Horrifying folklore has never been so fun as in the Estonian dark comedy Kratt. Similar in tone to Psycho Goreman, this film is filled with kid’s hijinks and mischief getting wrapped up in Estonian mythological figures in an entertaining way.
The film centers around two pre-teen kids who have been dropped off at their grandmother’s farm house without their cell phones to show how their parents were raised while their parents go off to a hippie resort. They start bemoaning their lack of internet and their grandmother shows them that instead of being bored, there are lots of chores around the farm that they could be doing to help out.
She also tells them about a demon called the kratt, which can be ordered to do anything by their maker. They just have to constantly supply them with jobs to complete. After meeting some other local kids in the town, they happen upon a book that explains how to make that very same creature, and of course, they do. Unfortunately, in the process, they accidentally get their grandmother involved and she becomes the kratt. Now the children must figure out how to get their grandma back unscathed while also having fun with the kratt doing their chores.
This fantasy horror film is goofy and bold. The characters are what bring it together, as they all possess unlikable characteristics with a heart. They’re dumb but lovable, and the humor falls on them but never disrespects them. The children in particular are fun to watch and lead the film confidently.
While it centers on kids, it doesn’t hold back on horror elements. There are few sequences in this film that don’t hold back on the blood. With that said however, this film could still be watched by both adults and kids. It’s an off-kilter contemporary horror film reminiscent of Billy and Mandy’s Grim Adventures.
Additionally, the action in this film is surprising and quirky. One moment the kids are talking to their Siri stand-in, Vivi, asking for advice only to reveal it is run in a Russian child labor scheme run by their fentanyl-cooking mother. Laughs ensue.
Midway through, the plot does seem to lose some of its momentum as it constantly juggles a few different plotlines at once, some of which are dubiously included. Especially if this film is made for a younger audience in mind, it could be a tighter story focusing on the grandma kratt and children.
Outside of the story, the film is artfully constructed, with fantastically cluttered sets, and engaging cinematography and editing.
Directed and written as the debut by Rasmus Merivoo, this film played well at multiple festivals, including Fantasia Film Festival, Sydney Underground Film Festival, Screamfest, Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and more.
Those who like to have a little fun with their horror and are looking for something that could be family friendly or on the less upsetting side might enjoy this surprising Estonian film. Look for it on iTunes, Amazon, Google Play, INDemand and DISH. Check out the trailer below.
