THE DAMNED (2024) – Atmospheric Nordic Horror with Strong Direction but Ambiguous Ending

The Damned is a low-budget, slow-burn psychological horror film set in the desolate, icy wilderness of the Arctic in the 19th century. The narrative centers around a recently widowed woman who manages a small team of fishermen in an isolated outpost. Faced with a harsh winter and a poor catch, she and her team grapple with the decision to abandon their post or persevere. The discovery of a nearby shipwreck introduces an even grimmer dilemma: whether to aid the survivors or let them perish, given their limited resources. This decision sets off a chain of events that evoke eerie occurrences reminiscent of folklore about spiritual beasts.

The atmosphere in The Damned is expertly crafted to support its chilling tale. Icelandic director Thordur Palsson’s debut feature film is an impressive achievement, demonstrating that a horror movie does not require a large budget, elaborate CGI, or excessive violence to be effective. The haunting yet beautiful icy landscape surrounding the fishing post plays a significant role in the narrative. Even the indoor scenes are meticulously framed to maintain a sense of unease, with every shadow potentially hiding something sinister. At a taut 90 minutes, the film’s pacing feels just right, keeping viewers engaged despite its methodical build-up.

However, The Damned is not without its flaws. The casting of Odessa Young as the lead character, the widow in charge, feels misaligned. While her acting is competent, her demure and almost chaste demeanor contradicts what one might expect from a figure meant to embody strength and resilience. This miscasting results in a lack of strong emotional connection and empathy for her character, which could have otherwise heightened the film’s impact. Additionally, the abrupt and ambiguous ending leaves much to be desired, potentially leaving viewers feeling shortchanged. Despite these shortcomings, The Damned stands out as a superior entry in the horror genre. It is a commendable debut for director Thordur Palsson, and it will be intriguing to see what he produces in the future. I maintain that this film is recommended for horror enthusiasts who appreciate a well-crafted, atmospheric narrative.