Hagazussa (2017)
Hagazussa (2017)
Hagazussa: A Heathen’s Curse (2017) is a haunting, atmospheric horror film directed by Lukas Feigelfeld. Set in 15th-century Austria, the film explores themes of isolation, superstition, and psychological descent through the lens of pagan folklore and witchcraft. The story follows Albrun (played by Aleksandra Cwen), a young woman who lives alone in the remote Alps, shunned by the local villagers who believe her to be a witch, like her mother before her.
As Albrun grows up in near-complete solitude, the trauma of her past and the villagers’ cruelty take a toll on her psyche, leading her down a dark path of paranoia, hallucinations, and despair. The film unfolds in a slow, deliberate pace, using stunning cinematography and minimal dialogue to convey a sense of dread and isolation. It immerses viewers in a deeply unsettling experience, blending psychological horror with eerie imagery rooted in paganism.
Hagazussa has been praised for its uncompromising approach to horror, using silence, visuals, and a foreboding score to craft an atmosphere that’s both beautiful and deeply disturbing. Often compared to The Witch (2015), it’s a meditation on fear, repression, and the power of superstition, making it a unique entry in modern folk horror cinema.