Hooptober 7.0

73/39 - Bonus Watch
*****************************************

Another recommendation from Chris Kirby, but this doesn’t soar to the heights of Luz.  Even still, this adaptation of a Russian folktale is a brisk, entertaining early horror entry with a final 10 minutes that is deserving of legendary status.

While not particularly scary, and barely creepy by today’s standards, there is an overarching element of dread and tragedy that is palpable.  The story of a young seminary student/philosopher who makes the mortal mistake of killing a witch at the beginning of the film and as retribution by that witch (who transforms into a beautiful young girl), is forced to pray over the body alone for three nights.

Of course this doesn’t go well for the young man.  He’s an alcoholic as well and while it’s possible that what he experiences are delusions manifesting from his own guilt, they certainly are depicted as real.  By the third night he is all but losing it and when the witch unleashes her final “attack” it is a marvel of mid-60s special effects, in camera tricks and astonishing makeup.

Having said all of that, there are elements that made the movie feel a bit hokey - between the score, the performances and the matte work it felt very much of a period.  Still, it is one of a kind as a 60s Russian horror film and worthy of a watch now that Severin has release such a gorgeous restoration (which is also available to stream on Shudder).