The horror present in the film comes from the horrific nature of humankind using superstition and folklore to justify their injustices. The film is full of brutality. I was honestly shocked at the extent of the violence shown. During scenes of persecution, so much is on display. The executions of witches end so abruptly, in a concise, brutal punctuation. Vincent Price is excellent, leaving the campy, fun horror persona usually present behind in exchange for a cruel, unforgiving bastard. A nasty, nasty film.

Watched via Youtube
UK

From the beginning this film had me. The film, which sees a dark presence begin to hold sway over a 17th century town is a somewhat slow burn. It builds from one person losing their mind, to murders and outright worship of a dark creature by the end. The journey to this point was utterly creepy and uncomfortable. I think what made the film for me was this central idea that the old ways of worship and folkloric horrors lie merely below the surface of society and our subconscious, just waiting to re-emerge back onto the scene.