Thordur Palsson makes a chillingly memorable feature debut with The Damned, a Psychological Horror that plunges audiences into the icy, isolated world of a 19th-century Icelandic fishing village. Released on January 3, 2025, by Vertical, this atmospheric, slow-burn Thriller draws its power from both its stark setting and the nuanced performances of an impressive ensemble cast.
Leading the film is Odessa Young (The Stand miniseries, The Order 2024), delivering a compelling portrayal of Eva, a grieving widow forced to grapple with an impossible moral dilemma when a foreign shipwreck upends her fragile community. Joe Cole as Daniel (Peaky Blinders series, Thank You for Your Service 2017) and Siobhan Finneran as Helga (Boy A 2007, Downton Abbey series) deliver standout support performances.
The film’s score beautifully captures the stark, icy atmosphere of the 19th-century Icelandic fishing village, blending haunting melodies with moments of silence that echo the isolation of the frozen landscape. The music feels inseparable from the setting, enhancing the emotional weight of each scene and drawing the audience deeper into the challenges the characters face. Adding to the authenticity is the stunning period costuming, which reflects the harsh realities of survival in a remote, unforgiving environment. The heavy, weathered fabrics and simple, practical designs ground the characters firmly in their time, further immersing viewers in the film. Together, the music, costumes, and breathtaking visuals create an atmosphere so vivid and real that it feels like stepping back in time, experiencing life as it truly was in this harsh, isolated world.
Someone needs to congratulate the Foley team for their exceptional work on the film, as the use of sound to bring the evil entities to life is truly unsettling. The eerie, skin-crawling noises add a visceral layer of horror that amplifies the tension throughout the film. While The Damned incorporates elements of the supernatural, it’s the grounded, primal sounds that evoke a true sense of terror, making the fear feel disturbingly real. These auditory details elevate the unsettling atmosphere, leaving audiences not just afraid but deeply on edge.
Young’s performance as Eva captivates the audience, drawing them into her struggle and forcing them to confront the same impossible choices she faces. As the owner of a remote fishing village, Eva’s authority, outspoken nature, and genuine care for the men she oversees make her both striking and deeply empathetic. These qualities set her apart as a refreshing and multidimensional character, challenging traditional gender roles of the 19th century and infusing the story with tension and depth. Young masterfully balances strength and vulnerability, crafting a protagonist who feels authentic and resilient. The only other prominent woman in the film, Helga, primarily serves as a source of information, revealing the dark mythology surrounding the mysterious entity that looms over the village.
While some moments feel a bit too expository, it is fitting to have an older, wiser character like Helga impart this knowledge to the younger, more impressionable characters. Her presence adds an element of gravity to the film’s mythology, even if her role is more passive in comparison to Eva’s active struggle. While the ensemble cast delivers strong performances across the board, it would have been intriguing to explore how a deeper focus on character development might have enhanced the experience. The film’s tight 90-minute runtime is expertly paced, maintaining a thrilling momentum throughout. However, the tension might have been even more impactful with a stronger emotional connection to characters beyond Eva, allowing the audience to invest more fully in the fates of those around her.
With a sharp script and a hauntingly beautiful backdrop, The Damned delves into themes of survival, guilt, and humanity’s darkest instincts in the face of desperation. The film builds to a revelatory ending that will resonate long after the credits roll, leaving audiences reflecting on its complexities for days.
The Damned’s eerie atmosphere, strong performances, and striking visual and auditory elements come together to create an experience that is both unsettling and thought-provoking. This is a film that demands to be revisited, as its chilling impact will deepen with time. That is why Cryptic Rock gives The Damned 3.5 out of 5 stars.
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