The Damned, an internationally co-produced 2024 horror film, has captured the attention of horror enthusiasts with its chilling storyline and atmospheric setting. Directed by Thordur Palsson and written by Jamie Hannigan from a story by Palsson, the film brings a harrowing tale of survival, superstition, and revenge.
Set in the harsh winter of the 19th century, the movie unfolds in an isolated Arctic fishing outpost that becomes the epicenter of terror after a shipwreck introduces a sinister threat.
For the unversed, The Damned features an ensemble cast led by Odessa Young and Joe Cole, supported by Rory McCann, Siobhan Finneran, and Lewis Gribben, delivering gripping performances in this atmospheric horror film.
The Damned full cast list, explored
1) Odessa Young as Eva
Odessa Young portrays Eva, the widowed owner of the Arctic fishing outpost where the story unfolds. Eva is a resilient yet inexperienced leader, trying to keep the outpost functioning amid dwindling supplies and harsh conditions.
Young, an accomplished Australian actress, is known for her standout performances in films like The Daughter (2015) and Shirley (2020), where she starred opposite Elisabeth Moss.
2) Joe Cole as Daniel
Joe Cole plays Daniel, one of the younger fishermen at the outpost. As events take a dark turn, Daniel becomes one of the few survivors, joining Eva in the desperate bid to escape.
Joe, aka Joseph, gained widespread recognition for his role as John Shelby in the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders, and as the lead in A Prayer Before Dawn (2017), where he portrayed a boxer navigating life in a brutal Thai prison. In The Damned, Cole’s nuanced performance highlights Daniel’s courage and loyalty amidst the growing chaos.
3) Rory McCann as Ragnar
Rory McCann steps into the role of Ragnar, the grizzled helmsman and unofficial leader of the fishing crew. Ragnar is pragmatic and deeply suspicious, often serving as a voice of reason.
McCann, best known for his portrayal of Sandor "The Hound" Clegane in Game of Thrones, brings his signature intensity to the role, making Ragnar a compelling and authoritative presence in the film.
4) Siobhan Finneran as Helga
Siobhan Finneran plays Helga, Eva’s aging housekeeper and a deeply superstitious woman who warns the group about the dangers of the draugr, a mythical revenant.
Finneran is celebrated for her work in Downton Abbey and Happy Valley. Her character in The Damned acts as a bridge between the rational and supernatural elements of the story, setting the tone for the escalating terror.
5) Lewis Gribben as Jonas
Lewis Gribben portrays Jonas, a young and inexperienced fisherman who finds himself thrust into a nightmarish situation. Gribben, known for his work in Somewhere Boy (2022) and Get Duked! (2019), skillfully captures Jonas' vulnerability and desperation.
His performance reflects the psychological toll of the outpost’s unraveling, making Jonas one of the film’s most sympathetic characters.
6) Francis Magee as Magnus
Francis Magee appears as Magnus, Eva’s late husband, whose death haunts her throughout the film. Although his role is limited to flashbacks, Magee’s presence looms large over the narrative. The actor, familiar to audiences from Absentia and Into the Badlands, portrays Magnus as a strong yet enigmatic figure whose loss impacts both Eva’s leadership and the crew’s morale.
Other cast members
Turlough Convery, known for Killing Eve and Saint Maud, plays a fisherman who becomes one of the first victims of the supernatural threat. Furthermore, Mícheál Óg Lane (Calvary) and Andrean Sigurgeirsson (From Iceland to Eden) round out the cast as other members of the doomed fishing crew.
What is The Damned about?
The Damned is set in a remote Arctic fishing outpost during a brutal winter in the 19th century. The story follows Eva, a widowed woman trying to manage the outpost left to her by her late husband. As supplies dwindle and tensions rise among the fishermen, a shipwreck occurs nearby, bringing both potential salvation and unimaginable horror.
After a desperate decision to avoid rescuing the survivors of the wreck, the outpost is plagued by mysterious and terrifying occurrences. Superstition takes hold, as the crew begins to suspect they are being hunted by a draugr, a vengeful revenant from Norse folklore. The situation then spirals into chaos, as paranoia, hunger, and fear push the inhabitants to their limits.
At its core, The Damned explores themes of survival, guilt, and the blurred lines between human malice and supernatural evil. With its chilling atmosphere and haunting performances, the film leaves viewers questioning the true nature of the terror stalking the outpost.
Interested viewers can watch The Damned on Apple TV+, Google Play Movies, and Amazon Prime Video.