Nightborn (2026) – Transcript

Nightborn
Year: 2026
Directed by: Hanna Bergholm
Written by: Hanna Bergholm, Ilja Rautsi
Starring: Seidi Haarla (Saga), Rupert Grint (Jon), Pamela Tola (Taru), Pirkko Saisio (Saga’s Mother), Rebecca Lacey (Jon’s Mother), John Thomson (Christian)
Release dates: 14 February 2026 (Berlinale), 6 November 2026 (Finland)

Plot: Saga and Jon visit a derelict house in the Finnish forest that belonged to Saga’s late grandmother. They find a tree growing through the floorboards of the bedroom Saga shared with her sister, Taru. Jon proposes to renovate the house into a family home where they can raise children together. They go into the surrounding forest, where Saga embraces a tree with a trunk resembling a pregnant belly, and have sex.

Saga has a difficult childbirth, severely tearing her birth canal, during which the baby boy is unsettlingly silent. On the maternity ward, the infant cries only when the curtains are opened. Breastfeeding the baby leaves Saga’s teat bloodied and swollen, and his body is covered with thick black hair.

At the now-renovated house, Saga’s childhood bedroom has been transformed into a nursery. When Saga’s mother and Taru visit, Saga expresses concern that something is wrong with the baby, referring to him only as “it”. Her mother dismisses these fears, even after the infant forcefully tears an earring from her earlobe.

At a naming ceremony in the garden, guests are unsettled by the baby’s appearance and visceral crying. A gust of wind from the forest blows a cover over his stroller, shielding him from the sunlight. Saga announces that the baby will be named Kuura, upsetting Jon, who had expected to name him Christian after his father. Saga notices the sunlight has left deep burns in Kuura’s skin.

Kuura begins to behave very unusually. One night, Saga falls asleep while trying to settle Kuura and awakens to find he has escaped his cot and is transfixed by the tree that has begun growing again through the nursery floorboards. The following morning, Jon discovers the floorboards torn up and Saga asleep among the tree’s roots, cradling Kuura. When Saga accidentally cuts herself on broken glass, she finds Kuura sucking up her blood. At a baby clinic, a clinician dismisses Saga’s concerns and tells her that Kuura is simply advanced for his age, referring her for counselling to help her bond with him. Saga begins secretly feeding Kuura blood instead of milk.

While helping Jon dismantle rusted cars in the garden, Taru recounts her grandmother’s warning that the surrounding forest is dangerous and explains that she kept scrap metal around the property because “cold iron bursts them”. When Jon’s parents visit, his father – a vicar – blesses Kuura with holy water, which has no physical effect on him, but later, when Kuura grasps an unused, cold fire iron, his hand is badly burned.

Jon and Saga’s relationship becomes increasingly strained when he expresses concern that Saga is failing to socialise Kuura properly. When he discovers she did not pursue the clinician’s referral, he storms out of the house, leaving Saga alone with Kuura. Saga awakes to find Kuura has bitten her. She locks herself in the bathroom while Kuura tries to get in, and tells her mother on the phone she feels she needs to kill Kuura before he kills her, but she tells Saga that there is nothing out of the ordinary.

When Jon returns to the house, he suggests Saga is exhausted and needs time to herself. She makes an overnight trip to the city to visit friends, leaving Jon to care for Kuura, but when separated from her son develops a severe rash which disappears only when she rushes home to be with him.

Kuura becomes increasingly violent. During a visit from Taru and her daughter Anna, he bites off Anna’s finger. Jon tries to feed Kuura baby food but he shoves the metal spoon away and throws the jar at Jon. Saga gives Kuura raw meat instead, which he eats, and Jon accuses Saga of turning Kuura into a monster. Jon attempts to leave the house with Kuura, leading to a violent struggle with Saga. During the confrontation, tree branches erupt through the nursery floor and windows, fatally impaling Jon through the chest. Saga and Kuura feed on Jon’s blood and heart.

In the aftermath, Kuura runs into the garden, where a humanoid figure separates itself from one of the trees and approaches him with outstretched arms as Saga watches from the porch. Kuura giggles and turns back to Saga, smiling. Saga smiles back.

* * *

Transcript

Note for Students & Writers: This transcript is archived here for educational purposes, critical analysis, and screenwriting study. All rights belong to the original creators.

♪♪

♪♪

[Chuckles] Wow.

Well, you were right. It’s amazing.

Was all that junk there when you were little?

No. Just the woods.

Ah, so is that a thing in the Finnish countryside?

Just throw all your rubbish in the woods?

No.

Well, maybe a little.

[Gasps] Aah! Oh, yes!

[Laughter]

I need to– I need to carry you through.

Yeah. Ohh! [Grunts]

[Laughter]

Aah! Ohh!

Huh.

Okay.

This is, uh…

Yeah.

Yes? [Chuckles] Yeah.

This is gonna be a bit more work.

And a bit of fixing.

Patching up. Put some carpet down there.

Have plenty of time after work.

I…wanna show you something.

This used to be my and Taru’s bedroom when we spent the summers here with Grandma.

There was this… lovely green wallpaper.

It’s still here!

Oh, wow.

Hmm.

[Insect buzzing]

Well… we did want nature close by.

This is… We’ll get rid of it.

Look.

There used to be an armchair here for reading bedtime stories.

And then a dollhouse over here.

This lovely old rocking horse over here.

And then we can put the crib for the baby here.

There’s definitely enough room.

For all three kids.

For all three kids.

And…

What about London?

Fuck London.

[Chuckles]

Hmm.

♪♪

[Laughs]

♪♪

Yeah! Yeah!

[Laughter]

♪♪

Whoa!

[Laughter]

♪♪

♪♪

Whoo! [Laughs]

♪♪

♪♪

[Laughter]

♪♪

[Branches snapping] [Grunts]

♪♪

♪♪

[Wood creaking]

♪♪

Saga?

♪♪

♪♪

[Insects buzzing]

[Groans]

[Squishing] [Groans]

Jesus.

Saga!

[Screams] [Grunts]

[Laughs] Oh, my God!

[Laughter]

Listen.

[Screams]

[Scream echoes]

[In Finnish] As you shout, so will the forest answer.

What?

[In English] It’s a saying in Finland.

I used to sneak here in secret.

Why?

Grandma forbid me to come.

[Whispering] The forest takes its own.

Ohh. Really?

Make me a mother.

[Both moaning]

[Wood creaking]

[Insect buzzing]

[Buzzing stops]

[Both moaning]

[Moaning continues]

♪♪

[Moaning intensifies]

♪♪

[Moaning loudly]

[Screaming]

[Monitor beeping]

♪♪

[In Finnish] A lot of patching up.

Is she all right?

What is this?

[In Finnish] Is it alright?

WWhat’s happening? What is happening?

What’s the matter with it?

What’s happening?

What’s wrong with it?

Shh.

[Snoring]

[Grunts] [Door opens]

I was so worried.

These are for you.

[In English] Is he okay?

Yeah. Yeah. He’s, uh…

You’re both fine.

I want to see him.

Okay.

Yeah. Wait.

Bring him here. I want to hold him.

[Curtain slides]

[Baby crying]

[Knock on door] [Door opens]

[In English] He won’t break.

Oh, yeah. I know.

I can show you.

You can hold him like this.

[Baby crying]

And into Mommy’s arms.

[Baby crying]

Scooch. Yeah.

Daddy is like a support network at this stage.

[Chuckles] Yeah…

[Baby crying]

[In Finnish] Mummy’s hug calms down.

[Baby crying]

[Crying stops]

Never seen such a hairy baby.

[In Finnish] Is this…

[In English] You have a healthy baby boy.

[Chuckles]

You had a pretty difficult birth, so you can get therapy if–

No, everything’s all right. I’m totally fine.

What’s that?

[In English] Nothing. Everything is good.

Okay. Okay.

Get the flowers. Oh.

Yeah.

[Camera shutter clicks]

Eh. Take another one.

[Camera shutter clicks]

[Camera shutter clicks]

Wait, darling. I can– I can help.

No, no. I’m good.

[Grunts]

[Crackling]

[Low rumbling]

[Baby crying]

[Sighs]

This is where it all begins.

Us.

[Baby crying]

Here we go.

[Baby crying]

It’s your new home.

Look how Daddy’s renovated it all for you.

Jon. He’s hungry. Upstairs.

Down there’s the kitchen.

[Baby crying]

Oh, look at this.

[Baby crying]

Big window. [Chuckles]

And this is a very special room…

[Baby crying]

…Mummy’s made just for you.

With lots of love.

[Baby crying]

Yeah? Yeah.

[Baby crying] Shh.

Mummy’s little darling, you’ll get some food soon.

[Baby crying]

Darling.

Yes.

There.

[Baby crying]

[Gasps] Ow!

Oh. Does it hurt?

[In English] No. No, no.

You okay?

Yeah.

Remember what the midwife said.

Eye contact is crucial.

Yeah.

♪♪

Maybe upholstery’s a bit off.

Let me just get this up.

I – I know how to do this.

♪♪

Is the nipple hitting the roof of the mouth?

Just…

Stop it!

It’s– Sorry.

[In Finnish] Mummy’s sweetheart, hi!

[Baby cries]

[Baby cries]

Careful! He could fall!

[In English] It hurts me when I touch.

I’m your daddy. We’re not gonna hurt you, are we?

That’s it.

There we go. That’s better.

It’s like a tiny little tail sprout.

That’s cute.

[Chuckles]

Better?

[Breathing sharply]

[Singing in Finnish] Good evening, good night, With roses adorned, With carnations covered, Slip under the covers

Early tomorrow, so God willing, You will wake once again

Early tomorrow–

What– What if you stop singing?

[In English] I’m doing my best.

I know. I’m– I’m just trying to help.

Yeah, but he doesn’t want to sleep.

No, he just doesn’t wanna sleep alone, do ya?

That’s better now, isn’t it?

He’s lifting his head up.

[Chuckles] How’s he doing that?

Oh, you’re such a little miracle, Christian, aren’t you?

Does he look like a Christian to you?

[Snoring]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby coos]

♪♪

♪♪

[Gasps]

[Gasps]

[Grunts]

[Knock on door] Saga.

Just put him into those party clothes now!

[In Finnish] So nice that you came.

[Pounding] Saga?

So nice that you came.

[Pounding]

Mother. Surprise!

We came to help you. Hi!

We couldn’t wait to see the little prince!

And a lovely dress! Thank you.

You look really tired.

I’m fine.

Your button is undone.

It’s okay.

It’s still a bit unfinished as the baby was born early, there wasn’t time.

But when it’s all done, the view out will be beautiful.

Was it necessary to do all this with you so exhausted?

Hey, it’s really beautiful.

Wow! Look, Anna!

What a dream room Auntie has made!

Isn’t it fine? Yes!

Isn’t this wallpaper– Just like when we were kids.

It’s lovely.

When will you go back to work?

Uh…

I’m taking five years off.

What? Yeah.

We’ll have two more babies.

Kids are small for such a short time.

If you miss all those lovely moments, you can’t get them back.

Yes, but–

[Baby crying]

Yeah, he’s not very happy at the moment.

[In English] I have a sleeve. Should we try?

Oh, yeah.

Clothes hurt him. You little darling!

[In Finnish] Come here now. You’re a big boy!

[In English] Let’s give you to your grandma.

[In Finnish] Careful, he’s a bit heavy.

Who do we have here– I can take it–

I didn’t kill you two either.

Sounds like he’s hungry. Has he eaten?

Yes, he’s eaten.

[In English] Why on Earth did you want to move in to this wilderness?

[Chuckles] [In English] I got it wrong.

Oh. We just– We just wanted him to grow up around nature.

I know that Saga always liked more trees than people.

What do you mean?

What was that?

No. Saga was a bit antisocial as a kid.

[In Finnish] You always said your friends laughed at you for being so weird.

[Grunting]

Let go!

Ohh!

[Screams]

[In Finnish] Mother! Help!

I’ll call an ambulance.

Get my doctor’s bag.

Are you okay?

I don’t know how it could yank so hard.

I wasn’t holding him wrong. I didn’t mean that.

I’ve been wondering if there’s something wrong with it.

I don’t think babies should be like that.

You were just like that as a baby.

Are you staying the night? Overnight flight to Boston.

The lectures begin.

Weren’t you supposed to be retired?

I just don’t happen to be a bun-baking granny sacrificing all their time to grandchildren.

So you didn’t get that from Grandma.

You have a really romanticised idea of how people should be.

Hi! So nice that you came!

Congratulations! Thank you!

Are you okay? Yeah, I am.

Congratulations!

[Chatter]

Gets a bit lost, but…

[Baby crying]

There he is!

He’s a bit of a crybaby now but…

[Baby crying]

Strong lungs, at least! That’s right.

Loud enough. Congratulations!

Mum. Let’s go.

Yeah.

I’ll calm him down a bit here. But so lovely that you came.

See you in a minute!

[Baby crying]

Why did it look so weird?

Shh!

♪♪

[Baby crying]

♪♪

No, I’m, uh, director of sustainability.

[Speaking indistinctly]

[Laughter]

[In English] Get me an earlier ticket.

No. No, no, no. For tonight.

Yes, yes. Tonight.

Babies are usually cute. Yeah.

She chose the dress herself.

[Baby crying]

Shh, shh, shh, shh.

Shh, shh, shh, shh, shh.

[Wind rushing]

[Wood creaking]

I can take Christian.

[In English] He wants to be in the dark.

Well…

He’s kind of why they’re all here.

Ohh.

[Baby crying]

Yeah. [Chuckles]

[Crying stops]

Dear friends. Thank you all for coming.

Most of you have been absolutely lovely.

Others, a little bit Finnish.

[Laughter] In a good way.

Unfortunately, my father, due to illness, he can’t make it and bless our child.

[Wood cracking]

[Muffled] But he will be very pleased to hear that our baby’s name is…

[Low rumbling]

[Chuckles]

[In Finnish] Kuura.

What?

[In English] His name is Kuura.

[Cheers and applause]

[Baby crying]

I just felt a little sick. But so lovely that you came!

Bye!

Now first of all, you take care of yourself.

That’s the most important thing.

You should know.

Bye!

[Engine starts]

[In English] You’re mad at me.

I think Kuura is a… beautiful name.

But we have to do this together, okay?

We have to be us… or none of this makes sense.

It makes me feel bad when you just decide something and then ride right over me.

I do everything wrong all the time.

[Groans] That’s not what I’m saying.

Why are you correcting every single thing I do?

I can’t do anything right.

You made us a beautiful baby.

I’m just…trying to help.

Then stop instructing me… telling me to do this and not to do that.

You could just… praise me sometimes.

And I am sorry about the name.

[Sighs]

Hey.

♪♪

Why don’t you want to kiss me anymore?

What? I do. All the time.

But you don’t.

Okay.

This is all new and weird for both of us.

♪♪

But you are the best mum in the world.

♪♪

There’s something wrong with it.

“Him.” You mean “him.”

He’s just a bit sensitive to sunlight.

He’ll be fine.

♪♪

[Baby crying]

[In Finnish] Saga!

Hey!

Shh!

What are you doing?

Hey, you mustn’t rattle him like that!

Shh! Shh, shh, shh, shh!

[Low rumbling] [Crying stops]

Now it sleeps.

It doesn’t sleep at all at nights.

[In Finnish] Hi!

Look. Yeah.

You can move around much better already.

What did the doctors say?

They said I am fully healed.

That’s lovely!

Isn’t it?

I’m still pig ugly.

Hey, nonsense! Why do you say that for?

Everything is really fine now, right?

Yeah.

Who’s awake now?

Will you smile for Auntie?

It never smiles. Good!

It’s a bit strange.

Hey, darling!

Look, he’s smiling. Yes!

Good. That’s just a grimace.

It isn’t! Look at it! Good!

I’m looking.

[Baby crying]

[Loud rumbling]

What was that?

[Anna singing]

Hey, Anna!

♪♪

[In English] Ugh. It’s so awful.

Yeah, I’m just trying to– Just making a pile over here.

Okay.

Did I ever tell you what Granny said right towards the end?

She called me, went on and on about all this junk, saying it kept “them” away or something.

Keeps out the neighbors?

How very Finnish.

No. Cold iron. “Cold iron burns them.”

She lived in a world of her own. Poor thing.

♪♪

[Thunder rumbles]

♪♪

[In English] Don’t.

Are you still in pain?

Is it asleep?

Please call him “him.”

We don’t have to do anything.

Just thought I’d be nice.

Or nasty.

You’re beautiful.

I love you.

[Baby fussing]

Look! It’s sitting!

No. Come on. Babies can’t sit at that age.

Oh, yeah.

Stop it!

[Baby groaning]

Sorry. I just…

You need rest. So go to sleep.

Leave him. I don’t mind.

I’ll handle it.

Shh, shh.

[Baby fussing]

♪♪

♪♪

MUM

[Tablet ringing]

[Wood creaking]

[Baby coos]

[In Finnish] Well, hi!

Finally you answered.

Saga!

[In Finnish] Oh, hi.

I forgot it’s night there.

Isn’t Kuura sleeping yet?

Well.

You were a night owl like him when you were little.

You had something to say?

I had?

Yes, you tried to call.

Saga!

Um…

Did Grandma ever say anything about this forest?

The forest?

She always said there’s something dangerous in it.

That’s one of her stories.

She believed there were some… whatever.

[Baby crying]

[Low growling]

Saga?

You been able to sleep at all?

Let Jon put Kuura to bed for a change.

You must get some sleep.

Yeah, everything is fine.

Saga!

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby coos]

♪♪

♪♪

[Gasps]

Saga? Saga?

What have you done?

[Baby snoring]

[In English] There was…

What?

The floor. It was rotten and…

How has that tree grown back?

Kuura. He was calling it.

Okay.

I think that’s something we can talk with the child-health clinic about.

I just want to know what this is.

Exactly. We’ll get some help.

[Sighs]

Go ahead. I’ll be fine.

[Breathing sharply]

[Groans]

[Baby crying]

[Baby crying]

[Baby crying]

[Singing in Finnish]

[Glass shatters]

[Screams]

[Slurping]

♪♪

♪♪

[In Finnish] How briskly you wave your arms about!

You’re such a tall and heavy boy.

[Baby crying]

Your boy is perfectly healthy.

Sorry. Uh, like I said before, my Finnish…

[In English] I’m sorry.

[In Finnish] Shouldn’t you examine this?

You can put his clothes on now.

I can dress him.

[In English] No. He’s quiet now.

Don’t touch him.

[In Finnish] It’ll scream the moment you try to dress it.

[In Finnish] He may have some sensory defensiveness.

And perhaps a bit–

[Baby crying]

Yes. Each baby is different.

He is exceptionally well developed and really big for his age!

[In English] Good, strong muscles.

[Chuckles] Like an ape.

Yeah, when he was born, he had hair all over him.

That’s quite normal.

[In English] But, um…

He sucked my blood.

It could be he’s so hungry, he sucks whatever he can get into his mouth.

Well, you can tell when he’s hungry if you watch his face closely.

You have probably seen those little… sucking lip movements.

And that’s when you can start feeding.

Right. Okay. Yeah.

You’ve been under pressure?

No. I’m alright.

But that’s not the issue. The problem is this baby.

Or how you feel about him.

All these difficult emotions are perfectly normal.

But the fact is, the baby feels better when you feel better.

I could make a referral for you, Saga.

And you can make an appointment to talk about things.

[In Finnish] Thank you.

And the father is alright?

Yeah. Um, well, I mean…

Sometimes the early days with a small baby can be surprisingly hard, especially for the mother.

No, I understand that.

For a lot of moms, this new creature can feel completely alien.

That went well, I guess.

I won’t breastfeed him anymore.

You mean– Wait. Never again.

If you’re struggling to bond with Kuura…

He sucks me dry.

That’s why breastfeeding is so important for you!

You’re not even listening!

Babe, I am.

[Sighs]

I am, okay? I’m just trying to s–

I want… To sa–

I understand. …you to stop!

You’re completely exhausted. I get it.

Your problem is…

That child!

No.

Your problem is your relationship with our child.

What you’re feeling is…

Don’t tell me how I feel!

[Horn honks]

Of course they’re early.

Who?

My parents. We talked about this.

When?

Hey! Hello.

It’s so lovely to see you!

Oh, is this the baby?

Oh, yeah, he’s just sleeping…

Oh. Son.

Dad.

[Laughs]

[Door opens]

Ooh. Hello…

Ooh! Steady, love! [Laughs]

Let’s get some light on, shall we?

He’s a bit sensitive to light.

It’s the child that ought to learn from you, you know.

Just let people raise their own children.

Oh!

So lovely to see you. Saga.

Welcome. [Laughs]

I’m so sorry about this mess.

The baby came early, and we haven’t found the time to–

Oh, never you mind.

Christian, shall we give them the, um…

Oh, yes, yeah. For the housewarming.

Ooh.

Ta-da!

Wow. Wow.

Made him myself.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Right. well, uh, shall we finally bless the child?

I’ll go and get him, then.

Yes, please.

I read that local tales here say that if you don’t bless a child, the trolls will take them.

Ohh. Do people still believe that?

No. Not anymore. That’s why some families still have troll blood running through their veins.

[Chuckles]

[Baby grumbling]

Oh. Here’s the little darling. [Chuckles]

Lucky for you, those old trolls are afraid of holy water.

So we can still save you.

Sanctify this water by the power of the Holy Spirit… so that they may be cleansed and born again.

Now, what happened with the name?

Oh, we–

Your father took it pretty hard.

Not that he’ll say a word, mind.

Almighty God, Heavenly Father, we ask you to bless this child in the name of Jesus Christ.

♪♪

In the name of the Father… and of the Son… and of the Holy Spirit.

Amen. Amen.

Amen.

[Whirring]

Ooh. [Chuckles]

Yeah. That’s better.

Is that…?

Yeah, yeah. The seeds you gave me.

Ohh! They’re taking really well.

You’ve got some pumpkin growing and some courgette.

Yeah. And some beetroot here.

And kale. And is the soil good?

Yeah. It’s taken a bit of work, but it’s…

Well, it’s certainly all looking beautiful.

How did this get here?

Are you alright, dear?

Yes. This just…grew.

Makes no sense.

That’s nature, Jon. You can’t fight it.

For me, it was almost meditative, doing all the household work with little Jon.

He was such a happy baby. Oh, Mum!

Well, you were… my little sunshine.

Kuura doesn’t really smile.

Well, of course, every baby is different, but we raise them with our love.

It really is the greatest happiness in the world to be a mother.

Don’t you think?

[Baby wailing] [Glass shatters]

It wasn’t even hot!

What did you do?

[Baby wailing]

What the hell did you do?

There is no fire.

It wasn’t even near the fireplace.

Just for once, can you just think about what you’re doing?!

It’s just…cold.

It’s cold iron.

♪♪

[Laughing hysterically]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby snoring]

[In Finnish] I know what you are.

[Baby gurgles]

Drink.

[Suckling]

♪♪

♪♪

Hey, babe! [Door closes]

[Glasses clink] [In English] Us.

All three. [Chuckles]

[Clears throat] Oh.

How’s the formula going down?

Oh…

You know, he actually slurps up as much as he can get.

Wow. Yeah.

Great.

Maybe now I can feed him, too.

So it doesn’t just fall on you.

Yeah.

I think it’s better I feed him. At least for now.

Okay.

How was work?

Yeah. Good. Just… so Finnish.

[Laughs]

What?

When is the last time I asked you anything like…

“Did you have a good day?”

This is terrible.

Hmm. Wow.

The first year is the worst.

Yeah.

Divorce rates off the scale.

You haven’t thought about anything like that, have you?

What? Divorce? Yeah.

[Chuckles] No. Of course not.

I tell you everything. You tell me everything, yeah?

Yeah.

You remember how we were saying we were gonna start on another one about now?

Can you imagine being pregnant now?

[Chuckles] Yeah.

I’m joking.

Yeah.

It’ll come… when it’s time.

Yeah. Yeah.

By the way, when’s your appointment?

Appointment? Yeah. The referral.

The children’s health-clinic thing.

You didn’t book it.

I feel so bad when you tell everyone I’ve got problems.

Yeah, we do have problems.

I don’t want you to speak for me.

That was the whole point, that you could speak for yourself.

I’m telling you now.

You could trust me at least a bit and give me some space.

That’s what I’ve been trying to do!

Don’t correct me! Stop interfering!

Space. Okay.

Jon. [Door slams]

[Vehicle door closes]

Jon! Jon!

[Baby crying]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby crying]

[Screams]

[Crying stops]

[Low rumbling]

[Wood creaking]

[Gasps]

[Baby snoring]

♪♪

[Baby squeals]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby growls]

♪♪

Hah!

[Baby crying]

[Snarling]

[Tablet ringing]

MUM

[Baby crying]

[Snarling]

[Rapid footsteps] [Thud]

[In Finnish] Hi! Where are you?

It’s Kuura. What?

What’s that noise? It’s Kuura!

Who else has he mauled already?

[Thudding and scraping]

Hey, is everything alright?

[Thudding and scraping]

You never ask that. Well, I’m asking now.

Yes.

Or I’m just…

[Baby wailing]

[Thudding and scraping]

Sometimes I think

I’m going to kill that child if it doesn’t get me first.

You know, I thought exactly the same when you were little.

You did?

Yes, this one time I was so tired of your screaming that I left you outside a shop and drove away.

Well, I drove back and took you with me.

But at the time I had the feeling you were sucking me dry.

You were just a terrible child.

They always say that the wonderful moments make up for the hard ones many times over.

But I wouldn’t be so sure.

Go away! Go away!

[Pounding]

Saga, what’s happening?

[Gasps]

[Wood creaking]

[Baby wailing]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby wailing]

♪♪

[Slurping]

♪♪

♪♪

Saga!

Saga!

[Grunts]

[Branch snaps]

Where have you been?

[In English] Where have you been?

Where’s Kuura’s clothes?! He’ll freeze to death!

Get inside.

Looking for this?

Just please tell me you have an explanation.

It won’t drink milk. Neither do I!

W-What are you gonna do, start putting blood in my tea?!

No. You are not giving another drop of blood to our son.

It won’t take anything else.

Saga, please. Give it to me.

Let go! Give it to me!

[Grunts] Saga!

[Screams]

[Door slams]

[Baby snoring]

I don’t know who you are anymore.

If I don’t give it blood, it’ll suck it out of me.

It’ll kill me.

I don’t know if I’m more afraid for you or for Kuura.

So what do you want to do?

Pick a day.

Go into town.

Go– Go and see some friends.

Get yourself better.

While I take care of Kuura.

I want you to see… you don’t have to destroy yourself…or us.

I want you to be happy again.

For us to be happy together.

Me too.

[Baby snoring]

[Chatter]

[Tub squeaking]

[Exhales deeply]

[In Finnish] How are you?

How’s work?

I’ve missed you.

[Chatter and laughter]

[In Finnish] Hey, there’s the Mum!

She’s enjoyed the nesting life while we’ve slaved away!

We want to see photos!

I don’t really have too many good ones.

I so remember that, no time to snap away.

All we have are some terrible blurry pics.

I’ll take the vegetarian menu. It’s really, really good.

So, how’s work?

No, no talk about work!

Your life is much more important!

Show us at least one pic, this is not an official event.

I so remember that being the best time of my life.

Yeah!

We just talked about how nice you always were.

Thank you. But then I suddenly realised.

None of us really knows you, you know?

[Baby crying]

Maybe it’s the Boss Role.

I’ve actually missed work a lot.

Hey, been there. The sense of duty knocking.

Your stand-in guy has actually been quite good.

[Baby crying]

[Chatter and laughter]

[Baby crying]

♪♪

[Muffled chatter and laughter]

♪♪

Are you allergic?

Did you have the shrimp? No, the vegetarian menu.

Nuts? I’ve got to go.

Hey!

♪♪

[Baby coos]

Hey. [Chuckles]

Hey. Alright. Yeah. Okay.

♪♪

♪♪

[Thud]

What happened?

Are you okay? Talk to me.

[Screaming]

[Baby crying]

[Baby snarls]

♪♪

♪♪

♪♪

[Chatter and laughter in distance]

♪♪

…anyway, just trying to support Saga.

She’s still having a pretty rough time.

What about you? Like, deep down.

Was just…

I was so looking forward to being a family.

Ohh.

Being a dad.

You’re doing great.

I’m always away.

I don’t know what’s going on here.

I think Saga is just exhausted.

I think it’s something more than that.

Nice.

Juice for madam.

Thanks…

[Baby grumbling]

[Snarls]

Um…

[In Finnish] Anna, go and play with your cousin Kuura.

[In Finnish] No!

[In English] It’s not safe.

Shut the fuck up!

I’m gonna go and, uh… shovel some snow.

[Footsteps departing]

[In Finnish] Mother.

It’s all right.

[Door closes]

Hi.

[Baby grumbling]

It’s just awful, we still haven’t got those boxes unpacked.

[Sighs]

I so hoped for a lovely and nice little girl like Anna.

But instead–

[Baby grumbling]

I got that monster.

Studies say that if you don’t show empathy to your child during the first three years, he may never learn it.

I’ve given that thing absolutely everything.

Right.

It just takes and takes and takes.

Soon there’ll be nothing left of me.

But I can’t be without it.

And I don’t see the sense in that.

And where’s the happiness?

Things don’t always go as planned.

I just wanted our kids to have what we had.

You’re really living in a reality all your own.

You think I really had fun playing with you as a child?

Everything had to be on your terms, and no matter how shitty you acted you were the one who needed to be understood.

And it’s still the same.

Mum called me to ask how you and Kuura are doing.

But nothing about me or Anna.

Because we must be doing really great.

You’re still making such a big deal of your problems and emotions that there’s no room for the rest of us.

Now you’ve moved on to smothering your own child!

There’s nothing wrong with Kuura!

It’s you who’s making your family life unbearable!

No one else!

[Anna screaming]

Anna!

[In English] Hey! Hey! [Baby crying]

[Snarls]

[In Finnish] Darling, it’s alright! Show me.

[Screaming continues]

Let me see!

Saga, just leave it!

It’s alright, we’ll take you to a hospital.

Taru?

You’re the monster!

[Door slams]

[Sobbing]

[Sobbing continues]

[Baby grumbling]

[Grumbling continues]

[Paper crinkling]

[Sniffles]

[Thud]

[Baby munching, flesh tearing]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby crying]

Ahhh!

[Baby gurgles] Ah!

[Both squealing]

[Baby giggling]

Wah, wah, wah.

Ah, ah.

[Baby coos] Ah!

♪♪

Wah, wah.

[Baby giggling]

Whee!

[Both laughing in distance]

♪♪

[Baby grumbling]

♪♪

♪♪

[Inhales sharply]

♪♪

♪♪

[Staple gun firing]

♪♪

♪♪

[Gasps]

♪♪

♪♪

[Both snoring lightly]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby crying]

That wasn’t so bad, was it? [Giggles]

Look at him, all dressed up.

Now we can have a nice old proper family dinner.

Let’s get you in here. [Crying continues]

Let me just get your leg through there.

[Snarls]

[Crying stops] [Sighs]

Have you spoken to Taru yet?

Anna’s doing better.

If you’re interested, that is.

But her finger is gonna remain a stump.

What do you want from me?

Kuura, let’s teach you some table manners.

Okay?

[Baby snarls]

Ah, Kuura.

Say “please.”

[Singsong voice] Here comes the airplane.

[Liquid squirts, spoon clatters]

[Sighs]

Starting from now… we’re gonna raise this child right.

So I’m setting some limits.

Human limits.

Right.

[Singsong voice] Here comes the airplane.

[Imitates airplane engine]

[Baby screeches] [Spoon clatters]

[Baby snarls]

[Chuckling]

It’s as much my fault as it is yours.

[Groans] [Jar thuds]

Ohh.

[Breathing heavily]

Okay.

Okay.

Here comes… the airplane.

Wheeeeee.

[Baby shrieking]

The metal hurts him!

Oh, will you just give your fucking fantasies a rest?!

[Breathes deeply]

Sorry, Kuura.

Mommy and Daddy are just having a little argument.

It’s all gonna be fine.

Here comes the airplane.

[Baby munching, flesh tearing]

This child… can’t be raised.

Don’t say that.

There’s nothing you can do about it.

You’re wrong. I’ll prove you wrong.

Let it eat.

“Him”!

I’m not just gonna stand here and watch you turn him into a monster.

Leave it alooooone!

[Munching, tearing continues]

[Breathing heavily]

It’s asleep.

I should apologize.

Okay.

I guess… for many things.

Thank you.

For what?

For showing me who you really are.

It’s just, it’s been too hard.

Kuura is – You’re right.

But not Kuura.

You.

What?

I always wanted a big family.

And then we met.

And I could see our entire future.

Me too.

But you killed it.

And now it’s like I can’t feel anything anymore.

It’s like this impossibly heavy weight is pushing me down.

Just because you feel bad for being away so much.

You should never have been a mother.

You hate our child.

You’ve turned him completely dysfunctional.

I don’t think you know how to love.

I don’t think you can love anyone.

[Voice breaking] I don’t need to listen to this.

You never listen to anyone.

You’re so utterly, blindingly selfish.

Taru was right.

You’re the monster.

And I’m taking Kuura away from you.

What?

He still has a chance to be a perfectly normal boy.

He just needs professional help.

So do you.

You’re not taking him.

I’m saving our child.

I’ve already spoken to my parents.

It’s done. [Baby crying]

Let go. And I’m gonna get full custody.

Let go!

You’re hurting him!

You’re hurting him!

You’re hurting him!

[Both grunt]

[Groans]

[Crying continues]

[Snarls]

[Both grunting]

[Snarling]

♪♪

[Grunts]

[Crying continues]

[Both grunting]

♪♪

[Snarling]

[Snarling]

[Baby wailing]

[Rumbling]

[Gasps]

[Breathing heavily]

[Wood crackling]

[Groans lightly]

[Gurgling]

[Wood cracking]

[Body thuds] [Gasping]

♪♪

♪♪

[Flesh tearing, baby munching]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby gurgling]

♪♪

[Squelching]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby munching, flesh tearing]

♪♪

♪♪

[Baby snarling]

[Flesh tearing, both munching]

♪♪

♪♪

[Creaking]

[Door opens]

[Baby cooing, gurgling]

[Creaking]

[Baby squeals]

[Creaking intensifies]

[Wood crackling]

[Gasps]

[Baby giggling]

[Baby cooing]

[Baby giggles]

[Baby shrieking]

[Wind whipping]

♪♪

[Baby cooing, giggling]

♪♪

♪♪