‘Fréwaka’ Review: This Irish Horror Film Effectively Combines Folk Customs with Genre Conventions

J.R.R. Tolkien once claimed that “cellar door” represents the most melodious combination of words in the English language. Yet, in the context of “Fréwaka,” a chilling horror film, this phrase takes on a far less charming connotation.

Directed by Aislinn Clarke, known for her debut “The Devil’s Doorway,” this movie continues her exploration of the genre with a focus on eerie, locally rooted themes. Although “Fréwaka” doesn’t break new ground, it successfully generates suspense and unease.

The film mirrors the straightforward approach of Clarke’s first feature, while drawing comparisons to other indie horrors like “Relic” and “Midsommar.” Its out-of-competition screening at the Locarno Film Festival hints at an art-house appeal, potentially paving the way for Clarke’s future projects with bigger budgets.

The title “Fréwaka,” derived from the Irish “Fréamhacha” meaning “roots,” reflects the film’s exploration of deep-seated Irish myths and historical injustices, particularly the Magdalene laundries.

The story begins with a disturbing prologue set in 1973, where a rural wedding is disrupted by masked intruders, followed by a mysterious disappearance. This unsettling beginning shifts to the present, where Shoo, the daughter of a deceased woman, arrives to clear out her late mother’s apartment, revealing a troubling past.

Shoo, a pragmatic care worker, takes a job caring for the reclusive Peig in a remote village, despite warnings from locals. The dilapidated house, filled with unsettling artifacts, becomes a source of growing dread.

Peig, suffering from dementia, warns Shoo about the dangerous cellar door, which adds to the film’s ominous atmosphere. The evolving relationship between Shoo and Peig adds depth to the horror, providing an emotional anchor.

“Fréwaka” taps into traditional occult fears while intertwining them with the real trauma endured by its characters, reflecting on the lasting impact of Catholic Church abuses.

The film’s success lies in its atmospheric tension, crafted through meticulous production design by Nicola Moroney and the evocative cinematography of Narayan Van Maele. The haunting score by Die Hexen enhances the film’s suspense, contributing to a compelling horror experience deeply rooted in Irish cultural and historical context.