Do not expect a horror film. It’s more like a fable or fairy tale with the instigating events having already happened: “well well well, if it isn’t the consequences of my actions.” The backstory that led here is left obscure, but it feels like a purely stylistic choice, rather than having a real storytelling reason to start in Act II. The result is a pair of main characters who seem far less surprised by and more okay with the astonishing things that are happening than they probably should be. 

That’s not to say it isn’t scary. It is. But it’s more the parental fear of wanting to protect a child, which I did: the titular lamb child is ridiculously adorable, and the visual effects completely convincing. Every time the child was on screen, I was terrified for her. 

Ultimately the whole movie is a long, sustained vibe. Gorgeous landscapes, vague but constant sense of peril. That all worked for me. Could’ve been something more. But it worked.