Effigy: Poison and the City

In this true story, two formidable women deliver impactful performances at the forefront. The narrative, if fabricated, would seem implausively exaggerated. It's unsettling to realize that the seemingly benign yet cunning woman who poisoned about 15 people over years in Bremen actually existed. I viewed this film in a German city close to Bremen, where locals are familiar with this historical incident.

In the movie, the murderess is depicted as jealous of the talents and status of her adversary, the young legal assistant Cato Böhmer. While there are some plausible theories about the murderer's motives and mindset, her actions largely remain an enigma, leaving viewers with lingering questions. What drove her to commit numerous murders while maintaining a facade of benevolence?

The film's dialogue stands out for its clarity, a refreshing change from modern movies that often feature mumbled lines or overpowering background sounds.

The score, created by a 40-member orchestra, beautifully enhances the film's mood.

The plot weaves in the technological and economic progress of the 1830s, educating viewers on railway development in Northern Germany against a backdrop of historical scenery. An intriguing aspect is the depiction of an early mechanical copier, a device I was unfamiliar with.

This movie is a must-see, transcending appeal beyond historical dialogue enthusiasts. I eagerly anticipate Udo Flohr's next creation and hope he continues to cast such compelling actors.

Two strong women play convincing roles in the foreground of this real life story.

If the murderess and her plot had been invented, this would hardly be credible, it would simply appear overdone. So the disturbing thing is that this apparently gentle but crafty woman, who poisoned around 15 people over several years before being caught, really existed in Bremen. I watched the film in a cinema in a city in Germany, not far from Bremen, and friends from there know the story from local history.

In the film, the murderess appears to envy the skills and social standing of her opponent, the young law clerk Cato Böhmer.There are a few understandable interpretations of the killer's motivation and psychological disposition, but by and large her actions remain a mystery, so you get something to ponder about afterwards. Why did she kill so many people and at the same time portray herself as a caring person?

The dialogues are enjoyable acoustically, in contrast to many current films, where it is apparently cool to mumble or to accompany the dialogues with loud background noises or music.

The specially produced film music, performed by a 40-piece orchestra, is wonderfully composed and fitting to the whole atmosphere of the film.

The criminal case is integrated into the technical and economic developments of the era around 1830. You learn about railroad construction in Northern Germany together with impressive historical backdrops. As an interesting detail, the use of a kind of mechanical copier is also shown (a device completely unknown to me).

It is a film well worth seeing, not only for fans of historical dialogues. I am already waiting for the next film from Udo Flohr and hope that he will continue to employ such powerful actors.

In this gripping real-life narrative, two formidable women deliver compelling performances at the forefront.

The tale's authenticity lends credence to its chilling plot: in Bremen, a seemingly meek yet cunning woman, responsible for poisoning about 15 individuals over several years, truly existed. I viewed this film in a German cinema near Bremen, where locals are familiar with this historical incident.

The movie portrays the murderer as jealous of her adversary, Cato Böhmer, a young law clerk, reflecting on her motivations and psychological state, yet her actions largely remain enigmatic, leaving the audience with lingering questions. Why did she commit multiple murders while maintaining a facade of compassion?

The film stands out for its clear, enjoyable dialogue, a refreshing change from many modern movies that often use mumbled lines or drown conversations with loud music or background noise.

The original score, masterfully executed by a 40-member orchestra, beautifully complements the film's mood.

Set around 1830, the plot intertwines with the technological and economic progress of the time, including railroad construction in Northern Germany and historical settings. An intriguing aspect is the depiction of a mechanical copying device, unfamiliar to me.

This film is a must-watch, not just for enthusiasts of historical narratives. I eagerly anticipate Udo Flohr's next creation and hope for the continued casting of such dynamic performers.

How did I just hear of this film? This is actually based on a true story and I absolutely loved it. Lots of positive things to talk about here from the set designs to the costumes and the actress Suzan Anbeh, super talented as she really made this film come alive. The story is deep and has plenty of plot twists and the ending really had me by surprise. This isn't your typical Hollywood film so you will need to pay attention but it's totally worth it. The script is solid and is award winning. It's not so often you find films like this so I'm glad I found this and i'll be sure to recommend it to family and friends.

Deftly filmed by director Udo Flohr, "Effigy - Poison and the City" offers an absorbing glimpse of history that should satisfy period drama fans. Set in the 19th-century German port city of Bremen, the film is based on the true story of Gesche Gottfried. As one of the first female serial killers ever identified, she was beheaded in 1831 - Bremen's last public execution.

The movie skilfully blends elements of suspense, drama, and psychological thriller, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued throughout. Its meticulous attention to historical detail immerses viewers in the era's atmosphere. The pacing is deliberate - and occasionally slow, but this apparent mundanity underscores the grim brutality of its subject matter.

Lead actress Suzan Anbeh, who portrays Gesche Gottfried, delivers a nuanced and compelling performance, expertly balancing the character's complexity and evoking both empathy and revulsion. She presents Gottfried not just as a villain but as a multifaceted individual shaped by her circumstances and demons. Consequently, the film also delves into themes of gender and societal roles, reflecting on how women were perceived and treated during that time. It offers both entertainment and insight.

Overall, if you're a fan of thought-provoking psychological thrillers and period pieces alike, give Effigy a watch.