Watch Day of Wrath

Day of Wrath is a historically significant Danish film that was released in 1943. Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer, the movie is a haunting exploration of guilt, morality, and the struggle for power and freedom in a deeply religious community. The film delves into the paranoia and fear that can grip individuals and societies when faced with challenging questions about faith, death, and justice.

The story is set in a small Danish village in the 17th century, and revolves around the lives of two women: Anne (Lisbeth Movin), a young woman who lives with her mother in law, and Herlof's Marte (Sigrid Neiiendam), an elderly woman who is accused of being a witch. Thyra (Anna Svierkier), the town matriarch, is determined to prove Herlof's Marte's guilt, and uses her influence over the town's religious leaders to force her to confess.

During this investigation, Anne is drawn to Absalon (Thorkild Roose), the pastor's son. Despite the significant age difference between the two, they are soon wed. However, as Anne discovers more about her mother in law's past and becomes enmeshed in the witch hunt, her own feelings of guilt and shame begin to surface.

Throughout the film, Dreyer employs his renowned directorial style, characterized by long, static takes, minimal dialogue, and stark, expressionistic visuals. The cinematography emphasizes the austere beauty of the Danish landscape and the oppressive, claustrophobic nature of the village. The score, by composer Poul Schierbeck, creates an ominous, unsettling atmosphere that imbues each scene with a sense of impending doom.

Day of Wrath is widely regarded as one of Dreyer's most accomplished films, and a masterpiece of the Danish film industry. It is especially notable for its unflinching portrayal of witch hunts, religious extremism, and the oppression of women in a patriarchal society. The film's themes are universal, and its unrelenting critique of authoritarianism, conformity, and intolerance still resonates with audiences today.

The performances in Day of Wrath are all exceptional, with each actor conveying a complex range of emotions and motivations. Lisbeth Movin is particularly captivating as Anne, imbuing the character with a quiet strength and an intense inner turmoil. Thorkild Roose portrays Absalon with a restrained intensity, hinting at the character's own struggle with his faith and his obligations to his family and community.

Overall, Day of Wrath is a haunting and powerful film that represents the best of Danish cinema. It is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, and an unrelenting critique of the damaging effects of religious extremism and authoritarianism. With its stunning visuals, mesmerizing score, and powerful performances, it is an enduring masterpiece that has rightfully earned its place in cinematic history.

Day of Wrath is a 1943 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1.