Sennentuntschi

Sennentuntschi is a 2010 Swiss drama, horror and mystery film directed and written by Michael Steiner. The film stars Roxane Mesquida, Nicholas Ofczarek, and Andrea Zogg among others. The film plunges its audience into a haunting and absorbing tale, with a remarkable amalgamation of elements of Alpine myths, mystery, horror and intense drama cleverly interwoven into one captivating narrative.

The movie's title, Sennentuntschi, stems from an Alpine myth in the Swiss Alps. It is believed that lonely goat-herders in the Alps would construct a female doll known as the 'Sennentuntschi' from broom, straw and everyday objects, wishing for it to come to life as a companion. Sennentuntschi blends this myth with the elements of mystery and horror to offer a startling and gripping story to its viewers.

The film is set against the austere beauty of the Swiss Alps, the backdrop providing an initial sense of serenity and peace. This tranquillity is quickly dismantled as the viewer is transported into a universe of horror and mystery. The storyline is set in a remote Swiss village, inhabited by a society of individuals separated from the bustling world. The film doesn’t limit its settings to only the thriving pastoral beauty but prominently shoots amid snow-covered landscapes, bistros, taverns, and hamlets, immaculately constructing a scenario which reveals a brilliantly horrifying fairytale.

Subtracting the serenity of the landscape is the mysterious arrival of a young woman, played by Roxane Mesquida, seemingly appearing out of nowhere and unable to communicate. Her arrival coincides with the mysterious, gruesome suicide of the village priest, portrayed by Andrea Zogg. The stoic investigator, played by Nicholas Ofczarek, must weave together the complex and conflicting tales of the townsfolk, while struggling to piece together how the woman, the priest and the myth of Sennentuntschi are intertwined.

On an impressive note, the film excellently encapsulates both the atmosphere and superstitious beliefs innate to this region, building up a psychological horror while it delves into dark myths and local legends. It swiftly transitions between past and present timelines, thereby keeping viewers engrossed and intrigued. It effortlessly tangles a series of cryptic events and characters, revealing pieces of the puzzling narrative one by one and throwing the audience into a world filled with dread, shock, and bewilderment.

Roxane Mesquida's performance stands out; she effortlessly brings alive the eerie and silent character, instilling fear and fascination simultaneously in viewers. Nicholas Ofczarek, as the police officer, delivers an equally gripping performance, his skeptical demeanor and determination to unravel the truth enhancing the aura of mystery surrounding the film's plot.

It is to be noted that even though Sennentuntschi is a horror movie, it doesn’t rely solely on jump scares but instead, it brilliantly weaves the sense of horror through the lingering dread and the disturbing nature of the revelations made throughout the film. The film has an uncanny ability to transport viewers into its disturbing landscape, making them privy to a progressively alarming and spellbinding narrative.

As a further testament to the movie's quality, the technical aspects of the film are compelling. The cinematography is a standout, the snow-capped Alps and tranquil beauty of the rural town contrast effectively with the grim aura of the narrative. The haunting background score further enhances the overall mood and tone of the film.

Despite its horror leanings, Sennentuntschi is not just a simple fright-flick. It is a complex exploration of local myths, superstition, societal norms and patriarchy, all tied together with a deep sense of mystery and suspense. The movie can also be seen as a commentary on the inherent fear of the 'other' and how superstitions and preconceived notions can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

To conclude, Sennentuntschi is not your average horror film. It is an intense and intriguing watch, filled with well-constructed characters, brilliant storytelling, stunning visuals, and chilling revelations. It draws you in with its eerie beauty, retains your attention with its suspense-filled plot and leaves you buzzing with a mix of horror, disbelief and rapture.