Vertical Films brings the chilling thriller The Damned to UK and Irish cinemas, and it’s ready to send shivers down your spine. Directed by Icelandic filmmaker Thordur Palsson, this psychological horror blends Norse mythology, breathtaking landscapes, and gripping performances into an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Starring Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London), The Damned follows the story of Eva, a 19th-century widow living in an isolated Icelandic fishing outpost. When a shipwreck leaves a desperate crew stranded nearby, Eva and her community face a cruel choice: save the crew and risk their survival or protect their resources and let them perish.
A Chilling Tale Now Playing in Cinemas
The Damned isn’t just another horror flick. It’s a deep dive into human morality, guilt, and survival instincts, all played out against the unforgiving backdrop of Iceland’s Westfjords. This film takes you beyond the jump scares, exploring the psychological toll of life-and-death decisions.
Director Thordur Palsson, inspired by Icelandic folklore, crafts a world where the landscape is as much a character as the people within it. The cold, desolate beauty of the Westfjords heightens the sense of dread, making this film as visually stunning as it is emotionally intense.
Award-Winning Drama Brought to Life
Following its premiere, The Damned earned an Honourable Mention at the Cork International Film Festival 2024, where it was praised as “a juggernaut of a film” with “powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances.” This acclaim only adds to its must-watch status for fans of atmospheric, character-driven horror.
Stellar Performances and Gripping Narratives
The cast of The Damned is a who’s who of acting talent. Odessa Young delivers a powerful performance as Eva, perfectly capturing her inner turmoil. Joe Cole adds another layer of tension with his portrayal of a man caught between morality and survival.
Rounding out the cast are iconic actors like Rory McCann (Game of Thrones), Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley), and Francis Magee (The Tourist), who bring depth and complexity to this haunting story.
Rooted in Norse Mythology and Icelandic Folklore
Palsson’s Icelandic heritage plays a crucial role in shaping the story. Drawing from tales of ghosts, demons, and shipwrecks passed down through generations, he creates a narrative steeped in myth and mystery.
One particular legend about a shipwrecked crew killed by locals inspired the film’s premise. Palsson took this haunting tale and infused it with darker, psychological elements, resulting in a story that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Don’t Miss The Damned in Cinemas Now
Grab your tickets and experience the haunting brilliance of The Damned. With its powerful performances, stunning visuals, and chilling narrative, this is a film that demands to be seen on the big screen.