Veera W. Vilo and Antti-Jussi Marjamäki’s Red Beast brings the little-known story of Eetu Salin, one of the founders of the Finnish Social Democratic Party, to the screen, blending historical drama and dark humor with a touch of horror. Anchored by Jan-Henrik Holmlund’s feverish performance, the film turns Finland’s political past into an atmospheric journey through rage, poverty and restless spirits.
Who would’ve thought spending nearly two hours with social democrats could bring you chills, laughs and thrills?
Directors Veera W. Vilo and Antti-Jussi Marjamäki shed light on the little-known history of Eetu Salin, a founding member of the Social Democratic Party, in Punainen peto (Red Beast), a historical drama.
Salin was an alcoholic and a captivating speaker, a charismatic leader and agitator who earned the nickname “the Red Beast” for a reason.
Some directors say an actor’s eyes are a cathedral to the soul. Jan-Henrik Holmlund gives a memorable performance as Salin, his feverish eyes lighting with rage and fury when he speaks for the poor struggling to put food on their tables.
It’s the early 1900s, and society is on the verge of civil war. Salin tries to stop it.
“You were amazing in the film,” a young woman told Holmlund at the afterparty for the invitational screening.
“Have you acted before?” she asked.
“Well . . . thank you! Let’s see, I’ve done theater for the past 20 years,” Holmlund said.
Salin’s feverish eyes light with rage and fury when he speaks for the poor struggling to put food on their tables.
But Red Beast doesn’t rely on great acting, a simple story and clever dialogue alone.
The team at Bright Fame Pictures, the Finnish masters of horror behind independent hits such as Tuftland, (Pri)sons and Backwood Madness, portrays Salin’s inner turmoil with an intensity that makes menace flicker through every frame.
Salin’s punishing dreams are underscored by composer Jussi Huhtala’s haunting strings and the toll of a funeral bell, making you shiver in your seat.
Then there is Salin’s dead mother, Anna (Enni Ojutkangas), rising from her casket with a piercing look and state-of-the-art makeup. It’s a scene that will follow you long after you leave the cinema.
Vilo, a first-time director who is already a seasoned actor in many of the production company’s films, and Marjamäki, director of the touching Selim, have co-directed one of the most moving and gripping historical Finnish films to date without losing its great sense of humor.
They made the film in a closed black studio built from scrap wood and recycled materials, under the lens of visionary cinematographer Mikko Kaurio.
The filmmakers create a portal into the shadows of Finnish history while the world shakes outside.
Red Beast is a lesson, a reminder and, above all, world-class entertainment.
‘Red Beast’ opens in cinemas on October 2.
FILM DETAILS
Original title: Punainen peto
English/International title: Red Beast
Distributor: Bright Fame Pictures
Production year: 2026
Running time: 111 minutes
Cast: Jan-Henrik Holmlund, Marju Laine, Antti-Jussi Marjamäki, Roope Olenius, Veera W. Vilo
Director: Antti-Jussi Marjamäki & Veera W. Vilo
Producer: Roope Olenius, Veera W. Vilo, Antti-Jussi Marjamäki, Marju Laine
Composer: Jussi Huhtala
Director of photography: Mikko Kaurio
Screenwriters: Antti-Jussi Marjamäki, Toni Lesonen
