The Damned, directed by Thordur Palsson, is a historical horror film that explores themes of survival and madness. The movie delves deeply into folklore and trauma, unraveling the dark forces that lurk in our minds. Starring Odessa Young and Joe Cole, the performances anchor this chilling story set in a desolate 19th-century Icelandic fishing village.
Survival in Isolation
The harrowing conditions faced by the characters are palpable from the very beginning. Eva, portrayed by Odessa Young, embodies the struggle to survive after the loss of her husband. Facing hunger and despair, her character sets a melancholic tone from the onset, particularly when she grapples with decisions that could doom or save her community.
An Exploration of Dark Forces
I would never hit anybody
. This phrase resonates through an intense scene involving Daniel, highlighting the moral conflicts these characters face. The film doesn’t shy away from portraying the psychological and existential dread enveloping them. The cinematography by Eli Arenson further enhances this with haunting coastal landscapes reminiscent of works like L’Avventura and Through A Glass Darkly.
Chemistry Amidst Chaos
The chemistry between Eva (Odessa Young) and Daniel (Joe Cole) offers fleeting moments of warmth. As they navigate this cold world, their connection becomes a brief respite from the all-consuming darkness. However, this only makes the inevitable unraveling more painful. Joe Cole’s performance is particularly notable toward the film’s end; his portrayal of Daniel’s decline feels brutal yet mesmerizing.
Psychological Depths
The film also references mythological elements such as The Draugur, adding layers to its narrative without fully cementing them into reality. This ambiguity heightens the psychological horror as nobody is certain about what is real. The comparison to David Cronenberg’s The Shrouds is apt here—both films dig into why we create terrifying narratives to handle trauma.
Haunting Cinematography
The bleak yet visually stunning cinematography immerses viewers into a world where survival is tenuous at best. Wide shots of desolate landscapes amplify the isolation felt by the characters. This visual storytelling is crucial in manifesting the ever-present sense of dread and encapsulates the film’s melancholic beauty.
A Formidable Debut
Thordur Palsson’s feature debut is nothing short of formidable. With co-writer Jamie Hannigan, they craft a tale where suffocating dread feels just as natural as the details rolling out about each character. Their work brings to mind early violent encounters leading up to shattering thematic revelations.
A Final Descent into Madness
The film’s climax sees characters facing ethical dilemmas and personal demons head-on. It parallels works like The Witch and The Thing, where folklore intertwines seamlessly with psychological horror. Odessa Young steals the show in these final moments, capturing Eva’s descent into madness with a nuanced performance that feels painfully real.
The 2024 Tribeca Festival served as an excellent stage for this gripping premiere. Its lineup showcased diverse narratives, but it’s The Damned’s haunting cinematography and deep psychological exploration that set it apart.
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