Exploring the Emotional Depths of Parenthood in Finnish Horror Film Nightborn

Finnish director Hanna Bergholm has crafted a haunting narrative in her horror film Nightborn, which explores the emotional trials faced by parents and the societal taboos surrounding motherhood.

At the Berlin Film Festival, Bergholm expressed her desire to address the complex emotions that surface during parenthood. "I aimed to portray the challenges and fears that arise when becoming a parent, and how to confront these feelings," she stated.

The film, originally titled Yön Lapsi, follows Saga and her British husband Jon, portrayed by Rupert Grint, as they embark on a new life in the serene Finnish wilderness.

However, their excitement quickly turns to unease when their newborn's unusual behavior raises alarming questions for Saga.

Bergholm emphasizes that the film is rooted in authentic emotions, with Saga's perspective at its core. The audience is invited to interpret the reality of the events depicted.

Grint shared that the film resonated with him, particularly as he had recently learned he would become a father. "It's such a terrifying experience," he remarked.

Additionally, Bergholm seeks to highlight the physical realities of childbirth, a topic often shunned in discussions about motherhood. "I wanted to portray the rawness of birth and the realities of a woman's body during this process," she explained.

When asked if Nightborn drew inspiration from Polanski's Rosemary's Baby, Bergholm humorously noted that their film begins where Polanski's ends.