Stylistically, this deeply moving tale of illicit passion and the persecution of witches in 17th century Denmark may be Dreyer’s most conventional sound film; nevertheless, for the stark beauty of its imagery, its meticulously measured rhythms and its lead performance, it remains one of the great masterpieces of the war years, the more miraculous in having been made during the Nazis’ occupation of Denmark. The atmosphere of fear, superstition, betrayal and cruel oppression is superbly sustained. 

“If Day of Wrath may be characterised as a study of the struggle between good and evil, or a powerful plea against intolerance, it is also – and perhaps primarily – a deeply probing exploration of the driving power of sex; and the strange resignation with which Anne finally confesses to her crime of witchcraft is occasioned less by her recognition that it is a crime than by her knowledge that her love is now doomed.” (Tom Milne)

Showing as part of a season of Carl Dreyer’s greatest films throughout April.