After inheriting an old cabin in Norway, an American family moves there with the intentions of turning the adjoining barn into a bed and breakfast. They end up disturbing a vengeful Barn Elf who will go to deadly lengths to drive the family away. A film by Magnus Martens, starring Martin Starr, Amrita Acharia, Townes Bunner, Zoe Winter-Hansen, Calle Hellevang-Larsen, and Kiran Shah.

One fateful night, driven by desperation, Erik Nordheim (Eldar Vågan) attempts to pull down his old barn with his tractor and chains. But the tractor’s engine sputters and dies. Checking it out, he discovers the tractor has been sabotaged. With the tractor useless, Erik turns to a more desperate plan, and decides to burn the barn instead. Tragically, he is attacked by something in the barn. He falls from the barn’s second floor, the flames engulfing him, his screams swallowed by the crackling inferno. Erik meets his demise.

Haunted by the loss of his wife many years ago, Bill Nordheim (Martin Starr) finds solace and love with life coach Carol ( Amrita Acharia) at one of her seminars. They soon marry, and Carol becomes stepmother to Bill’s children, Nora (Zoe Winter-Hansen) and Lucas (Townes Bunner). Following Erik’s untimely death, Bill inherits his property, prompting a life-changing decision. After a year, Bill decides to move his family from America to Norway, seeking a fresh start. Bill and Carol are excited about their plans to convert the barn into Nordheim Forest Glade, a haven where guests can immerse themselves in the breathtaking nature of the Norwegian forests and mountains. Nora and Lucas, however, are less enthusiastic about the move, particularly Nora, who dreads the separation from her friends.

A sense of unease prickles at Lucas’s skin as he senses something stirring in the barn. He sprints to his parents, but their dismissive explanation of old wood groaning does little to quell his growing fear. As night descends, Lucas gazes intently at the barn from his bedroom window. A pair of glowing eyes pierce the darkness, staring directly back at him, sending shivers down his spine.

The next day, on their visit to the town, Lucas wanders around and finds himself drawn to a small museum exhibit run by Tor Åge (Calle Hellevang-Larsen), focusing on mythical Norwegian barn elves. He learns about their folklore: how they dislike changes to the farm, loud noises, and bright artificial lights. However, if treated well, they can be helpful and protective of the farm.

Lucas returns to the barn and finds a barn elf (Kiran Shah) hiding there. He offers the creature cookies and promises to keep it safe from harm. Lucas tries to explain the barn elf’s rules to his parents, but they dismiss him as imaginative and ignore his warnings. Things escalate when his parents invite the townspeople to a party dinner in the barn, unknowingly provoking the barn elf’s wrath.

I’m always fond of Nordic films as they often come up with unique plots or simple yet effective storytelling. However, the script of “There’s SOMETHING in the BARN” doesn’t seem to find its footing. The script appears unsure of its target audience, veering between family-friendly comedic elements reminiscent of “HOME ALONe” and “GREMLINS” and full-fledged horror filled with blood and gore. This indecision prevents the film from achieving its full potential.

While the film excels in creating a spooky atmosphere, some moments drag, feeling repetitive and predictable. A deeper dive into the barn elves’ lore would have enriched the experience. We learn they dwell in a hidden forest village accessed through a tunnel hidden in the barn, but is this a real forest or a mythical realm? Why the need for a tunnel? These unanswered questions leave some viewers wanting more. Additionally, the film’s minor character deaths lack emotional impact. With none of the family facing immediate danger, the script’s true intentions remain unclear.

There’s SOMETHING in the BARN premiered at Fantastic Fest on 23 September 2023. The film was theatrically released in Norway on 10 November, in the United Kingdom on 1 December, and in the United States on 5 December.