Errementari

Directed by Paul Urkijo AlijoSpain, France 201798 min.Rated R

Ostentor CinemaSun, Apr 19, 20263:00 PMDirector's Spotlight

AndreasstadelWed, Apr 22, 20266:00 PM

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That is what it is about

They call him simply “The Hammer,” and if necessary, he can forge red-hot iron with his bare fists: the residents of a Basque village fear the hermit Patxi. They say he has made a pact with the devil. But when little Usue falls into his clutches and a government official reports that he possesses an enormous treasure of gold, a lynch mob sets out to storm Patxi’s home, which is secured with deadly traps. Yet there, the gates of hell open… literally!

What you should know

An incredibly atmospheric and entertaining film adaptation of the Basque version of an ancient folk tale, which also made its way into the Brothers Grimm collection as “The Blacksmith and the Devil.” What begins as a grim horror film set in 1835 soon transforms into dark fantasy with increasing, and at times highly political, comedic elements. In addition to the lovingly crafted, authentic-looking set design, the visually stunning cinematography—and the magnificent old-school demon costume design—are particularly impressive.

Original title: Errementari

Copyright holder: Filmax

Language: Basque, Latin

Cast: Kandido Uranga, Eneko Sagardoy, Uma Bracaglia

Film Festivals: Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia

Direction

Paul Urkijo Alijo’s feature film debut is arguably also his best-known work, thanks to Netflix’s worldwide exclusive release starting in 2017. Yet it doesn’t really fit into the streaming giant’s lineup, which is tailored for maximum mass appeal: Produced by Álex de la Iglesia, it takes sharp aim at both the state and the church and leads us straight into hell—as well as into the OCD-induced trauma of its demons. The film has been honored with several awards, including at the Grossmann Film Festival and in San Sebastián.