Inspired by the dramatic landscape of the Westfjords of Iceland in the 1800s and the region’s folklore, the psychological horror film “The Damned” so excels in creating a memorable atmosphere that the room where you view it may feel much colder than it is. In theaters this week, this tale of a starving fishing outfit suffering further after making a morally questionable decision is impressively moody and bleak, its chill extending beyond the whipping snow at night. Also, the Thordur Palsson-directed, Jamie Hannigan-penned film explores some worthwhile thematic territory, including the enduring human tendency to take care of our own before helping others. From a narrative perspective, however, “The Damned” leaves a bit to be desired, offering little in the way of surprise as it works toward an adequate-at-best conclusion. “The Damned,” set in the early 1870s, is told from the perspective of Odessa Young’s Eve, who inherited a small, struggling fishing expedition after the death of her husband. “We should not be here,” she says in the film’s opening narration, as we watch from above as she walks through the harsh reality of this coastal area at night. “Magnus said it was a place of opportunity if you could endure the cold, the long nights, the hunger.” A year ago, the community’s racks were full of food; now, they’ve begun to eat the fish they’d set aside as bait. The fishermen do not wish to think about anything but the next year at sea she says, “but walking blindly into the dark is something I will not do.” To stave off cabin fever, the men, led by helmsman Ragnar (Rory McCann of “Game of Thrones”), sing songs, and the group’s other woman, Helga (Siobhan Finneran), contributes by spinning horrific bits of folklore. Although she is coerced into giving an optimistic toast, Eve does little but worry about how to keep everyone alive. When a ship appears, badly crippled among large rock formations in the water, and its crew cries for help, the men are split on whether to give it, especially considering how low they are on food. Ragnar is against providing aid, calling the newcomers “strangers, foreigners” and noting they were foolish to bring a ship that large close to the coast. Related Articles ‘Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl’ review: Aardman hits a gnome run ‘The Fire Inside’ review: Boxer biopic fights its way into interesting territory ‘A Complete Unknown’ review: Chalamet wows in Mangold’s pitch-perfect Dylan film ‘Nosferatu’ review: Robert Eggers’ love of source material clear as death ‘Mufasa: The Lion King’ review: Jenkins delivers stronger film than 2019 remake When it’s pointed out that it’s not his decision but instead Eve’s, she, despite appearing desperately saddened by the development, says she will not — cannot — put the lives of her men at risk. The decision begins to haunt her immediately as a valuable member of the group dies. Spurred on by Helga, Eve comes to believe they have conjured a draugur, an undead creature from Norse mythology, Eventually, it may kill them all, the only way to stop it involving fire. Filmed in Iceland, this song of ice and fire sees Eve growing closer to another crew member, the pragmatic Daniel (Joe Cole, “Peaky Blinders”), who shows her how to use Magnus’ rifle. Joe Cole, as Daniel, and Odessa Young, as Eve, share a scene in “The Damned.” (Courtesy of Vertical) Young (“The Daughter,” “The Staircase”) anchors “The Damned” with her steady work as the empathetic and increasingly tormented Eve, but it is the sense of dread coursing throughout the film — aided by the unsettling score by composer Stephen McKeon (“The Tiger’s Tail”) and the impactful cinematography of Eli Arenson (“Lamb”) — that is its true star. Despite the so-so storytelling, the work here by Palsson (“The Valhalla Murders”) piques your interest as to what the native Icelander will make in the future. For now, he’s inviting you into a memorable world you should consider visiting — even if you won’t want to stay beyond the film’s rather brief runtime. ‘The Damned’ Where: Theaters. When: Jan. 3. Rated: R for bloody violent content, suicide and some language. Runtime: 1 hour, 29 minutes. Stars (of four): 2.5.