Vertical is pleased to announce the release of Thordur Palsson’s gripping thriller, “The Damned,” set to hit UK and Irish cinemas on January 10, 2025.
Starring Odessa Young (known for “The Staircase” and “Mothering Sunday”) and Joe Cole (from “Peaky Blinders” and “Gangs of London”), “The Damned” is a psychological horror set in the 19th century. It follows Eva, a widow faced with a harrowing decision when a shipwreck occurs near her remote fishing village during a harsh winter.With dwindling supplies, Eva and her tight-knit community must decide whether to save the shipwrecked crew or focus on their own survival. As they grapple with the aftermath of their choice, guilt and fear take hold, leading them to believe they are being punished for their actions.
After its premiere in November, “The Damned” received an Honourable Mention at the Cork International Film Festival 2024. The festival praised it as “a juggernaut of a film, breathing fresh life into a well-trodden genre. Its powerful use of the landscape and compelling performances make it truly deserving of this Special Mention.”Set against the backdrop of Iceland’s Westfjords in the 1800s, “The Damned” unfolds in a harsh yet breathtaking environment rich in folklore and myth.
Director Thordur Palsson (known for “The Valhalla Murders”), an Icelander himself, drew inspiration from the folklore and mythology of his homeland. Growing up, he heard chilling tales of ghosts, demons, and spirits from family members. Palsson shares, “Every Icelander knows various versions of these stories—elements of our history passed down through generations. One such tale involved a shipwreck off Iceland’s coast, where survivors were killed by locals. This story inspired me to write ‘The Damned,’ adding darker elements as I developed it.”
Rooted in Norse mythology, “The Damned” features haunting performances by 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”). Check it out!
Movie Rating: 4 stars.
Movie Rating Guide
1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Great for the Fans
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)
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