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The 1952, Finland's movie White Reindeer stands as one of the exceptional forgotten masterpieces in the folk horror category. Although it earned accolades at Cannes and the Golden Globes during its time, it remained ignored until a gorgeous digital restoration was released in 2017.

Set on the remote, snow-covered fells of the Arctic region, the movie presents an uncanny, completely supernatural grim folktale. This area is sometimes known as the Lapland region, though the local Sámi people view that term as offensive.

A Eerie Opening and Change

Through a haunting introduction, it is predicted that a infant young Sámi female will become a enchantress. She develops into Piriti (portrayed by the actress Mirjami Kuosmanen), a strong-willed woman who resents her solitary life as the wife of a traveling reindeer shepherd.

She attempts to find relief from a local shaman, but perhaps due to her innate sorcery, his romance spell backfires and transforms her into a vampire-like shapeshifter, fated to track and devour males in the appearance of a white reindeer.

Production Approach and Roots

The actress authored the movie with her husband, director and director of photography Erik Blomberg. He blends impressive real-life footage of Sámi life on this lunar environment with powerful visual flair that evokes silent-film expressionists like Murnau and Fritz Lang.

Recorded in monochrome and mostly on actual settings in the wilderness, The White Reindeer juxtaposes the blinding bright snow with deep black Gothic scenes, and moves between them via the transitional twilight of the Arctic winter sun.

Mysterious and Ethereal Story

Although the narrative is uncomplicated and the plot developments are plainly laid out, White Reindeer stays open to interpretation and surreal. It’s not clear exactly when in history it’s set.

The motivation of the characters’ behavior can be hard to decipher, and the characters appear isolated, separated in the immense negative space of their surroundings. Additionally that rare breed of horror film that keeps its attention squarely and empathetically on the monster as its main perspective.

The lead actress channels the early cinema icons in a acting filled with repressed desire and a powerful craving she doesn’t fully understand.

Lasting Influence

Despite its short 68-minute duration, The White Reindeer can appear deliberate, thanks to its restrained cinematic technique. But Kuosmanen’s powerful portrayal, Blomberg’s astonishing visuals, and the film's haunting metaphor for the way a repressive culture can stigmatize women's longing will stay in your mind for a long time.