The 2024 German horror movie is based on a true story that is more tragic with every detail

Shuder’s horror movie The devil’s butt is based on shockingly sad and scary true events. In 2024, the horror streaming service Shuder released several new films, including a German and Austrian movie titled the devil’s bath, The creative project of filmmakers Veronica Franz and Severin Fiala. Set in Austria, the movie is A haunting look at isolation and mental health issuesWith some grotesque and disturbing scenes, spread throughout.

Comments from The devil’s butt Consider it an excellent picture of despair and misguided faith. Although the story has fictionalized elements, similar to A24 The witch And MidsummerIt is based on A real time of mourning and religious and cultural suffering. While the film explores a centuries-old religious phenomenon, the main character is inspired by a real woman who went through similar experiences. While the movie’s depiction of the events is shockingly sad, the real-life story behind the film is even more tragic.

The Devil’s Bath is based on tragic true stories in history

This phenomenon was widespread in Central Europe and Scandinavia

In a long line of horror movies based on real events, Agnes’ story in The devil’s butt is based on a phenomenon called suicide by proxywhich was spread in a larger historical and religious context. It was most common in German-speaking Central Europe and Scandinavia in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In the church at that time, dying by suicide was a sin worse than murder, as you would not be able to repent for your sins before dying.

The loop for both ending the life and saving the soul has become too Kill someone else, go to the authorities, repent for the sin, and then face execution. Because the church can forgive sins before death, they believed that there is still a chance to go to heaven after the final penance. The murders they used to commit were often of children, who were thought to have pure souls, because they Not yet lived enough life to commit unforgivable sins. This act was mainly carried out by women, who at that time had little social autonomy.

The research and inspiration for the film were based on the book Suicide by Proxy in Early Modern Germany: Crime, Sin, and Salvation By Kathy Stuart. Stuart outlined the history of the act and specific cases, including criminal trial records for Agnes Catherina Schickin and the life of Eva Lizlfellnerin. According to Stuart’s research, About 400 cases of suicide by proxy were recorded between 1580 and 1839Committed by members of both Protestant and Catholic religions. To prevent people from doing this, the government passed new laws, making the execution more painful. But still, people continue to attempt death in this method.

Who is Eva Liszfelnerin? The woman who inspired the devil’s bath explained

The woman lived similar experiences to Agnes

While the entire film was inspired by the phenomenon of suicide by proxy, Agnes was more specifically based on a real woman, Eva Lizlfellnerin. Lizelfelnerin was an Upper Austrian farmer who lived from 1736-1762. Following Lizlfellnerin’s trial records, the film is based on her experience in marrying a man and moving to a new city with him and her disapproving mother-in-law. These events worsen her underlying depression, making her suicidal.

Her attempts to get help were often dismissed, and she was told to pray to help heal herself. Lizlfellnerin also tried to slowly poison herself, trying to trick God and the authorities into thinking that she died of natural causes but found that it did not work. Like Agnes, Lizlfellnerin eventually tries to kill a child to help, although Lizlfellnerin was unable to fully commit the act. Her eventual crime was throwing a baby into a riverAs a woman does in the movie, ultimately resulting in her execution.

Why the Devil’s Bath’s reviews are so good

The filming helps to make the deep themes less bleak

Even though the subject is dark, the thrilling movie premiered to positive reviews. The film has a 90% critical rating On Rotten tomatoesWith many critics mentioning the filming and dramatic acting. While tackling topics as deep as it does, no one can expect the film to be lighthearted. Therefore, it meets audience expectations, making the film more compelling for those who are prepared. The devil’s butt was nominated for the Best International Feature Film Award at the 2025 Academy Awards.

The film combines genres, Blending true crime and horror with the folk fantasy of centuries-old European traditions. Despite the uncomfortable tone of the movie, the filming is still wildly compelling. Although these sensitive subjects are clearly not for all audiences, those who have braved the subject found The devil’s butt To be a gritty and exciting interpretation of the act, engaging modern audiences. The devil’s butt Exploring the twisted extent of the human mind, made all the more realistic by the film’s tone and historical basis.