The Devil's Trap

In 18th-century Bohemia, an innocent miller is accused of witchcraft, in this strikingly atmospheric epic from the director of Markéta Lazarová.

The first film in Frantisek Vláčil’s trilogy of beautifully executed, visionary historical epics, The Devil’s Trap prefigures his legendary masterpiece Markéta Lazarová (1967) and is his second collaboration with acclaimed film composer Zdeněk Liška. In early-18th century Bohemia, an innocent miller finds himself under investigation by the Inquisition after daring to question the local landowner’s decision to build on unstable land. At a time when religious authority is absolute, the miller’s understanding of the natural world is interpreted as evidence of a pact with the Devil.

Striking, atmospheric imagery, inventive compositions and Zdeněk Liška’s minimal music subtly in the background build a quiet sense of palpable tension throughout greatly enhancing a simple story and turning it into an evocative portrayal of a cruel but credible world torn between superstition and science.