Hatching

A 12-year-old girl named Tinja is desperate to please her image-obsessed mother, who documents their perfect family life for her popular blog. One night, Tinja finds a mysterious egg, which hatches into a creature resembling a bird. Tinja names it Alli and tries to keep it a secret, but the creature grows rapidly and its needs become increasingly demanding and sinister, blurring the lines between the girl and her monstrous creation.

Hatching received widespread critical acclaim, with particular praise directed at its unique premise, unsettling atmosphere, and strong performances, especially from its young lead. The film was lauded for its metaphorical exploration of adolescence, body image, and maternal pressure, often drawing comparisons to earlier body horror classics while establishing its own distinct identity.

• A chilling and visually striking coming-of-age horror film.

• Effectively uses body horror to explore themes of identity and societal expectations.

• Features a standout performance from its young lead actress.

Google audience: Audience reviews highlight the film's disturbing yet captivating nature, with many appreciating its unique blend of psychological drama and body horror. Viewers often commend the film's originality and its ability to provoke thought about parental influence and the pressures of maintaining a perfect facade.

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2022. Nominated for Best International Feature Film at the 2023 Independent Spirit Awards. Won the Grand Prize at the 2022 Sitges Film Festival.

The distinctive design of the creature, Alli, was inspired by a combination of bird anatomy and a desire to evoke a sense of both vulnerability and threat, aiming for something that felt organic yet alien.