Relationships can be tricky. It can be even more difficult if they end, especially if you have children. That’s the focus of the new film The Love That Remains, which opens in limited release on Friday.

The film comes from writer/director Hlynur Pálmason. It’s set in Iceland and follows a year in the life of a couple whose relationship is imploding. It looks at the ups and downs, and the impact on their family.

Anna (Saga Garðarsdóttir) is an artist. She’s also a mother and wife. But things aren’t going well with her husband, Magnus (Sverrir Gudnason). They’ve decided to separate. Magnus, a fisherman, doesn’t want the relationship to end. He also still wants to be present for his three children.

We follow them through a year in their lives. Magnus and Sara continue to pursue their work while trying to balance the demands of home. Along the way, they try to find a path forward to co-parent and remain a family even as their romantic relationship is dissolving.

Pálmason is an interesting visual filmmaker. A few years ago, he delivered Godland, which was nominated for some awards, including the Independent Spirit Award. I thought that movie was incredibly moving when it came to visuals, even if I didn’t always appreciate the tone of the narrative.

In that way, The Love That Remains follows a similar pursuit. It’s beautifully shot, including some unique interludes that showcase Pálmason’s talent as a visual filmmaker. In fact, there are times when you can’t take your eyes of the screen.

But it’s in service of a story that, for me, was hit-or-miss. It’s a sound idea and there is plenty of potential in the premise. But there is a non-linear aspect to the storytelling, which is more a series of vignettes, that didn’t quite click with me.

It’s worth checking out the film for its visuals. But it could well be a bit underwhelming when it comes to putting together the story as a whole. The Love That Remains opens in limited release Friday, January 30.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.