No Rest for the Wicked Fantasia Review: A Stunning Queer Horror Romance

Kasper Kalle’s No Rest for the Wicked is a somewhat unclassifiable film. Although it presents itself as a horror movie on the surface, it’s actually more of a quiet and meditative romance with some horror elements. But whatever it is, Kalle has delivered one of the most beautiful films of the year, ‌both visually and in a narrative sense.

What is No Rest for the Wicked about?

No Rest for the Wicked is based on Karl Heinreich Ulrichs’s seminal short story Manor, which follows a lonely young man in the Faroe Islands who finds himself smitten with a rugged whaler who joins the community. However, they soon find that their whirlwind romance is being hindered not only by societal mores but also, perhaps, by mortality itself.

No Rest for the Wicked Review

In an era in which queer horror movies like Leviticus are getting the spotlight, it’s nice to know that there is a place for beautiful work like No Rest for the Wicked to be seen. And although the short story on which the film is based was published almost 150 years ago, it feels strangely timeless. The movie beautifully explores themes of love and belonging while also offering commentary on external forces like religious extremism that tend to get in the way of that love.

Although many will linger onto the supernatural elements of the story — it’s generally easier to market a horror film that a period romance, after all — it’s important to note that No Rest for the Wicked is not a traditional horror movie. Being based on older source material, it shares much more in common with atmospheric gothic literature than it does with the monster movies and gore fests we tend to associate with the horror genre.

The most surprising thing about No Rest for the Wicked is how romantic it is. Kalle and writer Rasmus Birch capture the feeling of longing in a way that few films have. It’s not the type of romance that feels smutty but instead the type that feels genuinely sensual. That’s not to say it isn’t sexy — it very much is; just in a way that feels more rooted in emotion than titillation.

A big part of the movie’s success as a romance is the tremendous chemistry between its two leads. The more recognizable name of the duo is Pilou Asbæk (Game of Thrones), who plays the love interest with an alluring mysterious that you can’t help but love. But even more impressive is newcomer Egor Venned, whose background is as a model. He is much more than a pretty face, delivering a vulnerable, sensitive performance that allows the story to crush your heart, particularly in the third act.

One of the (few) weaknesses of No Rest for the Wicked is that the supporting characters can be a bit one-dimensional. Although the townspeople who serve as one of the primary opposing forces never cross the line into exaggerated villainy, they are also far less interesting than the leads. Any time they become involved, viewers will feel themselves itching to get back to the scenes that just involve the two lovers. 

Another huge draw of No Rest for the Wicked is its stunning cinematography. Of course, with a film shot on location in the Faroe Islands, cinematographer Jacob Møller had an embarrassment of riches to work with. But it’s more than just the natural scenery that looks beautiful; the period costumes and set design look stunning, as do the scenes of sensuality that have an entirely unexpected warmth. 

Is No Rest for the Wicked worth watching?

No Rest for the Wicked is one of the rare festival discoveries that enthusiasts are waiting to find. No shade to Fantasia, but the festival is generally known for being a genre showcase, and while there are some horror elements in No Rest for the Wicked, it is so much more. It’s a beautiful movie, filled with heartache and stunning imagery, and it should absolutely join the canon of classic queer romances.

No Rest for the Wicked is screening at the 2026 Fantasia International Film Festival, which runs July 16-August 2.

No Rest for the Wicked Fantasia Review: A Stunning Queer Horror Romance