Nightsiren: Review

3rd October 2023

Sarlota (Natalia Germani) is returning to her hometown after learning about the death of her mother. Home seems to be a place full of bad memories and trauma for Sarlota as well because she’s still grieving over the loss of her sister in an accident which she blames herself. Also, her mother became physically abusive towards her as she put the blame for her sister’s death on her too.

Her town isn’t exactly the same as the rest of the world either, they have their own traditions and rituals which are steeped in religion, but it all seems to be born from old fashioned misogynistic views. However, Sarlota does her best to get through and find out how her mother died whilst the town grow increasingly suspicious of her and want to know exactly what she’s hiding.

Nightsiren is a poignant folk horror directed by Tereza Nvotová and co-written by Barbora Namerova. A film which builds its tension throughout, but never really goes into the areas it suggests to its audience to enforce the impact.

Sarlota is also dealing with a hernia, treating the scar left behind everyday and she manages to confide in Mira (Eva Mores) who helps her through her physical and emotional trauma whilst keeping their guard up around the men. Sarlota’s ex, Tomás (Marek Geisberg) is also there which makes matters worse and unfortunately, he seems to epitomise the attitude of the men in the town.

A horror film which looks more at the horrors of the human race rather than anything more supernatural, Nightsiren sets up things to suggest something of another world. Clearly displaying influences from such films as The Wicker Man, Nightsiren gives an almost too real depiction of a modern world and the things ingrained in our society.

Subjects such as religion and superstition are raised as excuses for their behaviour, to the extent that the townsfolk are given that kind of feel that only a community cut off from the rest of the world would have. However, as the credits roll the audience will be reminded that group mentality like this can bleed all too easily outside their sheltered walls.

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