Hagazussa

We live in an extremely fast paced world....overfloaded by stimuli that are all around us. Used be able to get from A to B in no time....and most movies of our time adapt this pace.

But this one is different. It is not only set in very different time, it IS this different time. This movie lets you feel the slower pacing of old times. What some critics consider painstakingly boring, is just the clash between live has been paced a long time ago and how it is now. It is menacing - and I think it is supposed to be.

There is a nearly absolut absence of dialog. There are only a few sentences spoken in the entire movie. That is another clash between days past and our time. We talk all the time, chatter about just anything. But not in this movie. There is no need to talk. Just feel it.

And this movie is a lot about FEELING it. The main character does not elaborate or think about things - she just feels...like an animal. Just be and feel.

This movie doesn´t make sense. There is no plot that has to make sense. This is just being. It is what it is.

I have to watch it again to decide if I give it an even higher rating.

HAGAZUSSA has everything going for it: A bleak, dreary atmosphere of increasing dread, mixed with a subtle, almost poetic style. The spacious cinematography captures the vastness of the Alps, making the main character, Albrun (Aleksandra Cwen), seem all the more isolated.

On its surface, it's a story of witches, set in the desolate, yet beautiful mountains of 15th Century Austria. It's also about abandonment, survival, betrayal, and revenge.

Many compare it to THE WITCH, but these films are two completely different takes on similar subject matter. One thing they do share however, is the way they leave it up to the viewer to decide whether the story's events are truly supernatural, psychological, or a mixture of both.

This is a quiet, disturbing movie, with very sparse dialogue. Most of the more chilling bits are saved for the final third. While it is well made and thoroughly dark, it's probably not for everyone...

This debut and thesis film,"Hagazussa" by Lukas Feigelfeld is an exploration of 15th century European "witch" mythology, rural folklore and superstitions. It's a slow burn but it's visuals and sound mixing are astounding, which is why it has received many nominations and awards since 2017.

His style is yet to evolve, since the film's weak point is telling a story unlike Robert Egger's "The Witch" (2015) does well, inspired by U.S. colonial history. Except for the usages of three title cards to break the narrative, the story gets muddled. After the film viewing, I had seen many confused faces, not understanding what has happened as they left the room.

It's strengths of this emerging director to make the natural looks unnatural. The depictions of a bold performance by Aleksandra Cwen as "Alburn" amongst the Austrian landscape is truly visionary. But again for the general viewers it may not be enough to get into the story.

The film as a story explored moral conflicts amongst the villagers, referring to their persecution of Jews and others outside of the Christian spectrum.

"HAGAZUSSA" For the most part is a very dark and grim atmospheric film that's beautifully shot and well performed by the actors. It had great potential to go beyond the depth of "The Witch" but doesn't scratch the surface enough for you to feel enlightened or better informed by what you just witnessed for an hour & 45 minutes. The lack luster ending that everyone falsely raves about is pathetic and that's a gross understatement. Did the film have it's moments yes but none of them were slam dunks and every one of those scenes left points on the board because it never followed through. Whether lying in bed with her mother or watching from behind her in the lake from 50 yards away, That's not enough when you compare it to films like "MIDSOMER" or "HEREDITARY". Definitely had potential but nothing here is a must see or disturbing enough to make it memorable 6 months from now. And that's truly disappointing to waste such a good effort.

Before watching a film like this, it's important to know what you're getting into in terms of tone .This film is heavily atmospheric and slow-paced .Like recent examples The Witch and Hereditary I am very happy to see more excellent films breaking the mold of Hollywood formulaic paced fanfare for ADD viewer consumption. This film features masterfully slow burn storytelling with a sense of history, mystery and mythic dread. It is also very artfully shot with a perfectly matched deep bass soundtrack from MMMD and an outstanding often intense performance by lead actress Aleksandra Cwen. Looking forward to more from first time director Lukas Feigelfeld who nailed this one. Its up on Prime video free if your a member.