Hatching: A Finnish Psychological Body Horror

Introduction

“Hatching” (Finnish: Pahanhautoja) is a 2022 Finnish psychological body horror film directed by Hanna Bergholm. Written by Ilja Rautsi, the movie stars Siiri Solalinna, Sophia Heikkilä, Jani Volanen, and Reino Nordin. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2022, it was later theatrically released in Finland on March 4, 2022, by Nordisk Film. The film centers around Tinja, a young gymnast desperate to please her image-obsessed mother, who presents their family as a perfect unit through her popular blog. When Tinja discovers a mysterious egg, she brings it home, and once it hatches, she names the creature within “Alli.” As Alli grows, it becomes a doppelgänger that acts upon Tinja’s repressed emotions¹.

Plot Summary

Twelve-year-old Tinja practices gymnastics, a demanding activity imposed upon her by her image-obsessed mother, a former figure skater turned influencer. One day, a crow flies into their family house, causing a ruckus. Tinja’s mother snaps the bird’s neck and instructs Tinja to dispose of it outside. Later, Tinja meets a new neighbor, Reetta, and her French Bulldog, Roosa. In the nearby woods, Tinja discovers the dying crow and euthanizes it with a stone. She brings the crow’s orphaned egg home, incubating it underneath a pillow and later inside a large teddy bear. Meanwhile, Tinja’s mother is having an affair with the handyman, Tero. The egg eventually hatches into a bizarre, bird-like creature named Alli. As Alli grows, it becomes Tinja’s closest friend and a living nightmare, acting upon her repressed emotions. When Tinja awakens one night to find Alli on top of her with Roosa’s decapitated corpse beside her, she realizes the horrifying truth¹.

Cast

• Siiri Solalinna (Tinja): The young gymnast desperate to please her mother.
• Sophia Heikkilä (Mother): The image-obsessed lifestyle vlogger.
• Jani Volanen (Father): Tinja’s father.
• Reino Nordin (Tero): The handyman with whom Tinja’s mother is having an affair.
• Oiva Ollila (Matias): Tinja’s younger brother.
• Ida Määttänen (Reetta): Tinja’s new neighbor.
• Saija Lentonen (Coach): Tinja’s gymnastics coach.
• Stella Leppikorpi, Hertta Nieminen, Aada Punakivi: Tinja’s gym friends.
• Hertta Karén, Jonna Aaltonen: Alli in its early stages.
• Miroslava Agejeva (Baby Helmi): A character in the film.
• Bontijs (Roosa the dog): Another important presence in the story².

Critical Reception

• “Hatching” has been praised for its original content, practical effects, and social commentary.
• Director Hanna Bergholm’s work has been recognized, establishing her as a bright new talent in the horror genre.
• The film’s aesthetic appeal, layered storytelling, pacing, and performances contribute to its unsettling impact³.

Conclusion

“Hatching” delves into discomfort, repressed emotions, and the facade of perfection. As Tinja’s world unravels, the creature Alli becomes both her confidante and her nightmare. The film challenges societal expectations and the pressure to conform, leaving audiences with a lingering sense of unease. If you’re a fan of psychological horror, “Hatching” is a must-watch⁴.

Release Date: March 4, 2022 (Finland)¹

Prepare to be disturbed by the eerie transformation in “Hatching.” 🥚🔪👁️