Effigy: Poison and the City

Two strong women play convincing roles in the foreground of this real life story.

If the murderess and her plot had been invented, this would hardly be credible, it would simply appear overdone. So the disturbing thing is that this apparently gentle but crafty woman, who poisoned around 15 people over several years before being caught, really existed in Bremen. I watched the film in a cinema in a city in Germany, not far from Bremen, and friends from there know the story from local history.

In the film, the murderess appears to envy the skills and social standing of her opponent, the young law clerk Cato Böhmer.There are a few understandable interpretations of the killer's motivation and psychological disposition, but by and large her actions remain a mystery, so you get something to ponder about afterwards. Why did she kill so many people and at the same time portray herself as a caring person?

The dialogues are enjoyable acoustically, in contrast to many current films, where it is apparently cool to mumble or to accompany the dialogues with loud background noises or music.

The specially produced film music, performed by a 40-piece orchestra, is wonderfully composed and fitting to the whole atmosphere of the film.

The criminal case is integrated into the technical and economic developments of the era around 1830. You learn about railroad construction in Northern Germany together with impressive historical backdrops. As an interesting detail, the use of a kind of mechanical copier is also shown (a device completely unknown to me).

It is a film well worth seeing, not only for fans of historical dialogues. I am already waiting for the next film from Udo Flohr and hope that he will continue to employ such powerful actors.

In this true story, two formidable women deliver impactful performances at the forefront. The narrative, if fabricated, would seem implausively exaggerated. It's unsettling to realize that the seemingly benign yet cunning woman who poisoned about 15 people over years in Bremen actually existed. I viewed this film in a German city close to Bremen, where locals are familiar with this historical incident.

In the movie, the murderess is depicted as jealous of the talents and status of her adversary, the young legal assistant Cato Böhmer. While there are some plausible theories about the murderer's motives and mindset, her actions largely remain an enigma, leaving viewers with lingering questions. What drove her to commit numerous murders while maintaining a facade of benevolence?

The film's dialogue stands out for its clarity, a refreshing change from modern movies that often feature mumbled lines or overpowering background sounds.

The score, created by a 40-member orchestra, beautifully enhances the film's mood.

The plot weaves in the technological and economic progress of the 1830s, educating viewers on railway development in Northern Germany against a backdrop of historical scenery. An intriguing aspect is the depiction of an early mechanical copier, a device I was unfamiliar with.

This movie is a must-see, transcending appeal beyond historical dialogue enthusiasts. I eagerly anticipate Udo Flohr's next creation and hope he continues to cast such compelling actors.

The film's foundation in a true story significantly and it really impacted my admiration for it. Kudos for adeptly and artistically presenting the narrative with a robust feminist perspective. The custom-composed film score, executed by a 40-piece orchestra, is masterfully crafted and seamlessly aligns with the overall film ambiance. While not adhering to a modest budget, this isn't your typical Hollywood production, demanding your focused engagement. However, the investment is undeniably rewarding, even for those who aren't typically drawn to historical dialogues. Encountering films like this isn't a frequent occurrence, so I'm genuinely pleased to have come across it. I'll definitely make a point to recommend it to my family and friends.

I found the film captivating due to its psychological thriller elements, which kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. My husband, on the other hand, was particularly impressed by the film's dedication to historical accuracy, evident in the detailed costumes and authentic set designs. This movie provides a wealth of discussion topics, thanks to its rich array of subthemes including technological progress, the evolution of women's rights, psychological intricacies, and the nuances of crime investigation. Beyond its compelling narrative, the film stands out for its artistic cinematography. It possesses a unique, tranquil quality, juxtaposed with the stunning beauty of its landscapes, which adds depth to the visual experience. The way the film weaves tension through various layers of the story, from subtle interpersonal dynamics to overarching societal conflicts, contributes to an immersive and thought-provoking viewing experience.

I liked it because is is a psychological thriller. My husband liked it because of the detailed historical accuracy in costumes and set! It gives you a lot to talk about, with several compelling subthemes (progress, women's rights, psychology, crime investigation). It is also a beautifully filmed movie, with a strangely quiet feel and gorgeous scenery. The tension is on many levels.