The Damned (2024)

The Damned (2024) brings a fresh yet haunting perspective to the psychological horror genre, weaving elements of Icelandic folklore into a gripping narrative about survival, morality, and the supernatural. Directed by Thordur Palsson (The Valhalla Murders), this atmospheric horror-drama transports viewers to a desolate 19th-century Icelandic fishing village during an especially brutal winter.

The Plot: An Impossible Choice

Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) stars as Eva, a young widow burdened with the weight of leadership after her husband’s passing. When a foreign ship sinks just off the icy coastline, the tight-knit community faces an agonizing decision: rescue the stranded crew or preserve their dwindling resources for their own survival. As the villagers’ guilt mounts, they begin to feel the creeping presence of something otherworldly—are they being haunted by the consequences of their choices, or are their fears playing tricks on them?

Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London) delivers a compelling performance as Daniel, Eva’s conflicted subordinate. His chemistry with Young adds another layer of tension, further complicating the community’s moral dilemmas.

A Masterpiece of Atmosphere

Palsson’s direction skillfully captures the stark beauty and merciless harshness of Iceland’s landscape. Cinematographer Eli Arenson turns the snowbound village into an oppressive character in its own right, with every frame bathed in chilling, high-contrast imagery. Complemented by Stephen McKeon’s nerve-wracking score, the film immerses viewers in an environment where every shadow and sound hints at looming terror.

The film draws comparisons to John Carpenter’s The Thing, replacing the alien menace with an equally chilling mix of folklore-inspired paranoia and superstition. As guilt manifests into ghostly apparitions, the villagers spiral into a psychological nightmare that blurs the line between reality and imagination.

Critical Reception

Premiering at the 2024 Cork International Film Festival, The Damned earned an Honourable Mention for its innovative approach to the horror genre. The festival described it as “a juggernaut of a film, breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre. Its powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances make it truly deserving of this Special Mention.”

While some critiques highlight repetitive supernatural scares, the film’s strengths lie in its performances and atmospheric storytelling. Young’s portrayal of Eva has been particularly praised, anchoring the film with a mix of resilience and vulnerability that lingers long after the credits roll.

Behind the Scenes: A Tale Rooted in Folklore

For Palsson, the inspiration for The Damned stemmed from Icelandic folklore and chilling tales of shipwrecks and ghostly retribution. As he puts it:

“Every Icelander has heard all kinds of different variations of the truth – all elements of our history passed down. One of these stories was about a ship that sank off the shores of Iceland, with all survivors being killed by the natives. Having known of this, I started to write a story relating to it and kept fleshing it out, adding darker elements.”

Final Thoughts

The Damned (2024) is a haunting tale of morality and consequence, layered with elements of folk horror and psychological drama. Its exploration of human guilt and survival instinct resonates deeply, making it a must-watch for fans of atmospheric, thought-provoking cinema.

Catch The Damned in theaters and immerse yourself in a story that questions how far one can go to survive—and what price they’re willing to pay.