This article discusses suicide and murder.
Shudder’s horror movieThe Devil’s Bathis based on shockingly sad and scary true events. In 2024, thehorror streaming service Shudderreleased several new films, including a German and Austrian movie titledThe Devil’s Bath,the creative project of filmmakers Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala. Set in Austria, the movie isa haunting look at isolation and mental health issues, with some grotesque and disturbing scenes sprinkled throughout.
Reviews ofThe Devil’s Bathconsider it an excellent portrayal of despair and misguided faith. Though the story has fictionalized elements, similar toA24’sThe WitchandMidsommar, it is based ona real period of grief and religious and cultural misery. While the film explores a multi-century religious phenomenon, the main character is inspired by a real woman who underwent similar experiences. Though the movie’s portrayal of the events is shockingly sad, the real-life history behind the film is even more tragic.
The Devil’s Bath Is Based On Tragic True Stories In History
The Phenomenon Was Prevalent In Central Europe And Scandinavia
Joining a long line ofhorror movies based on real events, Agnes' story inThe Devil’s Bathis based on a phenomenon termed suicide by proxy, which was prevalent in a larger historical and religious context. It was most common in German-speaking Central Europe and Scandinavia in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Within the church at the time, dying by suicide was a sin worse than murder, as you wouldn’t be able to repent for your sins before dying.
This act was mainly perpetrated by women, who had little societal autonomy at the time.
The loophole for both ending one’s life and saving the soul became tokill someone else, go to the authorities, repent for the sin, and then face execution. Because the church could forgive the sins before the death, they believed there was still a chance to go to Heaven after the final penance. The murders they would commit were often of children, who were thought to have pure souls already, as they had not lived enough life to commit unforgivable sins yet. This act was mainly perpetrated by women, who had little societal autonomy at the time.
The Devil’s Bathis available to stream on AMC+.
The research and inspiration for the film were based on the bookSuicide by Proxy in Early Modern Germany: Crime, Sin and Salvationby Kathy Stuart. Stuart outlined the history of the act as well as specific cases, including criminal trial records for Agnes Catherina Schickin and the life of Eva Lizlfellnerin. According to Stuart’s research,about 400 cases of suicide by proxy were recorded between 1580 and 1839, committed by members of both Protestant and Catholic religions. To deter people from doing this, the government passed new laws, making the execution more painful. But still, people continued to attempt death in this method.
Who Is Eva Lizlfellnerin? The Woman Who Inspired The Devil’s Bath Explained
This Woman Lived Similar Experiences To Agnes
While the whole film was inspired by the suicide by proxy phenomenon, Agnes was more specifically based on a real woman, Eva Lizlfellnerin.Lizlfellnerin was an Upper Austrian peasantwho lived from 1736–1762. Following Lizlfellnerin’s trial records, the film was based on her experience marrying a man and moving to a new town with him and her disapproving mother-in-law. These events worsen her underlying depression, making her suicidal.
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Her attempts to get help were often dismissed, and she was told to pray to help heal herself. Lizlfellnerin also attempted to slowly poison herself, trying to trick God and the authorities into thinking that she died of natural causes but found that didn’t work. Like Agnes, Lizlfellnerin eventually tries to kill a child to help, though Lizlfellnerin was unable to fully commit the act.Her eventual crime was throwing a baby into a river, as a woman does in the movie, finally resulting in her execution.
Why The Devil’s Bath’s Reviews Are So Good
The Filmmaking Helps To Make The Intense Themes Less Bleak
Even though the subject matter is dark, the thrilling movie premiered to positive reviews.The film has a 90% critical ratingonRotten Tomatoes, with many critics mentioning the filmmaking and dramatic acting. While tackling topics as intense as it does, no one can expect the film to be lighthearted. Therefore, it meets audience expectations, making the film more compelling for those who are prepared.The Devil’s Bathwas submitted for the Best International Feature Film Award at the 2025 Academy Awards.
The film combines genres,blending true crime and horror with the folk fantasyof centuries-old European traditions. Despite the movie’s bleak tone, the filmmaking is still wildly compelling. While the sensitive subjects are clearly not for all audiences, those who have braved the topic foundThe Devil’s Bathto be a gritty and thrilling interpretation of the act, engaging modern audiences.The Devil’s Bathexplores the twisted extent of the human mind, made all the more realistic by the film’s tone and historical basis.
The Devil’s Bath
Cast
The Devil’s Bath (2024): Set in 1750 Austria, the film follows Agnes, a devout woman who becomes burdened by her marital responsibilities. As her life spirals into isolation and dark thoughts, Agnes confronts a sinister path where drastic violence emerges as her potential escape.
