Euronews Culture sat down with directors Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala to discuss 'The Devil's Bath', which shines an unsettling light on a previously unexplored and dark chapter of European history. Most descriptions for may inadvertently discourage viewers looking for a clear notion of what they’re about to watch. It’s an unclassifiable and tantalising slow-burn that won’t be everyone’s idea of a carefree time at the cinema.
However, to skip it would be a mistake, as it is without a doubt one of the most memorable films you’ll see all year and highlight of this year’s , where it premiered in Competition and won the Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution - awarded to cinematographer Martin Gschlacht for his striking work. Many - inlcuding us at Euronews Culture - felt it should have gone home with the top award. Directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala ( , ), is a bleak but mesmerising portrait of female melancholia in 18th century Austria, one based on extensive research into historical court records.
It shines an unsettling light on a previously unexplored chapter of European history, which saw hundreds of people – mostly women – finding a dogmatic loophole to avoid eternal damnation. This phenomenon of suicide by proxy is explored through the story of a young woman, Agnes, played to perfection by Anja Plaschg – the musician better known as Soap&Skin. Read our full review of the film .
Euronews Culture sat down with the aunt-nephew directing du.
