‘The Damned’ Review – Chilling Folklore Brought To Life [Tribeca 2024]

Synopsis: A tense psychological horror, THE DAMNED follows Eva (Odessa Young), a 19th-century widow who is tasked with making an impossible choice when, in the middle of an
especially cruel winter, a ship sinks off the coast of her isolated fishing outpost. With
provisions running low, Eva and her crew must choose between rescuing the shipwrecked and prioritising their own survival. Facing the consequences of their choice and tormented by their guilt, the inhabitants wrestle with a mounting sense of dread and begin to believe they are all being punished for their choices…

If you see someone in danger, what is your first thought? Is it to mind your business because whatever is unfolding has nothing to do with you? Or will you do anything to help whether that means putting yourself in harm’s way or merely calling the authorities? The people you surround yourself with may not definitively express or outline who you are, however, their actions may have consequences that extend in your direction. Therefore, being aware of the character they possess is paramount. From situations requiring immeasurable levels of caution to watering your plants while you’re out of town, having people around you that you can trust, have your back, do the right thing, and have your best interests in mind is more important than you realize.

“The living are always more dangerous than the dead.”

What if the stories you were told growing up were true? The stories that made you think twice before you did something uncouth. The stories you knew were only lessons but you would never test their supernatural validity. Directed by Thordur Palsson, The Damned is chilling folklore brought to life. This film resurrects consequences for bad behavior as it goes back to the horror genre’s roots. Not only does the multilayered cautionary tale teach an important lesson, but it also delivers a frightening work of art. Pitting Christianity and Paganism against one another along with topical subjects such as women’s leadership, nationalism, and immigration, this fable doesn’t shy away from sensitive issues. In doing so, it doesn’t always provide you with a straightforward answer, rather it lets your beliefs or viewpoints lead the way in the frigid Icelandic setting as you witness your demise or survival. Much like reality, the answers are never easy but often simple. Furthermore, as the situation turns dire and survival becomes increasingly more difficult, you question whether this is merely evil at work or only punishment.

The descent into chaos is also a descent into madness as the lines between reality and the supernatural slowly blur. The film thrives in the darkness as the Draugr creeps and crawls into the subconscious of its victims. The dead get lonely.

“It says, we’re all going to die.”

The Damned doesn’t rely on jumpscares or cheap tricks to enact its fear or dread. Instead, its atmospheric tension, solitude, psychological elements, and regretful actions create a chilling storm of carnage. Its results may not have you hiding under the covers but the story will seep into your brain as you remember to put humanity first while remaining cautious of humans. The cinematography of the cursed, starved, and stranded fisherman is moody and intimate. The score is haunting and perfectly intrusive and the performances are well balanced. The film would’ve faired better if it went for a bit more shock and gore, however, its more subtle approach ensures that its message and themes are easily understood. The Damned is definitely worth a watch and the folklore is worth a Google search as well. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pace & Pop

Residing in cold unforgiving temperatures, the film moves as such. It creeps up behind you, sends chills down your spine, and slowly makes you question what’s real. It’s great pacing for the story it’s telling. What popped for me was getting back cautionary tales and moral horror. It feels old school or nostalgic in many ways.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Odessa Young, Joe Cole, Siobhan Finneran, Rory McCann, Turlough Convery, Lewis Gribben, Francis Magee, Mícheál Óg Lane

The performances are what carry this film. Odessa Young’s reluctant take-charge demeanor as Eva pairs perfectly as her life becomes filled with fear and disillusionment heightening the atmosphere and each scene. Experiencing this grim tale from her perspective gives us a balanced approach to happenings. Odessa Young thrives in this environment.

The Damned held its World Premiere as a part of the Spotlight Narrative section of the 2024 Tribeca Festival. The film will be released by Vertical Entertainment later this year. 

Director: Thordur Palsson

Screenwriter: Jamie Hannigan

Rated: NR

Runtime: 89m