## The Damned Review: Get Ready to Be Filled With Dread
Set in the harsh and unforgiving world of 19th-century Iceland, *The Damned* explores the lengths people will go to survive. A widowed woman, Eva, finds herself facing an impossible choice during a particularly brutal winter. When a foreign ship sinks off the coast of her fishing village, dwindling food supplies force a desperate dilemma: save the drowning sailors and risk starvation for her community, or let them perish and cling to their own survival. This agonizing decision sets off a chain of misfortunes, leaving the village grappling with the consequences of their choice. *The Damned* ultimately asks a haunting question: what sacrifices are you willing to make to survive, and who will you become in the process?
Odessa Young delivers a powerful performance as Eva, conveying immense emotional depth with minimal dialogue. Her expressive eyes perfectly capture the weight of her decisions and the exhaustion of her circumstances. The film wisely avoids relegating her to a passive role following her husband’s death; instead, she is portrayed as a valued member of her community, bravely bearing the burden of leadership. Rory McCann, recognizable from his role as The Hound in *Game of Thrones*, commands the screen with an air of authority and familiarity, perfectly complementing Young’s performance. The entire cast effectively conveys the pervasive exhaustion and harsh realities of their environment.
The film’s deliberate pacing might not appeal to those seeking constant action. *The Damned* is a slow burn, allowing the dread to seep into the viewer’s consciousness. While some logistical questions arise—the practicality of coffin-making and burial in frozen ground, for example—these minor inconsistencies are overshadowed by the film’s powerful visuals and thematic exploration of tradition versus survival.
Visually, *The Damned* truly excels. The stark contrast between the dark nights and the bright white snow creates breathtakingly beautiful and unsettling landscapes. The deliberate darkness enhances the realism of the setting; brighter lighting would have undermined the film’s atmospheric impact.
The film’s intriguing third-act reveal is the keystone to its satisfying conclusion. Without spoiling the details, this revelation provides a crucial context for the supernatural elements subtly woven throughout the narrative, enriching the entire viewing experience. The ambiguity surrounding this reveal is sure to spark debate, adding another layer of depth to the film’s already compelling themes.
Ultimately, *The Damned* is a dark and compelling journey, skillfully utilizing its period setting to create a deeply resonant and memorable horror experience.
THE DAMNED IS IN SELECT THEATERS ON JANUARY 3RD, 2024.