Ahead of its digital release later this month, a poster and trailer have arrived online for director Tereza Nvotová’s Slovakian folk horror Nightsiren.
The film follows Sarlota, a woman who ran away from her remote mountain village with her sister two decades earlier to escape her abusive mother, leading to their disappearance being blamed on a Roma woman living on the outskirts. But when Sarlota unexpectedly returns two decades later the village begins to experience mysterious afflictions and the community grow suspicious, accusing her of witchcraft. Watch the trailer below…
Set in a secluded mountain village, the film tells the story of two sisters who endure a tumultuous upbringing under the tyranny of their abusive mother.
One fateful day, a tragic accident occurs when the elder sister, Šarlota, flees into the surrounding woods, closely followed by her younger sister, Tamara. The blame for their disappearance falls upon Otyla, a Roma woman residing on the outskirts of the village. Accused of witchcraft, Otyla becomes a scapegoat for the sisters’ vanishing.
Twenty years later, Šarlota unexpectedly returns to the village, stirring suspicion and unease among the locals. Determined to uncover the truth about her past, she begins delving into her history, prompting the villagers to grow increasingly distrustful. Amidst this atmosphere of suspicion, the only person willing to befriend Šarlota is Mira, a young and eccentric herbalist.
As tensions rise within the community, a mysterious affliction befalls the village’s animals. Blaming Šarlota for conjuring the spirit of Otyla, the locals become convinced that she is responsible for the worsening situation. The film delves into themes of prejudice, superstition, and the consequences of collective fear, exploring the complexities of human nature and the long-lasting impact of past events.
Nightsiren arrives on digital platforms on October 24th.