Lamb is a supernatural drama about an Icelandic couple who live with their herd of sheep on a beautiful but remote farm. When they discover a mysterious new-born on their land, they decide to keep it and raise it as their own. This unexpected development, and the prospects of a new family, brings them much joy before ultimately destroying them.

Nordic Jury's motivation: In Lamb the director creates a unique tale of loss, grief and horror. The highly original story explores classic themes of man’s interaction with mother nature and the conse-quences of defying her forces. It also deals with the beauty and brutality of parenthood and the extreme measures we may take to protect the happiness we feel entitled to.

The film is a disturbing and original cinematic experience. The animals’ sensitivity to the slightest anomaly in their surroundings is used very effectively to create a sense of un-derlying threat, which is magnificently underscored by a constantly attentive yet unob-trusive camera and an eery soundscape.

The incisive use of few meaningful elements to conjure an abiding sense of dread makes for a visually effective and atmospheric storytelling experience.

Lamb marks an impressive debut for director, Valdimar Jóhannsson.

Nordic Jury members: Heidi Hilarius-Kalkau Philipsen, Mikaela Westerlund, Jóna Finnsdóttir, Inger Merete Hobbelstad

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National Jury´s motivation: In a unique and darkly menacing fashion, LAMB combines Iceland‘s tradition of pastoral cinema and the literary heritage of the folk tale. Working within these parameters, the director adds a rich layer of religious symbolism and aspects of the kammerspiel to create a unique tale of wonder, loss and horror. As certain aspects of the narrative unfold, the film presents a world where human definitions and desires are exposed as suspect and ordinary life appears alien.
The animals’ sensitivity to the slightest disturbance in their surroundings is effectively used to create a sense of underlying threat, magnificently underscored by a constantly attentive yet unobtrusive camera and an eery soundscape.
The film is both a disturbing and original cinematic experience in its take on human interaction with nature and its consequences.