Nightborn (2026) – Review (Spoiler-Free)

Well, if you thought having a baby was going to be the scariest thing about becoming a parent, Nightborn has arrived to remind you that things could, in fact, be considerably worse. Directed by Hanna Bergholm, this Finnish folk horror takes the joys of starting a family and throws them straight into the woods, along with a generous helping of blood, body horror and things you really don't want to find in a nursery.

Following Saga (Seidi Haarla) and her husband Jon (Rupert Grint) as they settle into a remote family home in Finland, things take a rather unexpected turn when their newborn arrives. Let's just say this isn't exactly the sort of bundle of joy you'd put on a Christmas card.

One of the biggest strengths of Nightborn is its atmosphere. The forest is beautiful, mysterious and somewhere I would not fancy going for a relaxing evening stroll. Every creak, shadow and strange noise makes you feel as though something is lurking just out of sight, and the film does a cracking job of making its setting feel like a character.

The house itself is hardly winning any awards for cosy living, either. If you've ever complained about your dodgy plumbing or a squeaky floorboard, this place might make you appreciate your home a little more. It's the sort of film that makes you want to leave every light on afterwards, just in case.

Rupert Grint is a welcome presence as Jon, bringing a grounded, almost painfully ordinary quality to a situation that becomes increasingly bizarre. Best known to many for his role in the Harry Potter films, Grint gets to explore something rather darker here, and it's great to see him tackling horror.

Seidi Haarla is equally committed as Saga, delivering a deeply unsettling performance as a mother struggling with what is happening around her. Their characters' experiences create an uncomfortable tension that keeps the story moving, even when you might find yourself shouting at the screen. There are definitely moments when you want to grab Jon by the shoulders and tell him to pay a little more attention. Mate, read the room.

Now, for all its creepy forests and wonderfully unpleasant moments, Nightborn isn't without its problems. The film has plenty of ideas about motherhood, family expectations and the things people refuse to believe when they're staring them straight in the face. Some of these themes are genuinely interesting, but occasionally the film tries to squeeze so much into its story that certain ideas don't get the attention they deserve.

The body horror is certainly not for the faint-hearted, either, with some scenes that might have you questioning why you ever decided to eat popcorn in the first place. There's a fine line between disturbing and downright disgusting, and Nightborn occasionally seems determined to sprint across it. Still, horror fans who enjoy something a little grim and unusual will find plenty to get their teeth into. Probably best not to think too hard about that last sentence.

Overall, Nightborn is a strange, unsettling and occasionally messy slice of folk horror that has enough atmosphere and memorable moments to make it a fun watch. It might not get everything right, and some of its ideas could have done with a little more room to breathe, but there's something refreshing about a horror film willing to get this weird with such an everyday subject.

Bergholm creates a world that feels both beautiful and deeply wrong, while Haarla and Grint help keep the story grounded amid all the madness. If you're a fan of creepy folklore, unsettling practical effects and horror that leaves you feeling slightly uncomfortable long after the credits roll, this one is worth adding to your watchlist.

Just remember… if you hear strange noises coming from the nursery, perhaps leave the investigating to someone else. A creepy little nightmare with plenty to chew on, just maybe not right before bedtime… or for expecting parents.

Nightborn gets it's theatrical release in the UK this week (Friday 30th October) grab your ticket to a local Picturehouse near you here.

For full reviews, interviews, and festival coverage, visit the Dead Northern Blog.

Blake Reilly