Bloody Disgusting has had our eyes on Valdimar Jóhannsson’s supernatural drama Lamb for quite some time now and even shared a first-look at Prometheus star Noomi Rapace in the film last year.
The trailer made its way online last week with news that A24 had acquired the Biblical drama that tells the story of a childless couple in Iceland, María (Rapace) and Ingvar (Hilmir Snaer Gudnason), who find a newborn who is half human, half sheep on Christmas Eve.
Lamb held its World Premiere at the ongoing Cannes festival where it was allegedly met with a standing ovation.
First reactions have begun trickling out of the massive event with a major review hitting Indiewire earlier this morning from writer Eric Kohn.
Kohn calls the premise “batshit crazy,” further adding: “Lamb takes a low-key minimalist approach to its premise that invites a certain shock-and-awe reaction before doubling back to give it purpose.”
He continues: “Lamb rewards viewers who prefer to play the waiting game.”
For the Bloody Disgusting readers who love A24’s output, Kohn notes that “Jóhannsson has been schooled in the eloquent atmospheric horror of The Witch and Hereditary to such a precise degree that Lamb may as well exist as a spin-off.”
You can read his entire positive review here.
Rafael Motamayor, who oft writes for Bloody Disgusting, tweets that Lamb is “simultaneously weird and not weird enough,” while noting Rapace should be a strong contender for Palm Dog.
The Playlist‘s Gregory Ellwood tweets that Lamb is ultimately a disappointment, also celebrating Rapace’s performance.
“Absolutely adored this film,” Josie Marie writes on Twitter, adding: “It’s unpredictable while feeling familiar all at once. Great performances with an excellent execution of pacing and suspense.”
Writer Jason Gorber also shares his thoughts: “Another dark family fable from Iceland, with gorgeous setting and quiet but surreal narrative that has surprises well worth keeping hidden. Exactly the kind of cold yet inviting tale you wish to discover on your own as it unfolds, be patient and be awarded.”
From another tweet (@paulinemallet_): “The opening scene is one of the most beautiful I have seen. Noomi Rapace is masterful.”
Watch for more reviews and hopefully some release news in the coming months. For now, here’s the trailer.