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The 1952, Finnish cinematic work White Reindeer is considered one of the exceptional forgotten masterpieces in the rural horror style. Despite the fact that it received accolades at Cannes and the Golden Globe Awards during its time, it was largely ignored until a gorgeous 4K restoration started doing the rounds in recent years.

Located on the remote, snowbound fells of Sápmi, the film offers an uncanny, utterly ethereal macabre story. This region is sometimes known as the Lapland region, though the native Sámi people regard that term as offensive.

The Haunting Introduction and Metamorphosis

Through a memorable prologue, it is predicted that a newborn Sámi girl will transform into a witch. She develops into Piriti (portrayed by the actress Mirjami Kuosmanen), a strong-willed female who resents her solitary reality as the wife of a roaming reindeer herder.

She looks for solace from a nearby spiritual healer, but possibly because of her innate sorcery, his love ritual backfires and changes her into a vampiric metamorph, doomed to track and devour men in the form of a white reindeer.

Production Approach and Roots

Kuosmanen co-wrote the film with her husband, filmmaker and cinematographer Erik Blomberg. He blends stunning documentary footage of Sámi traditions on this moon-like landscape with powerful visual flair that brings to mind silent-era expressionists like F.W. Murnau and Lang.

Shot in monochrome and predominantly on location in the natural environment, The White Reindeer juxtaposes the blinding bright snow with dark Gothic imagery, and moves between them via the in-between half-light of the Arctic winter sun.

Mysterious and Surreal Narrative

Even though the narrative is simple and the events are clearly presented, White Reindeer continues to be open to interpretation and dreamlike. It remains uncertain exactly when in history it’s occurring.

The reasoning of the protagonists' decisions can be obscure, and the individuals appear cut adrift, isolated in the enormous negative space of their setting. Moreover that unique category of horror film that keeps its emphasis squarely and compassionately on the creature as its central figure.

Kuosmanen evokes the silent film legends in a portrayal wracked with repressed desire and a intense craving she doesn’t fully understand.

Enduring Impact

Regardless of its short 68-minute runtime, The White Reindeer can feel leisurely, thanks to its restrained narrative approach. But Kuosmanen’s powerful acting, the director's astonishing imagery, and the film's haunting symbolism for the way a repressive community can demonize women's longing will linger in your memory for a long time.