Rated R
Opens: January 3, 2025
Kevin says THE DAMNED kinda sucks!
On a weekend certain to be dominated by holiday leftovers, a independent thriller slid its way into wide release.
THE DAMNED follows a group of fishermen suffering through a harsh winter on a remote Nordic beach. On the brink of starvation, they neglect to help a vessel sinking nearby for fear that it will hurt themselves. The aftermath yields weeks of terror, paranoia, guilt and revenge that threatens to destroy them all.
The bleak imagery and the surrounding fjords offer a powerful backdrop of being trapped, and the cast of international actors hold their own with limited story material.
However, the monochromatic desolation and long nights in the story make it a struggle to focus throughout. Plus, it’s a real slow-burn that makes NOSFERATU look like a Fast & Furious movie.
I respect the effort, and it’s a well-made film. However, it’s weighted down with predictability and too much foreshadowed dread. I mean, it’s in the title, for crying out loud.
Not particularly mainstream, let’s not forget its roots. Still, THE DAMNED gets two snowy fjords out of five. I’m Kevin Carr, and that’s the way I see it.
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