Expecting parents are always both excited and worried, especially if it’s their very first child. “Do we have everything we need? Is mom eating all the good things during pregnancy? Are we In fact ready?” Then again, their expectations can’t live up to the type of baby who chomps his way into the world like that of “Born of the night”, from writer-director Hanna Bergholm, which had its North American premiere at Fantasy Festival in Montreal, Quebec. Take your bottles; you’re going to need to stay hydrated.
Born of the night
Saga (Seidi Haarla; TV series “Icebreaker”) and Jon (Rupert Grint; “Harry Potter” franchise and “Knock at the Cabin” (2023)) are expecting their first child after moving from the United Kingdom to Finland in Saga’s old home where she grew up for most of her life. Deep in the woods, they are somewhat away from civilization and enjoy the tranquility of a fascinating but special setting. Once their baby is born, they instantly notice its unusually hairy back. He rarely sleeps; barely feeds; and begins to develop a taste for blood…and more. As Saga’s relationship with her British husband, as well as both of their respective families, becomes weary and strained, she begins to despise her own child; if you can call it that. What kind of monster did they bring into this world?
After her 2022 feature debut “Hatching” was a big success, Hanna Bergholm returns with another story about bringing new life into this world, while exploring themes of new parent insecurities, family expectations, and maternal anxieties. Accompanied by an absolutely phenomenal score by composer Eicca Toppinen who manages to use stringed instruments to showcase the beauty of nature as well as the ominous, striking, menacing and ominous signs of things to come, Bergholm hypnotizes his audience with captivating, engaging and impeccable cinematography of the forest, as well as the couple’s home. She’s also not afraid to create wince-inducing moments early in the film with graphic shots of body anatomy. Having co-written the screenplay with Ilja Rautsi, she offers a déjà vu scenario (Rosemary’s Baby (1968), It’s Alive (1974), Grace (2009), but takes the denouement in a completely new direction, exploiting it intelligently, while cleverly keeping most of the baby’s traits in the dark for most of the film.
Born of the night
Seida Haarla definitely carries this film on her (literally bloody) shoulders with an outstanding performance worthy of an Oscar nomination. From lust, happiness, distress, confusion, embarrassment, disgust, and more, she perfectly displays a wide assortment of diverse and distinctive emotions. Regardless of the gender of the viewers, everyone will be able to feel the state of mind and the sorrow of a new mother. Rupert Grint also presents an exceptional portrayal of the soft-spoken and supportive father and spouse as frustration, slowly building, builds within him. Together, the Finnish-British duo perfectly embodies a passionate couple, wandering in the darkness of parenthood.
Born of the night
Bergholm’s film is the result of an extensive collaboration between the United Kingdom, France, Finland and Lithuania, although the film is spoken in English and Finnish, with subtitles. With a minimal and acceptable amount of CGI, “Nightborn” has impressive practical effects and even more memorable makeup effects. The bloody chaos that reaches a climatic peak is certainly enticing for audiences, creating neither lulls nor dull moments, captivating viewers from the rushed beginning that jumps straight into the heart of the matter to the crushing finale.
Born of the night
Any young couple considering the idea of having their first child will certainly think twice after watching Hanna Bergholm’s second feature film. “Night of the Night” a tour de force for future parentsreceives a solid 4 out of 5 eyes.
As the film continues its tour of festivals and special screenings, expect its release on Friday, July 31.ston Shudder!
For more gruesome babies, check out our review of “The Fetus.”
