Red Dot (2021) is a Swedish thriller Alain Darborg that skillfully blends suspense, survival, and psychological drama. The film, which marks Darborg’s feature-length directorial debut, quickly immerses audiences in a tense and unpredictable narrative. Set against the vast, remote landscapes of Sweden, Red Dot explores themes of fear, trust, and the dangerous consequences of a seemingly innocent decision.

The plot centers around David (played by Keerthi M. Patan), a young couple who set out for a hiking trip in the Swedish wilderness in an attempt to escape the stress of their everyday lives and reconnect. The couple, however, find themselves in a life-threatening situation when they become the targets of an unknown shooter, whose red laser dot seems to follow them wherever they go. As the couple attempts to survive and escape the unseen threat, their relationship is tested, and the film dives into the primal fears of being hunted and the toll it takes on their mental and physical endurance.

The thriller thrives on its atmospheric tension. The vast, icy wilderness, far from being a serene backdrop, becomes a hostile environment. The characters are forced to confront not only the external threat but also the emotional and psychological toll of the situation. As they navigate through the harsh landscape, every moment feels like a potential death sentence, amplifying the movie’s sense of urgency and dread.