Diary entries forThe Devil's Bath
The Devil's Bath
I don't know what it is about great modern folk horror being uber realistic too but goddamn. Midsommar had the most accurate depiction of how my first panic attack felt, and now The Devil's Bath had the most accurate depiction of how depressive episodes looked for me (both after that panic attack, and during my dad's dying process) I don't ever think I'm gonna forget that confession scene Fuck everyone who thinks we're not in a golden age of horror. Masterpieces every year since, at the latest, 2018
The Devil's Bath
There is just something about slow and methodical folk horror that I absolutely adore. Films like Hagazussa and November are two that come to mind that truly shine within the modern folk horror scene, and I’m happy to say that The Devil’s Bath rightfully has its place among those great films. I completely understand that this film is not for everyone. It’s a very slow, plot-driven historical piece, which many would consider something of a snooze-fest. For me, I love being placed into these worlds, since they are all so very different from the world we live in today. Being able to peel back the curtain in time and explore places and situations that we will never experience is so exciting, which is why I think that I am so drawn to films like this. This is a harrowing film. There’s nothing positive going on within the film - there's a bleakness spreading over it like a disease. It’s dark and deeply saddening, especially when reading the final text of the film, discussing the historical significance of the events that unfolded within the film. It’s bold to make a film as deeply unsettling and saddening as this is, but I think that directors Franz and Fiala, yet again, have hit it out of the park. This duo have crafted some of the most interesting and visually stunning horror films of the past decade, and this film certainly lives up to their taste level. This is crafted very carefully, with a lot of love and respect put into it, showcasing this story, but also giving light to the many cases of women throughout history that have seemingly been overlooked and forgotten. It’s not everyday that we get a period piece that higlights women’s struggles with religion and mental health, so it was refreshing to get a story like this told, even if it is a very bleak one to tell. The Devil’s Bath is going to be a highlight for the year, and is one that I know that I will be very eager to get to see again, since there is so much to discuss, and so much that I know that I must have missed. I know this isn’t for everyone, but this is right down my alley, and I urge anyone with any kind of interest to give it a chance, since it truly is worth the time.
The Devil's Bath
Bien
The Devil's Bath
rare instance of a german-speaking movie i actually enjoyed.. a shocker! great period piece. i wouldn't call it horror per se, it's more of a depressing drama than anything. slowburn. featured a q&a of the two directors afterwards, which i enjoyed.
