Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala’s THE DEVIL’S BATH, starring Anja Plaschg, is the Austrian entry to the 2024 Oscar race for Best International Feature Film.
Inspired by historical records of interrogations, Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala employ the power of beauty and cruelty
in THE DEVIL’S BATH to tell a story of confinement and liberation. Agnes is one of countless women who found an escape from
her sense of alienation in a world defined by harshness, austerity and fear of God.
THE DEVIL’S BATH, a Golden Bear contender of the 74th Berlinale was awarded a Silver Bear for Martin Gschlacht’s outstanding
artistic achievement as DoP of this harrowing and beautiful film.
THE DEVIL’S BATH is also the winner of the Austrian Film Award in 8 categories:
Best Fiction Film | Best Cinematography | Best Editing | Best Makeup | Best Production Design | Best Supporting Actress
Lead actress Anja Plaschg, internationally acclaimed musician under the name Soap& Skin, took the award in two categories:
Best Actress and Best Music.
The jury statement:
The film is based on historical court records and shows a harrowing, previously unexplored chapter of European history. THE
DEVIL’S BATH describes a phenomenon that is still a major social taboo and problem today: depression. Veronika Franz and Severin
Fiala give a voice to women from an 18th century peasant environment, the invisible and unheard of the time, and show their
harsh everyday lives, determined by religious dogmas and taboos that still have an impact today. This historical drama impressively
shows the social constraints and the individual striving of women for freedom.
The film convinces with visual power, expressive images, an excellent camera and accurate costume, set and make-up design.
Anja Plaschg impresses in the film's leading role. The soundtrack to THE DEVIL’S BATH, which was composed and produced by
the musician Anja Plaschg, known under the artist name Soap&Skin, also deserves special mention. A movie that gets deep under
your skin.
The 97th Oscars will be unveiled on March 2, 2025
Shorlists announcement: December 17, 2024
Nominations announcement: January 17, 2025
