All Must Die ( 2019 )

All Must Die (2019): A Deep Dive into Finnish Folk Horror

All Must Die (original Finnish title: Kaikki Kuolevat) is a 2019 Finnish horror film directed by Teemu Nikki. While often categorized as a horror film, All Must Die transcends simple genre classifications, delving into themes of isolation, grief, revenge, and the dark undercurrents of Finnish folklore. The film's minimalist approach, stark visuals, and unsettling atmosphere contribute to a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Synopsis

The film centers on a grieving widow, Alli, who lives a solitary life in a remote cottage in the Finnish countryside. Haunted by the recent death of her son in a car accident, Alli struggles to cope with her loss and the crushing weight of loneliness. Her isolation is shattered when a group of teenagers crashes their car near her home and seeks shelter. Initially, Alli welcomes them in, offering food and a place to rest. However, as the night progresses, Alli's grief and anger fester, leading her down a path of terrifying and unexpected revenge. She becomes convinced that these teenagers, symbolic of the youthful carelessness that she believes led to her son's death, must pay for their perceived sins. The teenagers, initially oblivious to the danger they are in, slowly realize that they are trapped in a nightmare, fighting for their survival against a woman consumed by vengeance and wielding the power of ancient, dark forces.

Thematic Exploration

All Must Die is a complex and multifaceted film that explores several key themes:

• Grief and Loss: The film is fundamentally about the devastating impact of grief. Alli's unyielding sorrow and inability to process her son's death drive her actions throughout the film. Her grief warps her perception of reality, blurring the lines between right and wrong.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Alli's remote existence amplifies her grief and contributes to her mental and emotional instability. The isolation of the Finnish countryside becomes a metaphor for her own internal isolation.
• Revenge: Driven by her overwhelming grief, Alli seeks revenge on the teenagers, whom she sees as embodying the recklessness that led to her son's death. Her desire for retribution consumes her, transforming her into a vengeful force.
• Finnish Folklore and Mythology: The film subtly incorporates elements of Finnish folklore and mythology, particularly related to death, spirits, and the power of the natural world. These elements add a layer of depth and mystery to the story, grounding it in the rich cultural heritage of Finland.
• Moral Ambiguity: All Must Die refuses to offer easy answers or clear-cut moral judgments. The film challenges viewers to confront the complexities of grief, revenge, and the human capacity for both good and evil. Alli is not simply a villain; she is a broken woman driven to desperate measures by unbearable pain.

Filmmaking Style and Techniques

Teemu Nikki employs a minimalist and stark filmmaking style that enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere. Key aspects of the film's style include:

• Slow Burn: The film unfolds at a deliberate pace, building tension gradually. This slow-burn approach allows the audience to become deeply invested in the characters and the unfolding events.
• Atmospheric Cinematography: The film's cinematography emphasizes the desolate beauty of the Finnish landscape, creating a sense of isolation and foreboding. The use of natural light and muted colors further enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere.
• Sound Design: The sound design plays a crucial role in creating the film's eerie atmosphere. The use of silence, natural sounds, and unsettling musical cues contributes to the overall sense of dread.
• Naturalistic Performances: The actors deliver naturalistic and understated performances, adding to the film's sense of realism. The performances convey the characters' emotions and motivations with subtlety and nuance.
• Limited Dialogue: The film features minimal dialogue, relying instead on visual storytelling and the actors' expressions to convey the story. This minimalist approach adds to the film's sense of mystery and ambiguity.

Cast and Characters

The film features a relatively small cast, with each actor delivering a compelling performance.

Reception and Critical Analysis

All Must Die received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric visuals, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes. The film was lauded for its ability to create a sense of dread and unease without resorting to gratuitous violence or jump scares.

Some critics noted the film's slow pace and ambiguous ending, which may not appeal to all viewers. However, others argued that these elements contribute to the film's overall effectiveness, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.

The film's exploration of grief and revenge was also widely praised, with critics noting its nuanced and complex portrayal of these universal themes. Alli's character was particularly lauded for her depth and complexity, as she is portrayed as both a victim and a perpetrator.

Influence and Legacy

All Must Die has been cited as an example of the emerging genre of Finnish folk horror, alongside other films such as Lake Bodom (2016) and Dark Floors (2008). These films draw upon Finnish folklore and mythology to create a unique and unsettling cinematic experience.

The film's success has helped to raise the profile of Finnish cinema internationally, showcasing the country's talent for creating atmospheric and thought-provoking films. All Must Die is likely to continue to be studied and discussed as a significant contribution to the horror genre and Finnish cinema as a whole.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Scenes

To further understand the impact and intricacies of All Must Die, let's examine some key scenes in detail:

• The Car Crash: The opening scene establishes the central conflict of the film. The teenagers' car crash symbolizes their intrusion into Alli's isolated world and sets the stage for the ensuing events. The crash is presented with a stark realism, emphasizing the fragility of life.
• The Dinner Scene: The dinner scene is a masterclass in tension building. Alli's initial hospitality gradually gives way to a palpable sense of unease as she begins to interrogate the teenagers about their lives and their views on death. The scene is punctuated by uncomfortable silences and subtle shifts in Alli's demeanor.
• The Sauna Scene: The sauna scene is a pivotal moment in the film, as Alli's true intentions are revealed. The traditional Finnish sauna, often associated with cleansing and purification, becomes a site of terror as Alli begins to enact her revenge.
• The Forest Chase: The chase scene in the forest is a visually stunning and suspenseful sequence. The dark and dense forest becomes a labyrinthine maze, trapping the teenagers and heightening their sense of fear and desperation. The scene utilizes natural light and shadows to create a sense of disorientation and dread.
• The Ending: The film's ambiguous ending leaves the audience to contemplate the consequences of Alli's actions and the cyclical nature of violence. The ending is open to interpretation, but it suggests that the cycle of grief and revenge is difficult to break.

The Role of the Finnish Landscape

The Finnish landscape plays a crucial role in All Must Die, serving as both a setting and a character in its own right. The vast forests, desolate lakes, and remote cottages contribute to the film's sense of isolation and foreboding.

The landscape also serves as a visual metaphor for Alli's internal state. Her isolation in the Finnish countryside mirrors her emotional isolation and her inability to connect with others. The harsh and unforgiving landscape reflects the pain and suffering that she is experiencing.

Furthermore, the Finnish landscape is deeply intertwined with Finnish folklore and mythology. The film subtly incorporates elements of these traditions, suggesting that Alli is drawing upon ancient, dark forces in her quest for revenge.

Comparison to Other Folk Horror Films

All Must Die shares several similarities with other folk horror films, but it also distinguishes itself in several key ways.

Like these other films, All Must Die explores the dark undercurrents of rural communities and the dangers of isolation. However, All Must Die distinguishes itself through its minimalist style, its focus on grief and revenge, and its unique incorporation of Finnish folklore.

Conclusion

All Must Die is a haunting and unforgettable film that explores the depths of grief, revenge, and the dark side of human nature. Teemu Nikki's minimalist direction, combined with Alma Pöysti's powerful performance and the film's atmospheric visuals, create a truly unsettling and thought-provoking cinematic experience. While the film may not be for all viewers, its exploration of complex themes and its unique blend of horror and Finnish folklore make it a significant contribution to the genre and a testament to the power of independent filmmaking.