Hatching Pahanhautoja (2022)

Hanna Bergholm's debut feature, Hatching, is a chillingly original exploration of adolescent angst and the suffocating pressures of performative perfection within a seemingly idyllic Nordic family. Far from a conventional creature feature, this film masterfully blends body horror with a poignant coming-of-age drama, delving into themes of repressed identity and toxic parental expectations.

The film's aesthetic is a visual paradox: pristine, pastel-hued suburban life clashes violently with the emerging, grotesque manifestation of protagonist Tinja's inner turmoil. Siiri Solalinna delivers a captivating, nuanced performance, expertly portraying both the vulnerable young gymnast and the complex duality her monstrous offspring represents. The practical effects and animatronics for "Alli" are a triumph, lending visceral credibility to the psychological horror.

Bergholm employs a sophisticated visual language and unsettling sound design to craft an atmosphere of creeping dread. Hatching carves out a significant niche within modern horror cinema, standing as a potent allegorical commentary on the pressures faced by young women, resonating beyond its fantastical premise. Its deep psychological undercurrents and bold artistic vision cement its status as a compelling, thought-provoking piece of Finnish genre cinema.