Rupert Grint Joins Seidi Haarla in Finnish Horror Film
Finnish filmmaking brings a new twist to the horror genre with “Nightborn,” directed by Hanna Bergholm. This film competes in the Berlinale festival and explores the challenges of motherhood through a chilling narrative. Starring Seidi Haarla and Rupert Grint, the film tells the story of a couple, Saga and Jon, who move into an expansive fixer-upper deep in the Finnish forest to start a family.
Plot Overview of “Nightborn”
The couple’s decision to leave London highlights the desperation to escape the high living costs. Jon exclaims, “Fuck London,” emphasizing their financial motivations. Their new home offers a more relaxed lifestyle but harbors dark secrets.
The Mysterious Arrival of Their Baby
Upon the arrival of their baby, a sense of foreboding permeates the film. Saga soon realizes that her child, Kuula, displays unsettling behaviors. The infant is portrayed by multiple babies, emphasizing his unusual traits, such as premature hairiness and a peculiar appetite. The audience only sees the child’s face at the film’s climax, a move that heightens tension and plays on horror genre conventions.
Horror and Realism in Motherhood
Director Bergholm cleverly uses sound design to augment the unsettling atmosphere. The baby’s cries are interlaced with animalistic growls, adding to the film’s horror elements. A significant moment occurs when Saga struggles with breastfeeding, leading to a grotesque scene that confronts the darker realities of motherhood.
Character Dynamics in “Nightborn”
Grint’s portrayal of Jon adds depth, showcasing a well-meaning man caught in an unsettling domestic scenario. His character brings a mix of humor and vulnerability, especially during scenes where he attempts to bond with the baby. However, Haarla’s performance as Saga shines brightest, establishing her as the emotional core of the story.
- Saga faces increasing scrutiny from her relatives who doubt her perceptions.
- The film explores the theme of gaslighting, creating a disorienting experience for both Saga and the audience.
- Even horrific events, like a severed finger, do not shake her relatives from their disbelief.
Production Design and Themes
Kari Kankaanpää’s production design adds to the film’s ethereal quality. The environment appears stylized and surreal, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. “Nightborn” challenges viewers to consider the differences between the two.
Conclusion: A Different Kind of Horror
While some viewers may find the horror elements subdued compared to other films in the genre, “Nightborn” delivers a nuanced take on the complexities of parenting. This fresh perspective on motherhood and the supernatural underlines the film’s ability to resonate with audiences seeking both emotional depth and chilling horror.
