In my opinion, as a movie reviewer, “The Damned” is a haunting period psychological horror directed by Thordur Palsson and starring Odessa Young as a tormented widow grappling with the repercussions of an unimaginable decision. Set in the grimy 19th century, this film creates an air of tension through its bleak setting and masterful use of suggestion over explicit visuals, heightening the sense of dread throughout. The success of the movie hinges largely on Palsson’s skill in maintaining a chillingly eerie ambiance from start to finish.
Eva, once known as Young, shares a life with her spouse Magnus at an icy fishing station situated along Iceland’s coastline. This desolate yet profitable location attracts those hardy enough to brave the frosty conditions. Initially, we encounter Eva following Magnus’ untimely demise in a heartbreaking mishap. Inheriting her husband’s aspirations, she transforms the station into a winter refuge for fishermen. They remain trapped by snow until Spring arrives, allowing them to return home with their earnings and embrace their families once more.
One chilly afternoon, Eva and a fisherman observe a ship going under in the frigid bay. They face a heart-wrenching dilemma: if they sail into the stormy waters to assist, they might collide with the rocks. But if they rescue the sailors and bring them ashore, they question whether they possess sufficient provisions for surviving the winter. A tormented Eva elects not to send their boat out, leading to tragic repercussions.
The consequences of their decision become more burdensome when the wreckage’s victims start appearing on the beach. Furthermore, the camp’s overly-superstitious cook Helga (Siobhan Finneran) forebodingly suggests that angry spirits have been awakened due to their negligence. The fishermen initially brush off her predictions as mere folklore. However, as a string of terrifying incidents strike the tight-knit community, it leaves us questioning whether they’re succumbing to guilt or if an otherworldly menace is lurking among them.
Despite its compact 89-minute duration, “The Damned” takes its time to build suspense, delivering a gradual crescendo of fear, tension, and unease rather than relying on sensational spectacle. The film’s gruesome scenes effectively punctuate this atmosphere, but director Palsson prioritizes the slow, methodical cultivation of dread over visual splendor. Although Hannigan’s script may sometimes lack in character depth, it maintains a palpable human element, particularly through the portrayal of Eva and the men’s internal struggles with guilt, which takes a heavy mental and physical toll on them.
Set against the stark backdrop of Iceland, the chilling thriller “The Damned” employs its unique location to underscore the grim and merciless lives of its characters. Cinematographer Eli Arenson skillfully employs high-contrast imagery that sends shivers down your spine in multiple ways. The cinematography masterfully portrays the harsh winter of the Westfjords while also building up some of the film’s most terrifying moments. While it could be argued that director Palsson slightly overemphasizes the visuals and mood they help create, they are crucial in making “The Damned” an intensely immersive viewing experience.
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2025-01-08 18:56