Watch Viy

Viy is a Russian horror film, released in 1967, which is based on a short story of the same name by Nikolai Gogol. The movie is directed by Konstantin Yershov and Georgi Kropachyov and features an ensemble cast that includes Leonid Kuravlyov, Natalya Varley, Aleksey Glazyrin, and others. The story is set in an unspecified time and place, somewhere in the Russian countryside, where seminarian Khoma Brutus (Leonid Kuravlyov) is returning to his village after completing his studies in a far-off city. On his way, he stops at a remote farmstead to spend the night and is reluctantly offered shelter by an old witch (Natalya Varley). However, as the night progresses, strange and terrifying events unfold, leading Khoma to realize that he has stumbled upon a nest of witches, led by the powerful and malevolent witch-demon Viy, who seeks revenge on him for mocking her.

The movie is known for its innovative use of special effects, which combine elements of traditional folk tales with modern cinematic techniques to create a unique and unsettling atmosphere. The witchcraft scenes are particularly notable, with the witches conjuring up grotesque monsters and performing eerie rituals that are both terrifying and mesmerizing to watch.

The film is also notable for its exploration of the themes of faith and superstition, with Khoma being shown as a skeptical and rational thinker, who gradually becomes more and more vulnerable to the irrational forces that surround him. The contrast between the modern rationality of Khoma and the ancient beliefs of the witches gives the movie a philosophical depth that is often missing from horror films.

The performances of the cast are also noteworthy, with Kuravlyov delivering a powerful and nuanced portrayal of the conflicted seminarian, and Varley delivering a chilling and unforgettable performance as the witch. The supporting cast, including Glazyrin as the priest who sends Khoma on his ill-fated journey, also add depth and complexity to the story.

Despite its age, Viy remains a cult classic in Russian cinema, and its influence can be seen in numerous other horror films produced in the country. The movie has been remade several times, but the original 1967 version remains the most widely known and respected. Its innovative use of special effects and its exploration of deep philosophical themes make it a fascinating and thought-provoking watch even today, more than half a century after its initial release.

Viy is a 1967 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.