Folklore Haunts in Psychological Horror

Read Time:3 Minute, 52 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Damned
–

Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 29m
Director(s): Thordur Palsson
Writer(s): Jamie Hannigan, Thordur Palsson
Cast: Odessa Young, Joe Cole, Siobhan Finneran, Rory McCann, Turlough Convery, Lewis Gribben, Francis Magee, Mícheál Óg Lane, Andrean Sigurgeirsson, Arnar Gray, Guillermo Uria
Where To Watch: coming to select theaters January 3, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: Amid the icy clutches of 19th-century Iceland, we witness a gripping portrayal in THE DAMNED, the directorial debut of Thordur Palsson. This tale delves into the resilience of the human spirit through its protagonist, Eva, portrayed by Odessa Young. Eva is thrust into leadership within her isolated village following her husband's tragic death. The sudden appearance of a shipwreck off the coast presents a dire choice: rescue the stranded or preserve their limited resources. This dilemma casts Eva and her villagers into an ordeal with supernatural nuances and ethical intricacies.

The film’s atmosphere, courtesy of Eli Arenson's breathtaking cinematography, captures the relentless wilderness surrounding the village, effectively becoming something more—a sanctuary that imprisons. This visual style is complemented by a sound design that encapsulates the escalating dread among the villagers, enveloping the audience in a cocoon of suspense.

However, the atmospheric tension that THE DAMNED so skillfully builds can, at times, eclipse the flow. The initial rush to set the scene and introduce characters leaves some relationships and character developments feeling rushed, slightly diminishing the supernatural elements' emotional impact as they seep into the villagers' reality.

The film's ensemble cast delivers, with genuineness, characters that feel the screen to counter our protagonist. Young’s portrayal of Eva is nuanced, balancing grief and leadership with compelling grace. Joe Cole and Rory McCann, portraying villagers Daniel and Ragnar, respectively, embody the spectrum of desperation that defines their plight. Siobhan Finneran, as Helga, infuses the tale with a haunting sense of folklore, enriching the film’s eerie undertone.

THE DAMNED explores the depths of isolation and the haunting consequences of difficult moral decisions, blurring the lines between psychological terror and ghostly phenomena. This narrative layering invites audiences to interpret the events through various lenses, enhancing the film's appeal for discussions and diverse interpretations.

Despite its robust grounding in psychological and folk horror, the film does not shy away from its cinematic influences, which can occasionally restrain Palsson’s unique storytelling flair. Moreover, while the visuals stunningly capture the icy landscape, there are moments when the film could push the boundaries of its cinematic scope even further.

As the story progresses, the pacing struggles to keep up with its initial promise. The buildup in tension plateaus midway, leading to a somewhat underwhelming climax. This leaves a few narrative threads unsolved and some thematic potential unexplored.

Nevertheless, THE DAMNED stands as a formidable debut for Palsson, showcasing his ability to forge a haunting atmosphere and craft a complex narrative that challenges the traditional confines of horror and folklore. It is a testament to his potential to navigate and reshape genre conventions.

For fans of atmospheric stories set against the backdrop of stark and haunting landscapes, THE DAMNED offers a profound journey. It’s a compelling exploration of the extremities of human endurance and moral conflict, anchored by a standout performance from Young. Despite its imperfections, it leaves a lasting impression as a noteworthy contribution to the folk horror genre, demonstrating the powerful ability of cinema to probe into the darkest corners of human nature and resilience.

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[photo courtesy of VERTICAL ENTERTAINMENT]

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