Remember those terrifying cautionary tales that you were told as a kid? Well, the folk horror genre brings those hauntings to life in terrifying and horrific ways. Many of the best horror movies stem fromfolklore and mythology. The underrated 2017 filmThe Ritual,Ari Aster’sMidsommar, and Robert Eggers’The Witchare all flawless horror movies, and some of the best in the folklore horror subgenre of recent years. It’s a genre that has been around since the dawn of horror (as seen in the 1922 filmHäxan), and one we have been so infatuated with ever since.
But why do we love folk horror so much? Well, instead of focusing on jump scares or tons of gore to scare the living daylights out of us, folklore builds its horror around cultural specificity, universal themes surrounding real world struggles, and very old, tried and true stories of the fear of the unknown, leaving audiences anxious and terrified. The latest addition to this subgenre is the haunting Slovakian film,Nightsiren.
Nightsirenis a devastating look at the patriarchy, and the lengths the system would go to put women down. It celebrates thepower of womenwho seek to stand up to their oppressors no matter how much they are put down. The isolated setting and impactful topics ofNightsirencreate a haunting and uncomfortably real world, even if it can be hard to endure.
Speaking of uncomfortable, the film never eases up. Whether it’s through scenes of murder, child abuse, segregation, sexual assault, or animal abuse,Nightsirenwill never hold your hand. It throws audiences face-first into the horrific reflection of some real aspects of our every day life. But it’s through this imagery and subject matter that help create both fear and ultimately an inspiring and empowering message towards the latter half of the movie. You never know where the movie is going, but the ride to get there is full of suspense, terror, and impactful themes.
Slovakian Folklore About Witches
Directed by Tereza Nvotová,Nightsirenfollows Sarlota (Natalia Germani) a woman who returns to the mountain village of her youth to get answers about her troubled childhood. Sarlota has never recovered from the abuse at the hand of her mother, nor has she forgiven herself for the accident that caused the death of her sister. When returning to her home, she is immediately labeled a witch, but after she becomes friends with a like-minded villager named Mira (Eva Mores), they defy the town itself.
There is no shortage of horror films that tackle withthe theme of witchesin a remote God-fearing town. However,Nightsirenis less about whether Sarlota is a witch or not, but the fear of those oppressing her in the village just because she is different, and instantly labeling her a witch for no good reason other than fear.
Related:The 13 Best Movies About Witches, Ranked By Rotten Tomatoes
Down with the Patriarchy
Nightsirendoesn’t shy away from showing viewers the horrific underbelly of the patriarchal society. The majority of the men inNightsirenfeel compelled to put the women of the town down, only using them to bear children. When a woman like Sarlota is different, stronger, and refuses to conform, they become terrified and quickly label those who reject the system of the patriarchy as witches.
Director Tereza Nvotvá isn’t afraid to show the disgraceful acts committed by the majority of the male characters in the movie. Nvotvá constantly shows graphic scenes of rape, sexual assault, and child abuse, creating a far more tense and incredibly uncomfortable atmosphere. It offers an undeniable reflection on some parts of our society that are sadly still prominent today.
Celebrating the Power of Women
WhileNightsirenunsubtly examines the most subjugating aspects ofthe patriarchal systemthroughout history, it also offers a showcase of the power of women. Yes, the movie is filled with scenes of rape and sexual assault, but when Sarlota and Mira stand up to these monsters, the men committing these crimes become small, lesser individuals, as audiences celebrate the true inner (and physical) power of women against the oppression of the men in the film.
On top of that, one brilliantly directed scene concerns a euphoric vision from Sarlota, as she runs through numerous nude bodies with stunningly fluorescent body paint, and vibrant neon lighting. It culminates in a scene that celebrates sexual freedom, while also showcasing the sexual oppression of the patriarchy through imaginative wolf masks, symbolizing the ‘alphas’ of the society. Likewise, a nude dance scene around the fire is potently evocative, with a repressed gay character who begins to lean into her sexualization before being chased by those who oppressed her in another dreamlike sequence. These scenes celebrate sexual freedom, while also reminding audiences that an oppressive society is always present.
Related:The Best Feminist Horror Movies of All Time
An Anxious Atmosphere
Nightsiren’scinematography is stunning. The film opts for longer shots, which engulf audiences into this horrific world. Making the already uncomfortable scenes far more difficult to watch. The remote Slovakian landscape is a wonder to behold. The endless trees, large mountains, and beautiful countryside make for a truly sensational setting. However, it’s this remote setting that creates a fear of isolation. There’s no signal, no people other than the oppressive cultish society of the town, and no way of escape. The physical and emotional claustrophobia mirrors the feelings of the women who are isolated and oppressed.
Nightsiren’s music is both haunting and euphoric, which is only enhanced by the aforementioned, beautifully filmed dreamlike sequences. While its music enhances the film’s suspense, it’s actually the moments which drop the score that truly elevates the filmsanxiety inducing atmosphere. Eventually, you’ll be devastated by the time the film is done.
Nightsirenreleases in select theaters on September 22; watch this space for more information on its on demand and digital release.
