Lamb (2021) is a strange and captivating Icelandic folk-horror film, co-written and directed by Valdimar Jóhannsson, that blends psychological horror, magical realism, and family drama. The film tells the story of a childless couple, María (Noomi Rapace) and Ingvar (Hilmir Snær Guðnason), living on a remote farm in Iceland. Their lives take a bizarre turn when one of their sheep gives birth to a creature that is part-lamb, part-human. Instead of rejecting it, they adopt the hybrid as their own child, naming her Ada. This seemingly innocent act of love and attachment quickly takes on darker tones, hinting at the repercussions of disturbing the natural order.

Suggested videos for you:

Atmosphere and Style: The film has a haunting, minimalistic style that relies heavily on silence, long takes, and barren landscapes to build tension and an unsettling sense of isolation. The stark Icelandic scenery emphasizes the couple’s remoteness and hints at an otherworldly connection to nature. Lamb doesn’t rush, choosing instead to linger on scenes and emotions, immersing the viewer in a meditative, eerie atmosphere.

Themes:

At its heart, Lamb explores themes of grief, loneliness, and the limits of human connection to the natural world. By embracing Ada as their child, María and Ingvar grapple with primal urges and loss, reflecting a deeply human desire to find meaning and connection in the wake of suffering. The film subtly questions the boundaries between humans and animals and explores the ethical and emotional gray areas of “playing God.”

Performances:

Noomi Rapace delivers a powerful, restrained performance as María. Her portrayal is both haunting and relatable, capturing a complex mix of maternal longing and quiet desperation. Hilmir Snær Guðnason as Ingvar complements her, embodying a man torn between acceptance and foreboding. Together, they create a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of a couple whose actions become increasingly unsettling.

Direction and Cinematography: 

Jóhannsson’s direction is meticulous, with a focus on visual storytelling over dialogue. The cinematography by Eli Arenson captures Iceland’s vast, almost otherworldly landscape, making it feel as if the land itself is both a character and a witness to the couple’s choices. This cinematic style enhances the film’s dreamlike quality and its creeping tension.

Verdict:

Lamb is an unsettling and beautifully crafted film that avoids conventional horror tropes. Its horror is less about scares and more about the quiet, existential dread of tampering with nature’s balance. The ambiguous storytelling, slow pacing, and the uncanny concept may not appeal to everyone, but for those open to unconventional horror, Lamb is a compelling, thought-provoking, and haunting experience.