2024 should officially be known as the year of awkward pregnancy horror.
From The First Omen to Immaculate and now to folk horror Dutch chiller Heresy.
We follow Frieda, frustrated by her inability to conceive a child, much to her partner and her community’s annoyance as she gives in to unseen forces in the nearby woods.
The first thing to say is Heresy is dripping with atmosphere, from its haunting and intense score to its stunning visuals; this is folk horror at its best. It leaves some things up to the imagination but also conjures some memorable images that won’t leave you too soon.
The village itself is an oppressive location, with women seemingly seen as cooks, cleaners and bearers of children with no other purpose.
My direct comparison for the paranoia that engulfs the village in the wake of Frieda’s chance encounter in the woods, is akin to the Salem Witch Trials as people flip on a coin and turn on her once they suspect anything remotely different such as an independent thought.
The demons in the woods are quite striking, feeling like they are crafted from the land itself while retaining some human characteristics albeit only in certain lights.
Heresy has a truly unique look that feels fresh in what can be an overcrowded sub-genre. The conclusion is slightly tainted by some poor CGI but this doesn’t stop this being a fine (albeit short at 61 minutes) feature that will grab your attention and not let go – just like a good ol’ fashioned possession.
Heresy screened as part of Grimmfest 2024.
Bloody Flicks 