Finnish horror film Nightborn, directed by Hanna Bergholm, had its world premiere in the Berlin Film Festival's competition section. Starring Seidi Haarla and Rupert Grint as new parents facing an unusual infant, the movie blends mythology and horror elements. At the press conference, cast and crew addressed rising fascism and global injustices.
Hanna Bergholm's second feature, Nightborn (original title: Yön Lapsi), explores the challenges of parenthood through a supernatural lens. The story follows Saga (Seidi Haarla) and Jon (Rupert Grint), a couple relocating from London to a fixer-upper house in the Finnish forest to build their family. As Jon remarks, “Fuck London,” highlighting the economic appeal of rural life compared to the U.K. capital's high costs.
Upon the birth of their son Kuula, Saga notices anomalies: the baby is hairy and large, with an appetite for meat and cries laced with animalistic growls, achieved through effective sound design. The film delays revealing the infant's face until the end, echoing Rosemary’s Baby, and is played by more than ten babies at different ages. It navigates between metaphor and literal horror, including a breastfeeding scene involving blood, which reflects real maternal experiences rarely depicted on screen.
Production design by Kari Kankaanpää creates a stylized, fantastical atmosphere, contrasting everyday elements like a sparsely populated hospital and a traditional Silver Cross pram. The 90-minute film, a co-production of Finland, Lithuania, France, and the U.K., features screenplay by Bergholm and Ilja Rautsi, cinematography by Pietari Peltola, editing by Jussi Rautaniemi, and music by Eicca Toppinen. Additional cast includes Pamela Tola, Pirkko Saisio, and Rebecca Lacey, with dialogue in Finnish and English.
At the February 14, 2026, press conference in Berlin, political topics dominated. Grint responded to questions on U.K. far-right rise, previously linked to his comments on J.K. Rowling's views: “Obviously, I’m against it. But I choose my moments when to speak. But I think yeah, it’s obviously hugely relevant now. You’ll hear from me.” Director Bergholm explained her watermelon pin for Palestinian solidarity: “As grown-up human beings, I think we have a responsibility to speak up against violence and injustice,” adding that artists should not be silenced. Screenwriter Rautsi emphasized art's role: “I think it is important to shine a light on whatever issues we are facing because art is all about empathy... what are the wrongs that are taking place in Ukraine or genocide in Palestine.”
Reviews praise the film's taut chiller style, though some note it leans more toward drama than gore, differing from influences like David Cronenberg’s The Brood. Grint also reflected on the upcoming Harry Potter TV series, reminiscing about his 1999 start without social media pressures.
