‘Nightborn’ Review: Parenting Is a Nightmare in This Darkly Funny and Unabashedly Gory Horror Flick From Finland

Hollywood Reporter

by Jordan Mintzer

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Hanna Bergholm’s *Nightborn* (Yön Lapsi), a darkly humorous and gory horror film from Finland, follows first-time parents Saga and Jon as they navigate the terrifying reality of raising a bloodsucking abomination. After their baby boy, Kuura, is born in a grueling scene that blends horror and black comedy, the couple quickly realizes their lives have become a nightmare. Directed by Bergholm, who gained recognition for her debut *Hatching*, the film escalates the anxieties of parenting to absurd extremes. The story mixes supernatural elements with the struggles of new parenthood, creating a unique blend of horror and humor that keeps audiences on edge. The movie’s exaggerated portrayal of the challenges faced by new parents adds a layer of sardonic irony. From breastfeeding mishaps to the baby’s early ability to walk and drink blood, *Nightborn* turns mundane parenting moments into gross-out sequences. The film’s tone oscillates between unsettling and outrageous, with scenes like a birth sequence followed immediately by an orgasm scene, leaving Jon drenched in blood. These moments highlight the director’s darkly comedic touch, making the film both cringe-worthy and hilarious. While the metaphors can feel repetitive at times, Bergholm’s clever use of visual gags and jump scares keeps the narrative engaging. The isolated setting and eerie forest surroundings amplify the tension, with the couple increasingly feeling like outsiders in their own home. Jon’s British perspective adds cultural humor, as he struggles to adapt to life in Finland, feeling out of place both literally and metaphorically. The film’s standout moments include

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/14/2026