Watch Bathory

Bathory is a historical drama film that was released in 2008. The movie is based on the real-life story of Elizabeth Bathory, a powerful and wealthy countess who lived in Hungary in the 16th century. Bathory is widely known for her brutality towards young servant girls, with legends depicting her as a woman who bathed in the blood of virgins to maintain her youth and beauty. This myth or truth is explored in the movie, which is a mix of historical facts and fictional storytelling.

The movie begins with Elizabeth Bathory, played by Anna Friel, as a young girl. We get to see her grow up in luxury and privilege, but also in a society that was deeply patriarchal and ruled by men. She is betrothed to the ambitious Ferenc Nadasdy, played by Karel Roden, who despite his love for Elizabeth is much more interested in gaining more power and status. The couple marries, and Elizabeth has to learn how to navigate a world where she is expected to be the perfect wife and mother, but where she has ambitions and desires of her own. At the same time, a wave of fear and superstition is spreading across the region, with rumors of witches and demons abound.

As the years go by, Elizabeth finds herself more and more isolated from her husband, who is off fighting wars and gaining more honors. She is left to manage their vast estates, which often involve dealing with brutal punishments of disobedient serfs. She also becomes obsessed with finding the secret to eternal youth, believing that she can solve this mystery through alchemy and magic.

It is at this point in the movie that Elizabeth begins to show signs of extreme cruelty. She starts to target young peasant girls, often taking them away from their families, and keeping them prisoner in her castle. The movie doesn't shy away from depicting the violence and abuse that these girls endure, and it is often uncomfortable to watch. However, the movie also tries to provide some explanations or excuses for Elizabeth's behavior. She is portrayed as a woman who is desperate to hold on to her youth, who is haunted by past traumas, and who feels trapped in a society that only values women for their beauty and fertility.

The movie also introduces a character named Juraj Thurzo, played by Vincent Regan, who is tasked with investigating the rumors about Elizabeth's deeds. Thurzo is portrayed as a noble and just man, who is torn between his duty to the law and his loyalty to his friend Nadasdy. He is also deeply conflicted about the sexist laws and practices of the time, which make it almost impossible for a woman like Bathory to receive a fair trial. Thurzo's character provides some much-needed balance to the story, and his interactions with Elizabeth are some of the most interesting parts of the movie.

Overall, Bathory is a well-made and engaging historical drama that manages to explore some complex themes without glorifying or excusing its main character's actions. The movie features strong performances from its lead actors, especially Anna Friel, who manages to show both the vulnerability and the menace of Elizabeth Bathory. The cinematography and production design are also impressive, as the movie manages to recreate the atmosphere of 16th-century Hungary with accuracy and style. The only downside of the movie is that its pacing can be slow at times, and some of the subplots feel underdeveloped. However, these minor flaws don't detract from the overall quality of the movie. If you're a fan of historical dramas, Bathory is definitely worth checking out.

In conclusion, Bathory is a compelling historical drama that explores the life and legend of one of the most notorious female serial killers in history. The movie is a mix of historical facts and fictional storytelling, and it manages to provide some insight into the motivations and mindset of its main character. While the movie can be brutal and disturbing at times, it also succeeds in painting a nuanced portrait of a complex woman who was trapped in a society that didn't allow her to fully express herself. Overall, Bathory is a well-made and thought-provoking movie that is definitely worth a watch.