Ancient beliefs and modern fears collide in Tereza Nvotová’s beguiling folk horror set in a remote Slovak mountain village. Best European feature, Sitges 2022.
A shimmering, other-worldly atmosphere surrounds the tale of Šarlota, a 30-year-old nurse returning to her isolated hometown to claim an inheritance. Shunned by locals who remember her role in a tragedy 20 years ago, Šarlota, arrives to find her mother’s house burned to the ground. The only friend in town is Mira, a free-spirited herbalist who forms an instant and powerful bond with Šarlota. As the women become closer, disturbing events start to occur and rumours take hold. In this male-dominated place where superstition runs deep, Šarlota and Mira are accused of witchcraft, with devastating consequences. Themes of misogyny, trauma and patriarchy are potently examined in this spellbinding modern horror film.