When Animals Dream

When Animals Dream is a Danish horror thriller film directed by Jonas Alexander Arnby and written by Rasmus Birch. It was released in 2014 and features Sonia Suhl, Lars Mikkelsen, and Sonja Richter in the lead roles. The film is set in a small fishing village in Denmark and follows the story of Marie, a young girl who struggles to accept her cruel fate.

Marie is a shy and introverted girl who lives in a small town with her father and mother, who suffers from a mysterious illness. Her mother is bedridden and has been so since Marie was a child. Marie's father, Thor, is overprotective and does not allow her to leave the village or make friends.

One day, Marie begins to experience strange changes in her body and starts to have vivid nightmares. Her father brushes off her concerns, but a doctor warns them that something is wrong with her body. The villagers begin to avoid Marie, and she starts to withdraw even more.

As her transformation progresses, it becomes evident that Marie is turning into a werewolf. Despite her condition, Marie befriends a young man named Daniel, and they begin a relationship. However, when her father and the village discover her true nature, they begin to treat her like a monster.

The film explores themes of acceptance, isolation, and the consequences of societal rejection. As Marie struggles to come to terms with her transformation, she must choose between suppressing her true nature or embracing it. The depiction of Marie's physical and emotional transformation is both poignant and alarming, adding to the overall intensity of the story.

The cinematography of the film is stunning, utilizing the breathtaking landscapes of Denmark to create an eerie and foreboding atmosphere. The soundtrack is haunting and plays a crucial role in creating the right mood for the film.

Sonia Suhl's performance as Marie is excellent, and she conveys a range of emotions, from vulnerability to ferocity, with ease. Lars Mikkelsen and Sonja Richter, who play her parents, offer compelling performances that add depth and complexity to the narrative.

Overall, When Animals Dream is a thought-provoking Scandinavian horror film that explores the themes of identity, humanity, and society with a fresh perspective. The story is gripping, the performances are excellent, and the overall execution is superb. It's a must-watch for fans of the genre and anyone looking for something new and engaging.