Chilling Motherhood in "Nightborn": A Finnish Tale of Little Monsters

Through "Nightborn", director Hanna Bergholm presents a Finnish perspective to a gripping and approachable horror film. It tells the story of a couple played by Seidi Haarla and Rupert Grint, embarking on their dream of starting a big family in a remote Finnish forest. This decision isn't just about escaping the high living costs in London but has deeper, more disturbing roots.

The true horror unfolds when their first child arrives, who isn't what most would consider normal. Bergholm masterfully limits the viewer's exposure to the baby's face, only revealing it at the film's climax. The baby exhibits unconventional traits - being exceptionally large, hairy, possessing an early love for meat, and emitting strange, almost animalistic cries.

"Nightborn" skillfully navigates between metaphorical and literal interpretations. In one scene, Saga (played by Haarla) attempts to breastfeed, resulting in a memorable yet disturbing image that takes common experiences of new mothers to the extreme.

Rupert Grint, famously known as the "Harry Potter" star, perfectly fits into the role of an oblivious and passive Jon. The highlight of his performance is a traditional baby-feeding scene, showcasing his knack for portraying unwavering optimism. However, it is Haarla’s relentless and desperate portrayal of motherhood that truly defines the narrative.

The film also toys with the viewer's perception of reality, blurring the lines between fantasy and the harrowing truth of Saga's isolation and the absence of concern from others around her. The film's production design also contributes to this, offering an oddly fantastical backdrop to the horror-plagued narrative.

Despite its occasional skew towards drama, "Nightborn" has a significant appeal for an audience who cherish a good horror film. The story feeds from parent's familiar anxieties, delivering a terrifying yet humane narrative that grips the audience till the very end.