What makes a horror movie rise above the rest?
First and foremost, it’s better to scare people. It also pays to have characters we care about instead of just a crew of entities ready for slaughter. A narrative that engages and mystifies the audience can do quite a bit for creating intrigue as well. But themes…things that the film wants to say…can make the greatest impact of all. This gives the film a chance to say something. Hatching, newly released from IFC Midnight, certainly has plenty to say.
With Ilja Rautsi’s screenplay, what does this Finnish horror have in terms of narrative?
This film focuses on a young gymnast who is pressured unrelentingly by her former ice-skater mother. Her mother records their whole life on her video blog, and she is also dating a rugged man (which leaves her spineless and self-loathing husband a cuckold). When her mother brutalizes a bird who got into the house, our young protagonist (Tinja) finds an egg that grows and hatches into…quite the being! This entity slowly morphs and grows an unshaken bond with Tinja. This begins to harm those in Tinja’s life who are perceived to be threatening to her. There is a slow yet perfectly structured burn that slowly reveals the true purpose of this being. The film is an engrossing and horrific experience (especially based on the dietary restrictions of your staff).
But what does Hatching have to say?
Plenty…with all its new business for everyone. The screenplay offers plenty of intriguing and relatable ideas that layer throughout the film. At the core, what is this entity about? Over the course of the film, this being morphs and starts to shadow our Tinja. This animalistic and rageful doppelganger represents the darker side of our innocent and endearing Tinja. This destruction of innocence is a large facet of the character’s journey and makes a lot of sense why the film plays out as it does. Tinja is also forced to regurgitate the food of her hatchling which is a sharp commentary on eating disorders and the unhealthy lifestyle forced upon her by her mother. Where the screenplay might show some weaknesses are the characters which are mostly cliches but they each serve a purpose and a thematic layer that enriches the film on so many levels.
How do the efforts of first-time directors elevate the experience that Hatching offers?
Hanna Bergholm creates a striking visual palette that captures the world that TInja’s mother has created. The tension throughout the film is heightened and Bergholm will keep you on edge in every scene. The narrative plays out in a structured and well-telegraphed manner that maximizes the mystery and intrigue. There are plenty of moments that scare and others that bring out plenty of emotion. You feel so deeply for Tinja and the ridiculous amount of trauma that she must suffer through. The effects of this entity that hatches from the egg are pitch-perfect (you have to love some great practical effects in use on-screen). There is confidence in the direction of the film which feels well beyond the expectations of a first-time director.
But there is one important element not touched upon, right?
The acting is top-notch. Siiri Solalinna is incredible in this film. The sympathy she garners is undeniable. But let’s just say there are some crazy places the film takes Tinja and Solalinna are up for the challenge. Each actor plays their role perfectly which helps in the construction of every scene. One of the main highlights is the committed and despicable performance by Sophia Heikkila. Her performance is slimy and complicated in the way she manipulates everyone around her. The rest of the cast plays their roles so well without any weak links.
What makes Hatching a must-see horror?
The filmmaking from Bergholm is top-notch and will make you want to see what she has in the future. The mystery around this creature is enthralling and deeper than you might expect. There are plenty of thrills and scares along the way. Overall, this is a special Finnish film that will take you to plenty of places.
