Häxan
Grave robbing, torture, possessed nuns, and a satanic Sabbath: Benjamin Christensen's legendary film uses a series of dramatic vignettes to explore the scientific hypothesis that the witches of the Middle Ages suffered the same hysteria as turn-of-the-century psychiatric patients. But the film itself is far from serious-- instead it's a witches' brew of the scary, gross, and darkly humorous.
Critics Sentiment
Maria describes attending Witches' Sabbath with demons and Satan
Scholarly dissertation on demons and witches using photographs and models
The film dramatically improves from its dry documentary opening to the vivid and harrowing witch trial dramatizations.
Häxan starts slowly with academic material that reviewers found boring, but transforms into a visually striking and emotionally powerful exploration of witch persecution. The film peaks during its dramatic reenactments of medieval witch trials and Sabbath scenes, which critics praised for their innovative special effects and haunting imagery. The thoughtful modern parallels in the conclusion solidify its reputation as an ahead-of-its-time masterpiece.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 31
Benjamin Christensen
Devil
Ella La Cour
Karna / Sorceress
Emmy Schønfeld
Karna's Assistant
Kate Fabian
Old Maid
Oscar Stribolt
Fat Monk
Wilhelmine Henriksen
Apelone / A Poor Old Woman
Elisabeth Christensen
Anna's Mother
Astrid Holm
Anna
Karen Winther
Anna's Sister
Maren Pedersen
Maria the Weaver / A Witch
Johannes Andersen
Pater Henrik / Witch Judge
Elith Pio
Johannes / Witch Judge
Aage Hertel
Witch Judge
Ib Schønberg
Witch Judge
Holst Jørgensen
Peter Titta
Clara Pontoppidan
Sister Cecilia / Nun
Else Vermehren
Flagellating Nun
Alice O'Fredericks
Nun
Gerda Madsen
Nun
Karina Bell
Nun
Crew
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