Tuomioidut

Tuomioidut is a 2001 Finnish horror drama film written and directed by Auli Mantila. The film's title can be translated to "those who are chosen" in English. The story revolves around an elderly priest and his wife serving in a small town, where a mysterious series of events occur. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly apparent that the events are connected to the local populace's reactions to the couple's attempts to help a troubled teenage girl.

Tuomioidut has garnered attention for its atmospheric and tense portrayal of the events. The film's slow-burning pace and deliberate camera work contribute to its unsettling ambiance, often eliciting reactions from viewers despite its relatively low budget and unconventional narrative. While some critics have noted the film's unremitting negativity and perceived bleakness as somewhat off-putting, others have commended its unflinching portrayal of the human condition.

Production of Tuomioidut involved a relatively small cast and a stark setting, contributing to its distinctive atmosphere. The film received various Finnish awards, including a few at the 2002 Jussi Awards, which are the major Finnish annual film awards. Critics have noted the film's qualities, including cinematography, atmosphere, and a strong, blank performance from Vilma Melasniemi. Evidently, the support for Tuomioidut from the film industry as well as its narrower, cult following demonstrates the filmmakers' unwavering ability to bring traumatic themes to the fore in a visually poignant way.