The Damned’: Nordic Chiller Arriving in Cinemas this January

The Nordic psychological horror The Damned will hit UK and Irish cinemas on January 10th, 2025, distributed by Vertical. The film stars Odessa Young (The Staircase, Mothering Sunday) and Joe Cole (Peaky Blinders, Gangs of London) in a gripping tale set in the 19th century. It follows Eva, a widow living in an isolated fishing community, who faces an agonizing decision when a shipwreck occurs off the coast during an unforgiving winter. As provisions dwindle, Eva and her neighbors must choose whether to save the stranded crew or prioritize their own survival. This choice haunts them, leading to a growing sense of guilt and fear, as they believe they are being punished by forces beyond their control.

After its premiere in November, The Damned earned an Honourable Mention at the 2024 Cork International Film Festival. The festival praised the film for “breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre,” highlighting its powerful use of landscape and compelling performances.

Set in the harsh beauty of Iceland’s Westfjords during the 1800s, the film draws inspiration from the region’s folklore and mythology. Director Thordur Palsson (The Valhalla Murders), who hails from Iceland, was deeply influenced by tales of ghosts, demons, and spirits passed down through generations. He recounts hearing stories of a shipwreck off Iceland’s coast, where the survivors were killed by locals. This legend inspired Palsson to create a narrative that blends historical events with dark, supernatural elements.

The cast also features Rory McCann (Game of Thrones), Siobhan Finneran (Happy Valley), Turlough Convery (Belfast), Lewis Gribben (Somewhere Boy), Francis Magee (The Tourist), and Mícheál Óg Lane (Calvary).