Day of Wrath

Carl Theodor Dreyer’s magisterial, subtly nuanced classic about illicit love and the pursuit of witches in 17th-century Denmark.

  • Director

    Carl Theodor Dreyer

  • With

    Lisbeth Movin, Thorkild Roose, Preben Lerdorff Rye, Sigrid Neiiendam

  • Denmark 1943. 97min

  • 35mm

  • Certificate

    PG

  • English subtitles

Though set in 17th-century Denmark, Dreyer’s masterpiece feels strangely modern in its interest in the plight of women in patriarchal society. Cursed by a woman he sent to the stake for witchcraft, an elderly parson suspects his young wife has become estranged from him after his son returns home… Pleasingly ambivalent regarding the women’s actions and capabilities, the film achieves great emotional intensity.

Also available on BFI Player