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The 1952, Finnish movie White Reindeer represents one of the remarkable lost classics in the folk horror genre. Despite the fact that it won prizes at Cannes and the Golden Globe Awards during its time, it became ignored until a gorgeous 4K restoration began circulating in the past decade.

Set on the barren, snow-covered mountains of northern Scandinavia, the film presents an uncanny, utterly otherworldly dark fairy tale. This region is referred to as the Lapland region, though the indigenous Sámi population consider that name as derogatory.

A Haunting Opening and Metamorphosis

Through a unforgettable prologue, it is prophesied that a infant young Sámi female will turn into a witch. She matures into the character Piriti (portrayed by Mirjami Kuosmanen), a determined lady who chafes against her isolated life as the partner of a wandering reindeer keeper.

She attempts to find relief from a local shaman, but likely owing to her natural sorcery, his love ritual backfires and transforms her into a vampire-like shapeshifter, cursed to track and consume men in the appearance of a white reindeer.

Production Approach and Roots

The actress co-wrote the screenplay with her partner, director and director of photography Erik Blomberg. He combines impressive authentic recordings of Sámi life on this lunar environment with dramatic stylization that evokes silent-film expressionists like Murnau and Lang.

Shot in black and white and mostly on site in the wilderness, The White Reindeer juxtaposes the blinding snowy whiteness with deep black Gothic tableaux, and transitions between them via the in-between dim light of the low Arctic sun.

Unclear and Dreamlike Story

Although the story is straightforward and the plot developments are clearly presented, The White Reindeer continues to be open to interpretation and surreal. It remains uncertain exactly what time period it’s taking place.

The motivation of the characters' actions can be obscure, and the individuals appear detached, isolated in the vast open landscape of their environment. Moreover that unique category of creature feature that keeps its emphasis directly and empathetically on the monster as its point-of-view character.

Kuosmanen channels the silent greats in a portrayal wracked with repressed desire and a fierce craving she struggles to grasp.

Enduring Influence

Despite its brief 68-minute runtime, The White Reindeer can seem leisurely, thanks to its minimalist storytelling style. But the lead actress's powerful acting, the director's incredible cinematography, and the movie’s haunting allegory for the way a oppressive culture can vilify female desire will linger in your mind for a extended period.