"Koko-Di Koko-Da" (2019), directed by Johannes Nyholm, is a haunting and surreal psychological horror film that explores themes of grief, trauma, and the cyclical nature of suffering. The film blends elements of dark fantasy and horror to create an unsettling and emotionally resonant experience.

The story follows a married couple, Elin and Tobias, portrayed by Ylva Gallon and Leif Edlund, who are struggling to cope with the devastating loss of their young daughter. In an attempt to reconnect and heal, they embark on a camping trip in the woods. However, their journey of reconciliation quickly descends into a nightmarish ordeal.

As they camp, they are terrorized by a bizarre trio of sinister characters led by a man dressed as a vaudevillian showman, accompanied by his eerie companions. This trio subjects Elin and Tobias to a series of gruesome and repetitive attacks, trapping them in a surreal and nightmarish loop where their torment seems inescapable.

Nyholm's direction masterfully blends dark humor, horror, and poignant drama, creating a film that is both visually striking and emotionally profound. The use of dreamlike sequences, puppetry, and animated interludes adds to the film's unique and disorienting atmosphere, emphasizing the surreal and cyclical nature of the couple's torment.

The performances by Gallon and Edlund are deeply affecting, capturing the raw pain and helplessness of their characters as they navigate their recurring nightmare. Their portrayal of a grieving couple struggling to break free from their emotional and psychological prison is both harrowing and deeply moving.

The film's title, "Koko-Di Koko-Da," references a haunting nursery rhyme that recurs throughout the movie, symbolizing the inescapable nature of their trauma. The unsettling score and sound design further enhance the film's eerie and oppressive mood, drawing the audience into its nightmarish world.

"Koko-Di Koko-Da" stands out for its innovative storytelling and its ability to convey deep emotional truths through the lens of horror. It is a meditation on grief and the struggle to move forward after an unimaginable loss, portraying the painful and often repetitive journey of coping with trauma. Nyholm's film is a thought-provoking and visually arresting exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche, making it a memorable and impactful entry in contemporary horror cinema.