If you enjoy gloomy, psychological films, you’re in for a treat. The Devil’s Bath, the new work by directors Severin Fiala and Veronika Franz, is a harrowing character study of a woman whose mind and heart grow heavy in 1750s rural Austria as she battles depression after marriage. Faith, punishment, strict social norms, remorse, and survival are among the themes explored in this film, which lands in Spanish theatres on November 15 via Caramel Films.
The film is finally arriving in commercial theatres after a long and successful run at various festivals, where it garnered multiple awards, including Best Film at Sitges and the Silver Bear for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at the Berlinale (where it was also nominated for Best Film). And let’s not forget, it will represent Austria in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards. But does it live up to the hype? The answer is yes.
First, what exactly does the expression “the devil’s bath” mean? It’s an old term used to refer to depression in the 17th and 18th centuries — often called ‘the melancholy disease.’ This is precisely what Agnes, the main character (brilliantly portrayed by Anja Plaschg), suffers from. After marrying her beloved, she soon discovers the oppressive obligations that come with married life, coupled with social taboos, strong religious beliefs, and a husband who barely touches her at night. Add to this an insufferable mother-in-law who visits the newlyweds’ home to ensure Agnes is fulfilling her domestic duties — cooking, cleaning, and praying.
Over two hours, the directors delve into the psyche of a woman sinking deeper into an inescapable void. The film is slow and patient, yet effective and unsettling. At times, it’s difficult to understand why Agnes behaves the way she does (her long stares into nothingness, her diminishing will to accomplish tasks, and her obsessive praying in the hope that God will save her). However, as the film progresses, the reasons for her state become clearer. She’s trapped on a bleak and solitary path leading to dark thoughts: death.
The film illustrates how a devout Christian society views suicide as an unforgivable sin. It’s considered a rejection of the life given by God, equating to taking divine power into human hands. The message is clear: you’re not in control. Furthermore, suicide means no chance for confession or absolution, consigning the soul directly to hell. Even on Earth, a body taken by suicide cannot be given a proper burial.
In such an oppressive, victim-blaming environment, many who suffered from depression found a horrifying loophole: committing murder. The death penalty allowed them to confess their sins to a priest and die believing they would go to heaven. It was cruel but effective. The Devil’s Bath is inspired by a study by scholar Katie Stewart about life in 17th-18th century Germany, where those who struggled with depression and contemplated suicide often committed crimes to be executed — particularly women killing children. This chilling history forms the foundation of this film, shedding light on an overlooked chapter of European history.
Although it is historical fiction, The Devil’s Bath feels more relevant than ever, addressing a topic many avoid discussing: suicide. In the United States in 2022, suicide was one of the top nine leading causes of death for people aged 10 to 64 and the second leading cause for those aged 10 to 14 and 25 to 34. These statistics are deeply alarming.
In Spain, the situation is equally distressing. According to the Observatory of Suicide, suicide is the leading cause of unnatural death, with over four thousands deaths per year — an average of eleven per day. This figure has been increasing for the past four years. The latest data from the National Statistics Institute (INE), published at the end of 2023, revealed that in 2021, 4,227 people died by suicide, the highest number recorded in the country’s history.
Gloomy, dark, and murky yet captivating, The Devil’s Bath is bound to captivate audiences worldwide, thanks to Anja Plaschg’s impressive portrayal of Agnes and the directors’ masterful script, character development, and atmospheric craftsmanship.
