by Shudder’s latest release, The Devil’s Bath, features a title that immediately grabs attention, but it is the film itself that tightens its grip on viewers, compelling them to remain riveted despite their discomfort. Crafted by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, the same minds behind the unsettling Goodnight Mommy and The Lodge, this film surpasses its predecessors. Rather than drawing from a novel or purely original concept, the film delves into some of the darkest themes imaginable, offering a narrative rooted in unsettling truths. The Devil’s Bath is not a film that leaves you easily; instead, it immerses you in its grim depths, leaving a lasting impact.
A slow-burning horror film from Austria and Germany, The Devil’s Bath delves into themes of depression, and is best experienced in solitude, free from distractions like smartphones. Featuring a powerful performance by Anja Plaschg, an Austrian musician-turned-actor who appears throughout nearly the entire film, this movie is not for the faint-hearted. It is a study in darkness, with one shocking image following another in a relentless series. This film does not deal with supernatural elements or classic horror tropes but explores the bleak aspects of the human psyche. The Devil’s Bath will affect you deeply, leaving you with an indelible impression after just one viewing.
The Devil’s Bath (2024)
Genre: Horror, Mystery, Historical Drama
Setting: 18th Century Austria. Villages are surrounded by forests, and a woman sentenced to death for killing a baby faces a grim fate. Agnes prepares for her marriage, but her mental state deteriorates as she grapples with dark thoughts.
Release Date: June 8, 2024
Directors: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala
Cast: Anja Plaschg, Maria Hofstätter, David Scheid, Natalija Baranova, Lukas Walcher, Agnes Lampl, Camilla Schilien, Lorenz Tröbinger
Main Genre: Horror
Writers: Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala
Plot Summary of ‘The Devil’s Bath’
Set in 18th-century Austria, The Devil’s Bath opens with a jarring scene: a woman discovers a baby in the woods and, with a grim determination, throws it off a cliff before confessing to a priest. Her subsequent execution is displayed in a chilling tableau, her body left on display in the woods. The story then shifts to a brief respite, highlighting the marriage of Agnes (Anja Plaschg) and Wolf (David Scheid). Wolf surprises Agnes with a home away from her family, which leads to her immediate disillusionment. Despite his good intentions, Wolf’s actions, including giving Agnes a grim token, contribute to her deepening depression.
Anja Plaschg’s Agnes: A Heartbreaking Portrayal
The Devil’s Bath avoids clichés by presenting Wolf not as an abusive husband but as a well-meaning yet ineffective partner. His mother frequently intervenes, and while she disparages Agnes, Wolf remains compassionate but clueless about how to help. The focus remains on Agnes, played by Anja Plaschg, whose performance is strikingly powerful for someone with limited acting experience. The film’s portrayal of Agnes’s descent into despair is portrayed through subtle, haunting visuals rather than overt dramatics, making her plight all the more affecting.
A Distinctive Take on Depression
While numerous films have tackled depression, The Devil’s Bath offers a unique perspective by setting its story in a historical context. The term “devil’s bath” reflects the period’s misunderstanding of mental illness, depicting depression as a form of supernatural affliction. Unlike modern depictions of grief or loss, this film explores the profound sense of personal loss and self-destruction experienced by Agnes. The film concludes with a poignant revelation that many throughout history faced similar despair, adding a layer of historical authenticity to the horror. The Devil’s Bath is a profoundly unsettling experience that lingers long after the credits roll, offering a powerful, if harrowing, cinematic journey.
