38/33
But her mind and heart are heavy
Line of Events
Austria 18th century The forests surround the villages. After killing the baby, the woman is sentenced to death. Agnes is preparing for married life with her lover.
Depression by Anja Plaschg
Only a dark road, angry thoughts surging. Agnes is probably suffering from psychotic depression because " Individuals with psychotic depression have symptoms of a major depressive episode along with one or more psychotic symptoms, including delusions and/or hallucinations. Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, Germans and Austrians respectively, have teamed up again and this time they have given it their all.
Infanticide may sound distasteful, but it plays a crucial role in determining the film’s theme
Set in the Austrian forest in the 18th century, the action tells the story of a young newlywed who is disappointed that she cannot bear a child for her husband. However, at the beginning of the film, one can understand what might be in store for a young woman like this to be beheaded for killing a baby. The beauty of this long piece of folk horror lies in trying to figure out exactly what’s going on.
But it would be a spoiler to say that
Suffice it to say that the film’s title, Des Teufels Bad, is a German expression for a dangerous circumstance that could lead to disaster. Those who want to watch this just for the shock value and horror content will likely be disappointed. Instead, it’s a beautifully filmed tragic historical drama based on real events.
There are moments of violence and gore, however
The landscape is portrayed as bleak, repetitive and distant; life is a matter of survival and the routine of fishing and farming is monotonous; reflected by the film’s length and its many scenes where little happens. But the tension builds and the ending is especially satisfying. Be sure to watch the end credits for an explanation of events.