‘NIGHTSIREN’ is a Breathtaking Exploration of Feminine Power

Note: This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SGA-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, Nightsiren being covered here wouldn’t exist.

Witch, hag, crone enchantress, necromancer, sorceress, and siren. All these words have been used for centuries against women to punish independent thought and sexuality and silence those brave enough to be outspoken. Tereza Nvotova’s (Filthy) new folk horror film Nightsiren tackles the issues of abuse, misogyny, and the search for feminine power.

Nightsiren Synopsis

A young woman returns to her native mountain village, searching for answers about her troubled childhood, but as she tries to uncover the truth, ancient superstitions lead the villagers to accuse her of witchcraft and murder.

Nightsiren is the story of Sarlota (a brilliant Natalia Germani – The Devil Conspiracy), who returns to her childhood village after a long absence to collect an inheritance after the death of her mother. She finds her mother’s house burned down, so she stays in the abandoned house of a woman who had been accused of being a witch. Sarlota is greeted with intense suspicion by the locals. The only exception is Mira (Eva Mores – Kon), a young woman who is also considered an outsider because she embraces her sexuality. Together, the two women will explore not only Sarlota’s past but their own place in this insular world.

Although it takes place in modern times, it also feels trapped in a time where superstition, prejudice and traditions still rule. Snake imagery as a symbol of feminine power is used throughout the film, and the villagers are afraid. In response, they have beaten, driven out, raped, and killed the women that got out of line. This is a world where mob mentality still rules. In response, both Sarlota and Mira turn to the forest and to friendship with each other for solace. Sisterhood has always been a place of strength for women.

The acting by the two main leads is simply amazing. Germani is especially great as Sarlota: a woman who is fire blazing on top of a sea of vulnerability. The film’s imagery is so stunning and strong that it will stay with you long after the film is over.

Nightsiren is a film of tremendous power and dazzling visual beauty. It’s one everyone should see, regardless of your sex or political views.

For me, this is this best film of the year.