The Devil’s Bath (2024) Movie Review: A Harrowing Descent into the Dark Realities of 18th Century Austria
“The Devil’s Bath,” originally titled “Des Teufels Bad,” is a disturbing period piece that delves into the stark horrors of religious fanaticism and societal repression in 18th century Austria. Directed by Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, the Austrian filmmaking duo known for “Goodnight Mommy” and “The Lodge,” this film is a slow-burning psychological thriller that forgoes supernatural elements in favor of unsettling historical realism. Released in 2024, The Devil’s Bath challenges viewers with its grim atmosphere, unsettling themes, and raw portrayal of a woman’s descent into madness.
Plot Overview
The film centers around Agnes (Anja Plaschg), a devout Catholic woman living in rural Austria in 1751. Newly married to Wolf (David Scheid), Agnes initially believes she is on the cusp of a happy life. However, her expectations quickly shatter when Wolf proves uninterested in consummating their marriage, and Agnes faces mounting pressure to bear children. As she fails to conceive, Agnes becomes a target of her community’s judgment and superstition, exacerbated by her cruel mother-in-law (Maria Hofstätter). In this oppressive setting, Agnes’s mental state deteriorates, leading to a series of tragic events.
“The Devil’s Bath” presents a relentless depiction of the harshness of life in a time when religious and cultural expectations dictated every aspect of existence. Agnes, despite her initial piety and hope for a better life, finds herself increasingly isolated, shamed, and dehumanized. The film is a profound exploration of repression, particularly the kind faced by women, and offers no easy resolutions.
Performances and Direction
Anja Plaschg’s portrayal of Agnes is deeply affecting. Known for her work as a musician under the stage name Soap&Skin, Plaschg brings a raw, emotional intensity to the role. Her expressive performance captures Agnes’s slow unraveling as she grapples with internalized guilt and external cruelty. The desperation in Agnes’s eyes, her faltering steps through the bleak Austrian landscape, and her fervent prayers for mercy all contribute to a haunting portrayal of a woman trapped by her time and circumstances.
Directors Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz employ their signature style of blending suspense with psychological depth. They skillfully create an atmosphere of dread and tension, using long, quiet shots of the Austrian countryside to amplify the sense of isolation and foreboding. Martin Gschlacht’s cinematography is another highlight of the film, with painterly visuals that juxtapose the beauty of nature against the ugliness of human suffering. The muted color palette and stark imagery further underscore the oppressive mood of the film.
Themes of Repression and Despair
At its core, The Devil’s Bath is about the destructive power of repression—religious, societal, and personal. Agnes’s plight is emblematic of the struggles faced by many women of her era, whose worth was largely determined by their ability to bear children and conform to rigid social norms. The film does not shy away from depicting the brutal consequences of stepping outside these expectations. As Agnes fails to fulfill her role as a wife and mother, she becomes an outcast, viewed as a failure not just by her husband but by her entire community.
Religious themes are central to the film, as Agnes’s faith becomes both her salvation and her undoing. Her fervent prayers for a child and her desire to be a good Christian are met with silence from a God she believes has forsaken her. The filmmakers avoid sensationalizing Agnes’s suffering, instead presenting it with a stark realism that reflects the harshness of 18th century rural life. The absence of supernatural elements makes the horror all the more palpable; Agnes’s torment is rooted in the very real societal structures of her time.
A Cinematic Study of Pain and Isolation
The Devil’s Bath is not an easy film to watch. Its deliberate pacing and unflinching portrayal of pain, both physical and emotional, may be too intense for some viewers. However, for those willing to engage with its grim subject matter, the film offers a compelling and thought-provoking experience. Franz and Fiala’s direction ensures that even in moments of stillness, there is a simmering tension that keeps viewers on edge.
The film’s depiction of Agnes’s mental deterioration is handled with care, avoiding the usual clichés of the “mad woman” trope. Instead, her madness is portrayed as a natural response to the inhumane conditions she endures. The slow, inevitable build-up to the film’s climax is both agonizing and cathartic, leaving viewers with a sense of profound unease.
Where to Watch The Devil’s Bath Online
For horror enthusiasts eager to experience The Devil’s Bath, the film is available for streaming in the U.S. on Shudder, a platform known for its curated collection of horror and thriller films. For those looking to rent or purchase, The Devil’s Bath is also available on popular services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. These platforms offer options for both digital rental and purchase, making it accessible to a wide audience.
Additionally, for audiences looking to support indie films, renting through platforms like Vudu or FandangoNOW can provide further viewing flexibility. With its unique blend of psychological horror and historical drama, The Devil’s Bath is sure to captivate fans of atmospheric, slow-burn cinema.
Final Thoughts
The Devil’s Bath is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. Its bleak atmosphere, powerful performances, and unsettling themes make it a standout in the folk horror genre. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate thoughtful, character-driven horror will find much to admire in this grim tale of repression, despair, and survival.
For viewers seeking something deeper than traditional horror, The Devil’s Bath offers a chilling look at the psychological toll of living in a world where faith, superstition, and cruelty are intertwined. It’s a film that challenges, disturbs, and ultimately leaves a lasting impression.
