Picture this: you’re settling in for what you think will be a cozy evening horror film, maybe something with jump scares and predictable thrills. Instead, you find yourself watching a baby slowly transform into something unrecognizable while the camera lingers on every uncomfortable detail. That’s exactly what happened to audiences at the Berlin International Film Festival when they encountered Hanna Bergholm’s latest offering, “Nightborn.”
The Finnish director, known for her unsettling 2022 hit “Hatching,” has returned with another deeply uncomfortable exploration of transformation and motherhood. But this time, she’s asking viewers to sit through nearly two hours of deliberate pacing that feels more like an endurance test than entertainment.
“Nightborn” follows a seemingly ordinary family whose newborn begins exhibiting some rather extraordinary changes. What starts as subtle shifts in behavior quickly escalates into full-blown body horror that would make David Cronenberg proud.
Bergholm’s Vision: Beautiful Yet Brutally Slow
Hanna Bergholm has crafted something genuinely unique with this Nightborn review revealing a film that defies easy categorization. The director’s commitment to slow-burn storytelling reaches almost punishing levels here, with scenes that stretch far beyond their natural breaking point.
The film opens with promise. Bergholm’s cinematography captures the stark beauty of a Scandinavian winter, creating an atmosphere that’s both gorgeous and deeply unsettling. The sound design deserves particular praise, with subtle audio cues that build tension even when nothing visible is happening on screen.
“What Bergholm achieves visually is undeniable,” notes horror film critic Sarah Mitchell. “The problem is she seems to believe that longer equals deeper, which isn’t always the case.”
The central performance anchoring this slow descent into madness comes from newcomer Elena Korhonen, who plays the increasingly desperate mother. Her portrayal balances maternal instinct with growing horror as she watches her child change in ways that challenge everything she thought she knew about parenthood.
What Works and What Doesn’t
This Nightborn review wouldn’t be complete without breaking down the film’s strengths and weaknesses. Bergholm demonstrates real skill in several key areas, but stumbles significantly in others.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
| Exceptional practical effects | Pacing drags considerably |
| Strong lead performance | Unclear narrative direction |
| Stunning cinematography | Overly long runtime |
| Innovative sound design | Pretentious dialogue |
The practical effects deserve special recognition. When the baby begins its transformation, Bergholm and her team create genuinely disturbing imagery without relying on cheap digital tricks. The “hairy back” referenced in early descriptions is just the tip of the iceberg.
However, these moments of brilliance are surrounded by lengthy sequences that test viewer patience. Scenes that could effectively build tension in three minutes are stretched to eight or nine, diluting their impact significantly.
- Extended breakfast scenes with minimal dialogue
- Repetitive shots of the baby’s crib
- Lengthy walks through snowy landscapes
- Prolonged close-ups during transformation sequences
“Bergholm clearly has talent, but she needs an editor brave enough to challenge her vision,” observes film festival programmer David Chen. “Sometimes less really is more.”
The Horror That Hits Different
When “Nightborn” works, it creates a uniquely unsettling experience that stays with viewers long after the credits roll. The film taps into primal fears about parenthood, identity, and the things we can’t control about the people we love most.
The body horror elements feel fresh in an era dominated by jump scares and CGI monsters. Bergholm understands that true horror comes from the gradual revelation of something wrong, not from things that go bump in the night.
The film’s exploration of maternal anxiety feels particularly relevant. Korhonen’s character faces every parent’s worst nightmare: watching helplessly as their child becomes something they don’t recognize. This emotional core gives weight to even the film’s more indulgent moments.
“There’s real psychological insight buried in all that slow pacing,” admits genre specialist Tom Rodriguez. “Bergholm understands fear in ways that most horror directors simply don’t.”
The supporting cast, including seasoned actor Mikko Nousiainen as the increasingly distant father, provides solid grounding for the film’s more surreal elements. Their performances feel authentic even when the circumstances become increasingly bizarre.
Who Should Watch This
This Nightborn review comes with some important caveats about audience expectations. The film will likely divide viewers into two distinct camps: those who appreciate Bergholm’s artistic ambitions and those who find the experience frustratingly self-indulgent.
Art house horror fans will find plenty to appreciate, particularly those who enjoyed films like “The Witch” or “Hereditary.” The film rewards patient viewers who can appreciate subtle storytelling and aren’t looking for conventional thrills.
However, mainstream horror audiences expecting quick scares or action-packed sequences will likely find “Nightborn” tedious. The film demands active engagement from viewers who are willing to invest in its deliberately paced narrative.
Festival programmers and critics have praised Bergholm’s uncompromising vision, but general audiences have responded with more mixed reactions. Early screenings have seen notable walkouts during the film’s more challenging sequences.
“It’s the kind of film that will either captivate you completely or put you to sleep,” notes film festival regular Maria Santos. “There’s really no middle ground with Bergholm’s approach.”
The film’s themes of transformation and maternal horror will resonate strongly with viewers who have experienced parenthood firsthand. The psychological realism underlying the supernatural elements creates genuine emotional investment for those willing to stick with the journey.
FAQs
How long is Nightborn?
The film runs approximately 118 minutes, which feels considerably longer due to its deliberate pacing.
Is this scarier than Hanna Bergholm’s previous film Hatching?
While both films deal with transformation themes, Nightborn focuses more on psychological horror than Hatching’s creature feature elements.
Does the film have jump scares?
No, Bergholm relies entirely on atmosphere and gradual revelation rather than sudden frightening moments.
Is it suitable for mainstream horror fans?
Probably not. The film is better suited for art house audiences who appreciate slow-burn storytelling.
When will Nightborn get wider release?
Distribution details are still being finalized following its Berlin International Film Festival premiere.
Are the practical effects worth the wait?
Yes, the transformation sequences are genuinely impressive and disturbing when they finally arrive.
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