It’s important to get this out of the way: Lamb is not really a horror movie. But, if you knew it was being distributed by A24 and if you know anything about A24 films, then this shouldn’t surprise you. Personally, I like movies that have quiet horror elements but aren’t necessarily like a traditional film from that genre. And Lamb fits this bill.
This dark folktale concerns a farm-dwelling couple (Noomi Rapace, speaking Icelandic, and Bjørn Hlynur Haraldsson) who take in one of their flock’s newborn lambs into their home to raise as their own. The less I say the better – please go in blind. Your viewing experience will be richer from all the little surprises you didn’t spoil.
Not being a parent myself, I’m afraid I relate to the subject matter less, but strong dual performances and striking cinematography of the foggy, Icelandic mountainside ground the empathy in something tangible even for me. I also found the titular lamb adorable.
It may be quick and easy to say “It’s an A24 film, so go with it” but if you liked their non-traditional, not-easily-categorisable offerings like It Comes at Night, Swiss Army Man and The Green Knight, you’ve an idea of what kind of beautiful – yet gently surreal – story you’ll be in for.
Score: 🎃🎃🎃
An Englishwoman in Salem 