Just when I thought I had seen it all, especially after Titane last week, here comes Lamb, the latest A24 film that is one of their strangest yet most original films ever. I remember many people buzzing about the strange trailer when it dropped, but I don’t feel it fully prepares you for the actual movie.
The film centers on a childless couple, María and Ingvar, who discovers a mysterious and unnatural newborn on their sheep farm in Iceland. The unexpected prospect of family life brings them much joy before ultimately destroying them as sinister forces are determined to return the creature to the wilderness that birthed her.
The film marks the directorial debut of Valdimar Jóhannsson, who co-wrote the screenplay, and what a debut it was. Lamb is one of the most unforgettable films I’ve ever seen. He tells his wholly original story in 3 chapters, each being more interesting than the other. Not only does he take his time with each chapter but the ending of the first chapter included a jaw-dropping moment that I’ve never experienced with a film. What he does with the titular lamb was a lot better than I expected and unique.
I’ve been a fan of Noomi Rapace since her work as Lisbeth Salander in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and its sequels. However, I have to say this is her best performance since. Her character goes through the motions, and my god, does she do a great job at conveying them. It’s a heartfelt performance. Hilmar Snaer Gudnason and Björn Hlynur Haraldsson as her husband and brother in law also do a great job, and the three have great chemistry. I also love how well Jóhannsson developed all three characters.
The cinematography by Eli Arenson was exceptional, with some great jobs that captured rural Iceland, especially the mountains that were breathtaking. Some shots have such a surreal, dream-like feel to them with the use of fog. The score is used so wonderfully in those scenes that it gives the film such a haunting vibe that it gets under your skin. My only gripe with the film is that it took a bit to get going, with the pacing being a bit sluggish in those first few minutes.
Lamb was a surprisingly sweet and endearing film that is haunting and mesmerizing in a way that will stay with you for a long time, especially after its unforgettable ending. Another winner for A24 as one of their best films ever, and it’s not for everyone. Expect this to be divisive.
