*SPOILERS AHEAD*
A24 is a New York-based independent entertainment company specializing in the distribution of independent movies. They have brought us exceptional productions over the years, including the modern horror masterpieces “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” Jonah Hill’s skate coming-of-age drama “Mid90’s,” and the incredibly intense movie “Uncut Gems,” starring Adam Sandler.
One of their recent releases is “Lamb,” a folk horror tale directed by Valdimir Johannsson and featuring Noomi Rapace (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” “Alien: Covenant”). With A24’s reputation for delivering quality content, the anticipation for this movie was real when it was first announced. However, the first trailer surprised everyone.
With A24 being a warrantor for quality the hype was real when the movie was first announced and everybody was baffled when the first trailer dropped:
Imagine a horror movie where one of the most lovable creatures in movie history, a sheep/human hybrid, takes the center stage. It was clear that something extraordinary was in store, as we have come to expect from A24. The film is set on a remote Icelandic farm surrounded by breathtaking nature. From the start, we are confronted with an unknown entity disturbing the animals in the barn, setting the tone for the unknown horrors that lie ahead.
The story revolves around Maria and her husband Ingvar, who discover that one of their sheep is about to give birth. To their astonishment, they realize it is no ordinary sheep but the aforementioned hybrid. Having experienced the loss of their own child, they decide to adopt and name her Ada, after their deceased daughter. They raise her as their own, treating her like a human child and even dressing her in clothing. Despite the biological mother’s constant disruptions, they strive to maintain their illusion of a happy family.
Maria finally ends the constant maternal rivalry by shooting Ada’s biological mother. This act is witnessed by Petur, Ingvar’s brother, who, after facing financial difficulties, seeks refuge with his brother’s family. They accept him and introduce him to Ada. Petur is disturbed by what he sees, but Ingvar assures him that Ada brings them “happiness.”
Petur begins making advances towards Maria, suggesting a past romantic involvement. He also struggles to accept the family’s staged happiness and decides to kill Ada. However, after attempting to take her life during a walk, he has a change of heart and quickly embraces his role as her uncle.
The entity that appeared at the beginning of the movie returns and kills the family’s dog while taking Ingvar’s gun. Ada witnesses this event. Later, Maria drives Ingvar to a bus stop, gives him money, and instructs him not to return after another failed attempt at seducing her.
The next morning, Petur discovers both Maria and Ada missing but decides to fix his broken-down tractor. Ada accompanies him, and on a remote path, they encounter the entity, revealed to be a human/ram hybrid, holding the gun. He is Ada’s biological father and shoots Petur, leaving him to die. He takes Ada with him, returning to the wilderness.
Maria returns to find her missing family, only to discover her husband’s lifeless body. Determined, she continues the search with tears in her eyes. Just like in “Hereditary” and “Midsommar,” the real horror depicted in this movie is grief and loss, something that cannot be cured. The film includes several references to Christian mythology, with the symbol of the lamb being the most prominent. The Bible says, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” The character Noomi Rapace plays, named Mary, is not a coincidence. Furthermore, the first appearance of the ram/human hybrid occurs on Christmas night. The symbolism of human/animal hybrids can be found in various cultures, such as the Minotaur in Greek mythology or the Hindu god Ganesha.
“Lamb” tells a story of loss and the futile attempt to overcome it. Maria steals Ada and kills the child’s mother out of selfish reasons, trying to cope with her own feelings. She wants to remove Petur from her life to preserve the illusion of “happiness” she has finally found in having a family. However, nature and Ada’s father return to punish her selfishness, taking back what rightfully belongs to them.
“Lamb” is a visually stunning but emotionally heavy film. The constant uneasiness and the depiction of grief create the real horror, with no need for masked maniacs or spooky ghosts. If the content described above has left you feeling down, we apologize, and we’d like to lighten the mood by sharing this adorable fake ad for a toy Ada, released by A24 as an accompaniment to the movie.
If what you just read brings you down, please let us apologize to you by showing this adorable fake ad for a toy Ada, that A24 released to accompany the movie:
Lamb is now playing in selected cinemas. For more movie reviews, click HERE.
