The mind once again proves to be the ultimate evil in Thordur Palsson’s atmospheric thriller, The Damned. Since its debut at Tribeca, this film has been on my radar, and with Vertical set to release it next month, I was eager to finally experience it. What unfolds is exactly what the trailer promised—a straightforward yet captivating thriller that pulls you into a game of cinematic hide-and-seek.
Set against polarizing, frigid backdrops and populated by dark, enigmatic figures, The Damned is a visually stunning journey from start to finish. Odessa Young delivers a mesmerizing performance, her expressive eyes and glances adding layers of intrigue and emotion throughout. This film weaves a traditional atmospheric horror with the haunting mystique of an old fisherman’s tale, delivering a chilling backdrop laced with suspense and mystery.
Ghost stories have long served as a solid foundation for horror films, and The Damned taps into that timeless formula. For those familiar with maritime lore, the seas are rife with tales of drowned sailors and alluring succubi—stories that keep you awake at night, contemplating the ocean’s unfathomable depths. Palsson situates us in an Icelandic outpost of isolation and hunger, a place where only the bravest dare to dwell. This desolate setting becomes the perfect breeding ground for fear and death, amplified by Jamie Hannigan’s script, which underscores the idea that some are lost at sea without even realizing it.
As The Damned draws you into its icy grip, it poses an intriguing question: What story does it tell you? By the time you reach its daunting conclusion, will you feel satisfied with everything you’ve witnessed? The film presents a chilling portrait of madness and despair, where ego and pride become the ultimate navigators to doom. Palsson’s approach may be simple, but the film’s worth lies in the compelling performances, particularly by Odessa Young and Joe Cole, as well as its ability to slowly immerse you in desolation.
The Damned is a stark, freezing exploration of how the mind shapes reality. Whether it leaves you captivated or cold depends on how you piece its story together.
Rating: 3/5
Directed by Thordur Palsson
Written by Jamie Hannigan
Based on a story by Thordur Palsson
Starring Odessa Young, Joe Cole, Siobhan Finneran, Rory McCann, Turlough Convery, Lewis Gribben, Francis Magee, Mícheál Óg Lane
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