brewing within the gathering, the group heads outside for a photo.
While outside, Björg receives messages from her ex, making the atmosphere even more charged. Meanwhile, Rúnar takes a call from his teenage daughter, who speaks ill of her mother without realizing she is listening. The situation worsens when Leifur picks up another call on Pétur’s phone from the football star, resulting in Steini discovering that the celebrated player is gay.
The drama culminates when more messages unveil infidelities and reveal troubling secrets among the guests, resulting in shattered marriages and fractured friendships as the night draws to a close. As the chaos unfolds, it becomes apparent that the facade of their relationships might not withstand the revelations brought to light during this fateful dinner gathering.
Wild Game Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Dinner Party Begins” to “Broken Relationships”. 3 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
Dinner Party Begins
Eva and Runar host a dinner party for five guests at their affluent home. The atmosphere is initially light and jovial as they welcome their friends.
Where:Eva and Runar's home
- 2
Missing Couple
One couple does not attend the dinner party after the woman discovers her partner's infidelity through his phone. This tension sets an uneasy tone for the evening.
- 3
Phone Challenge
To foster openness, Eva challenges the guests to place their phones on the table and unlock them. Some guests express reluctance, hinting at underlying secrets.
Where:Dining table
- 4
Steini's Message
Steini receives an erotic message, which turns out to be a prank from host Runar. This revelation brings a mix of laughter and discomfort to the group.
- 5
Job Revelation
Petur answers a call from his sister, revealing that he has applied for a new job in the north. The news adds tension as the guests speculate about his future.
- 6
Eva's Call
Eva receives a call from her father, informing her about her upcoming breast augmentation surgery. She feels compelled to disclose this personal information to her guests.
- 7
Leifur's Request
Leifur asks Petur to swap phones, anticipating a woman to send him revealing pictures. Petur refuses, highlighting mistrust and reluctance among the friends.
- 8
Sauce Disaster
Eva finds the sauce made by Runar to be terrible and decides to pour it down the sink. This small act symbolizes her dissatisfaction with the evening's events.
Where:Kitchen
- 9
Hildur's Call
Hildur receives a call encouraging her to be more assertive in her sex life. The conversation adds to the evening's awkwardness, affecting her interactions with others.
- 10
Football Messages
The men receive messages about a football game, causing tension as Leifur is left out. His frustration grows, straining his relationship with his wife Hildur.
Show the other 5 events of Wild Game Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Wine Throwing Incident
Hildur, drunk and angry, lashes out at Runar by throwing wine on him. This outburst creates chaos and signals the night’s escalating drama among the guests.
- 12
Phone Swap Chaos
Leifur seizes the moment to swap phones, leading to unexpected revelations. Petur receives a nude picture, prompting him to smash Leifur's phone in anger.
- 13
Footballer Revelation
Leifur receives a message from a famous footballer on Petur's phone, heightening the tension. He must explain his relationship to the football player adding to the confusion.
- 14
Volcano Eruption
A volcano erupts in the distance, reflecting the rising tension within the dinner party. The guests are unaware that their friendships are on the brink of collapse.
- 15
Broken Relationships
As the night unfolds, hidden affairs and drug use come to light, resulting in broken marriages and ruined friendships. The guests leave with lasting impacts from the night.
Who Are the Main Characters in Wild Game?
5 characters, among them Eva (Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir), Rúnar (Hilmir Snær Guðnason) and Pétur (Gísli Örn Garðarsson): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- E(
Eva (Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir)
Played by Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir
Eva is a complex character navigating personal challenges, including a significant medical procedure. Her desire for honesty during the dinner party pushes her to confront uncomfortable truths, making her a catalyst for revelations among the guests.
- 🔍 Honesty
- 💔 Vulnerability
-
Rúnar (Hilmir Snær Guðnason)
Played by Hilmir Snær Guðnason
Rúnar is the host whose playful nature, demonstrated through jokes, inadvertently stirs conflict. His interactions highlight the duality of being a friend and instigator during the emotionally charged evening.
- 😂 Humor
- 🎭 Host
-
Pétur (Gísli Örn Garðarsson)
Played by Gísli Örn Garðarsson
Pétur is caught in the whirlwind of events as he deals with a career transition and family calls. His reactions to the unfolding drama reveal a blend of confusion and frustration, culminating in a notably drastic response.
- 💼 Career
- 😠 Frustration
- H(
Hildur (Anita Briem)
Played by Anita Briem
Hildur's journey during the dinner portrays her struggle with assertiveness and the impact of alcohol on decision-making. Her dramatic outburst against Rúnar exemplifies the fragility of relationships amidst external pressures.
- 🍷 Alcohol
- 😡 Anger
- L(
Leifur (Hilmar Guðjónsson)
Played by Hilmar Guðjónsson
Leifur experiences the tension of unexpected revelations, particularly regarding his wife and their social circle. His response to the drama exemplifies the clash between personal emotions and public perceptions.
- ⚽ Sports
- 😤 Jealousy
Where and When Is Wild Game Set?
Wild Game is set in Affluent District. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events unfold in a modern, contemporary setting where technology and social media play significant roles in shaping personal relationships and communication. The characters' dynamics are influenced by current societal norms and challenges.
Where
Affluent District
The affluent district is characterized by its upscale residences and vibrant social life. Known for hosting refined gatherings, it becomes the backdrop for revealing secrets and interpersonal conflicts during the dinner party.
- 🏙️ Urban
- 🏠 Residential
What Are the Themes of Wild Game?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Tension, Secrets and Relationships.
-
01
Tension
The escalating tension among the guests reflects the fragility of relationships under scrutiny. The metaphor of a volcanic eruption serves as a reminder of how quickly seemingly peaceful situations can turn hostile.
-
02
Secrets
The theme of secrets is central to the narrative, as the characters' hidden truths are brought to light through their phones. This exploration of betrayal and infidelity creates a charged atmosphere that drives the plot.
-
03
Relationships
The dinner party acts as a microcosm of modern relationships, exposing vulnerabilities, desires, and insecurities. As tensions rise, the impact of communication—or lack thereof—on friendships and marriages is poignantly portrayed.
What Kind of Film Is Wild Game?
Tense in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bleak
A tense, single-location comedy-drama that turns a dinner party transparency game into an escalating nightmare of revealed secrets, awkward confrontations, and broken relationships.
- awkward
- claustrophobic
- anxious
- slow burn
- escalating
- uncomfortable
- secrets and lies
- infidelity
- privacy
- friendship
Content notes: infidelity, homophobia, substance use, relationship breakdown, verbal conflict.
Quiz
How well do you remember Wild Game? Test yourself on the story.
