Preview by Jon Donnis
Salvation comes from the darkest of places in Heresy, Didier Konings’ folk horror fable that explores religious terror, repression and belief. After earning praise during its festival run, the film is set to make its UK digital debut on 28 September courtesy of GrimmVision.
Set in a small Dutch village during the Dark Ages, Heresy follows Frieda, played by Anneke Sluiters, as she attempts to live up to the expectations placed upon her. She tries to be a good wife, contributes to her community, says her prayers and focuses on becoming a mother.
Her life takes a disturbing turn after a traumatic encounter with one of the villagers in the woods. A mysterious presence saves Frieda’s life, but it also latches itself onto her, forcing her to question the beliefs that have shaped her existence.
When Frieda returns to the village unharmed, suspicion quickly follows. The community begins to question whether it was really God who brought her safely home, or whether something far darker was responsible. Beyond the forest, a dark force cloaked in fog appears to be watching.
As the otherworldly creature continues to follow Frieda, strange events begin occurring throughout the village. She is eventually accused of witchcraft and finds herself increasingly isolated as those closest to her turn against her in the name of God.
With its focus on misogyny, bodily autonomy and belief, Heresy looks set to deliver a dark and unsettling folk horror story rooted in religious fear and repression. The film has already drawn comparisons to Robert Eggers’ The Witch and received festival praise, including a description from Dread Central calling it a "stellar psychedelic folk horror".
Heresy arrives on UK digital on 28 September from GrimmVision.
Apple TV - https://apple.co/4z0Q25z
