Häxan (1922)

Navigating the murky abyss of the human psyche, Häxan: Witchcraft Through the Ages (1922) embarks on a chilling journey that blurs the line between fact and fiction, history and horror. Structured into seven gripping chapters, this pioneering cinematic endeavor delves into the heart of the medieval witch hunts, a grim chapter of human history shrouded in superstition, fear, and the misunderstanding of mental illnesses. The film is a stunning tapestry of historical narration and dramatic re-enactments, shedding light on the malevolent practices of the Inquisition. The viewer is led through a labyrinth of graphic vignettes and hauntingly original gravures, witnessing the bone-chilling atrocities committed in the name of faith. The ruthless inquisitors, sadistic and unrelenting, break human bodies and spirits until the accused are forced into confessions of witchcraft or coerced into implicating others in their supposed devilry. Häxan traverses from the bleak shadows of the Dark Ages to the dawn of the 1920s, exposing the dangerous hysteria often misinterpreted as demonic possession. The film boldly explores the realms of pagan worship, satanic rites, and mass hysteria, utilizing re-enactments as a powerful narrative device, arguably one of the earliest of its kind in cinematic history. This uncanny docu-drama stands as a testament to the power of fear and the lengths humanity can go when blinded by superstition. It leaves the viewer questioning the elusive boundary between truth and deception, reality and myth. As the film sweeps you along its tumultuous timeline, one question lingers: What truly separates truth from a lie? Dive into Häxan's enigmatic darkness and you might just find the answer.

Häxan is a documentary movie featuring Maren Pedersen.

Häxan is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy, Popflick and Tubi TV and it's also available on Classix, Criterion Channel and Max Amazon Channel.

It is also possible to buy Häxan on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.