Where to watch: AMC+, Shudder
Content warning: implied domestic abuse, drugging, blood, mistreatment of women
Non-Spoiler Synopsis: A young woman inherits a pub in Germany with a dark secret in the basement.
Ratings (out of 5)
Jump scares: 👻
Blood:🩸🩸
Psychological & Suspense: 💀
Grief: 💧💧💧
Overall😱😱😱
Worth the Watch?
The film, written by Christina Pamies, Bryce McGuire, and Lorcan Reilly and directed by Alberto Corredor, centers on Iris, a struggling young artist recently evicted from her apartment. Her life takes a surprising turn when she inherits a pub from her estranged father. Little does she know, her father was the keeper of a witch imprisoned in the basement, profiting off of bereaved individuals seeking to reconnect with their loved ones. One such person becomes fixated on seeing the witch at any cost.
As a thanatologist and counselor, I appreciate horror movies that delve into themes of grief and trauma, and this film does just that. It's an engaging watch that delves into the complexities of unresolved grief and trauma.
**Spoilers ahead: read with caution**
To me, this is fundamentally a tale of vengeance. This is the story of the witch.
Owen, Iris’ father, inherited the pub and discovered that leaving it would result in death pursuing him. Unfortunately, he passed on the same fate to Iris when he left her the pub. Perhaps he hoped that Iris would avoid the same fate and utilize the witch's abilities for good, being a better guardian than the previous men, especially as Iris seems to be the first female guardian. Despite his efforts to caution her, he fails to warn her about Neil, a grief-stricken husband fixated on reaching his deceased wife.
“Please, I need to see her.”
In times of grief, we yearn to reconnect with our departed loved ones, seeking closure and a sense of connection. When summoned, the witch has the ability to communicate with the deceased and assume their identity; the longer she remains summoned, the more she embodies the deceased.
“Take your grief elsewhere.”
While Iris is about to receive closure when she uses the witch to see her dad, Neil only receives more heartache when it is revealed that he gave his wife a sedative to calm her down; without her knowing, she drove, crashed, and died. He also learns that she was pregnant and, out of her fear of him, is planning on leaving him. This does not end Neil’s obsession with the witch.
Neil's fixation on his wife and, consequently, the witch drives him to devise a reckless scheme to assume guardianship of the pub. Tragically, his actions result in Iris's demise. Realizing he requires her resurrection to transfer the deed, Neil resorts to using the witch to assume Iris's form and sign the document. However, his plan backfires as the witch, now embodying Iris, is frees herself.
The film explores the exploitation of inherent abilities. The witch is initially discovered by a brotherhood seeking to harness her powers for communication with the deceased. However, she refuses their demands. In retaliation, they falsely label her a witch and execute her. Through a sinister ritual, they resurrect her, intending to exploit her abilities. The witch, followed by death, cursed the brotherhood, and death now follows them. Not only does the brotherhood exploit her, but her subsequent guardians also profit from her talents, perpetuating her cycle of abuse and exploitation.
“You killed my guardian, and you brought her back, so now she is me.”
Ultimately, the witch attains freedom. Intriguingly, death accompanies all her guardians, echoing the inevitability of mortality for all humanity. Death is not a curse but an inescapable aspect of existence. Birth and death are intrinsic to life's cycle.
Dive Deeper:
Grief is messy. We often struggle with tying up unfinished business, leaving us with unanswered questions. We deal with feelings of guilt, remorse, and regret, to name a few. As the living, we have the power to ease some of the suffering left when we die.
While you are living, pre-death activities (do not save these until you know you are dying; start them now).
1. Create your will
2. Create your advanced directives, including DNR (Do Not Resistate).
3. Leave information about all your accounts and passwords
Let people know where they can find your will and advanced directives; I have a folder on my computer, “If I am dead, dying or sick,” where my loved ones can find my will, advanced directives, account info, and more.)
4. Plan your funeral
Does your religion or culture have certain rituals that must be performed, and must you communicate with others before your death? Some of the questions below might not pertain to you because of religious or cultural customs (if that is the case, please skip).
How do you want your remains disposed of?
Green burial, aquamation, cremation, traditional burial (do your research)
Do you want something special done with your ashes if aquamation or cremation is preferred:
Do you want to be pressed into a record, become part of the coral reef, be sent to space, become jewelry
Do you want certain flowers, food, or music?
What is important for people to know at your funeral?
5. Your Legacy (have fun with this one)
How do you want to be remembered?
Start writing your life story
Create a fact sheet of interesting facts about you. Start with 50 and add to it each year
Write letters to people
Do you have a creative hobby and you can leave mementos of yourself (sewing something, woodworking something, drawing something, writing poems, leaving a picture), cooking (sharing/leaving recipes)
Make a voice recording or a video
Lists of your favorite shows, movies, music, books, foods, places, and restaurants so your loved ones can connect with you.
Write/record your favorite memories of certain people and leave it for them
Share your photos
Share and/or make a list of Items that were important to you
Get creative; this is how you support your bereaved loved ones in your death. This is your legacy. This is how you will be remembered.
Want more?
If you liked Baghead, check out The Autopsy of Jane Doe.
New movie review on Wednesdays
❤️Thoughts? Have you watched any of these movies? Movies you’d like me to review? Love to hear your thoughts!❤️
Disclaimer: The resources provided in this article are intended to offer support, guidance, and information to individuals seeking to enhance their mental well-being. However, it is essential to recognize that the information provided is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. While the materials included may offer valuable strategies and insights, they are not tailored to individual circumstances, and their effectiveness can vary from person to person. Mental health is a complex and deeply personal matter, and seeking the guidance of a qualified mental health professional is highly recommended for personalized assessment and treatment. By accessing and using the resources provided in this article, you acknowledge and understand that they are not a substitute for professional mental health services. The creators of this article are not liable for any consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Remember, prioritizing your mental health and seeking professional help when needed are essential steps in your journey toward well-being.