Draug

Draug is a 2018 horror movie set in the dark, mystical era of 11th century Sweden. The film flaunts an artful mixture of historical fantasy and chilling Nordic folklore combined with an excellent narrative that keeps viewers on edge. The screenplay is notably authentic, exemplifying the directors' deep affection for the genre and the myths of their native Sweden.

The strikingly atmospheric film revolves around the central character, Nanna (Elna Karlsson), an unfettered, head-strong servant girl who is sent on a dangerous mission with her master, Are (Thomas Hedengran), to locate a missing tax collector named Kettil (Urban Bergsten). The film's title, 'Draug,' refers to an undead creature from Scandinavian mythology, hinting at the supernatural occurrences that await Nanna and Are during their journey. They come across the cryptic pagan symbols and effectively benign mass of fog that ominously signal there's more to their quest than they initially thought.

Elna Karlsson in the leading role gives a stunning performance, portraying the resilience, courage, and vulnerability of Nanna. Karlsson's character is a standout presence in the film, contributing to making her journey highly engaging for audiences. Equally impressive is Thomas Hedengran as Are, who convincingly brings strength and gravitas to his role as Nanna's master. The skilled performance by Ralf Beck, who plays the character Hroald, also forms an essential part of the story.

'Draug' powerfully incorporates the landscape into the storyline, creating an immersive and foreboding atmosphere that complements the narrative perfectly. Klas Persson and Karin Engman, the creators and directors of the film, aptly utilize the stunning natural backgrounds, be it dense, eerie forests, winding dirt tracks, or the vast, haunting fog engulfing the terrain. The locations convey a sense of timelessness, fitting for a tale set a millennium ago.

A key highlight of 'Draug' is undoubtedly the highly effective use of horror elements. By drawing from age-old folklore and pairing this with subtle scares and a building sense of dread, the film creates an environment that keeps audiences constantly on the edge. The portrayal of the draugar - the undead figures from Nordic mythology - is particularly well done, with the creators skillfully weaving authentic mythology into a compelling narrative.

Sound is another area where 'Draug' particularly excels. The soundtrack, created by two members of the metal band Tiamat, amplifies the scenic beauty and the eeriness of the setting. The ominous echo of crows cawing, rustling leaves, and other natural sounds, as well as the unsettling background score, contribute to the overall feel of the film, creating an atmosphere where danger seems to lurk behind every tree and rock.

Furthermore, the cinematography by Simon Olsson is commendable, beautifully capturing the starkness and isolation of the landscape, and heightening the suspense with each passing scene. The use of natural light is effective, adding to the believability of the story and complementing the faded, earthy colors of the impressive costume designs. The special effects, while appropriate, are minimal, letting the strong narrative take the lead.

Complete with a captivating premise, impeccable performances, and valuable elements of history and horror, Draug is an intriguing offering in Scandinavian cinema. This film proves that it's not just the Hollywood film industry that can churn out high-quality horror films. Indeed, the non-reliance on mainstream horror tropes and an unprecedented incorporation of historical and mythological elements allow for an ancient tale to be told in a way that feels unbelievably fresh and engaging. 'Draug' is a testament to the power of simplistic yet atmospheric storytelling, and it's sure to delight anyone looking for a unique cinematic experience. In a nutshell, 'Draug' is a film that seamlessly blends history and horror together in a dark, alluring world of mythology and magic.