'Libahunt' is an unfairly forgotten classic. Intriguing story, immaculate black and white cinematography, finely timed pacing, and thoughtful performances by all the lead actors. Ene Rämmeld as Tiina was particularly mesmerizing. Score by Veljo Tormis enhances the mysterious, nearly dreamlike atmosphere of the movie. The movie is based on the play by August Kitzberg that itself is quite ambiguous, but the movie goes even further.
The film begins with the scene where the villagers are celebrating Midsummer Day festivities. That scene perfectly establishes the hypocrisy of the villagers - they have condemned and executed Tiina's real mother for being the witch and now they condemn Tiina as the werewolf and chase her into the woods, while as church-going people they perform paganistic rituals for a good harvest. This sort of hypocrisy is still prevailing in society. The movie doesn't shy away from that theme and explores it throughout the film, but it also doesn't rub it in the faces of the audience.
The film smoothly changes between present and past events. The line between reality, dream, and fantasy is thin, so the viewer can make the decision which way to take the conclusion of the movie. The film clocks in barely 71 minutes and it might seem too short for such a complex story, but it is the perfect length. Every scene seemed to be measured and cut together with scientific precision. Longer runtime and the movie would have definitely started to drag. The dialogue is sparse and the story is moved forward using visual imagery. Even the few quiet moments were filled with tension.
Leida Laius as a director didn't get and still doesn't get the recognition she truly deserves.
