Hanna Bergholm and Seidi Haarla on Berlinale Chiller ‘Nighborn’

Variety

by Marta Balaga

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Hanna Bergholm’s chilling Finnish film *Nightborn* made waves at the Berlinale festival, sparking reactions ranging from laughter to discomfort. The movie follows Saga, a pregnant woman who moves with her British husband, Jon, to a remote Finnish forest. After giving birth, she becomes increasingly distressed as she realizes her baby boy is not what she envisioned, leading her on a journey of acceptance and self-discovery. Bergholm and star Seidi Haarla emphasize the importance of listening to children and trusting instincts in parenting, themes that resonate deeply with the film’s unsettling tone. The film also explores cultural identity and societal expectations, particularly through Jon’s struggles with Finnish traditions and language barriers. Bergholm highlights how *Nightborn* challenges norms by confronting uncomfortable truths about motherhood and bodily experiences, such as childbirth—a subject often sanitized or ignored in mainstream cinema. Haarla, known for her role in *Compartment No. 6*, underscores the importance of authenticity in portraying characters’ emotions and physicality. In an era where the Finnish film industry faces threats from government budget cuts, *Nightborn*’s inclusion in Berlinale is a significant achievement. Bergholm argues that investing in films like this not only enriches culture but also generates economic returns, as every euro spent on Finnish cinema yields at least double in revenue. This makes *Nightborn* more than just a cinematic work—it’s a statement on the value of storytelling for future generations. The film’s exploration of mental and physical struggles, coupled with its bold commentary on societal pressures, offers a fresh perspective on motherhood and cultural identity. For entertainment enthusiasts, *Nightborn* stands out as a thought-provoking piece that challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about paren

Verticals

entertainmentfilm

Originally published on Variety on 2/15/2026