Films

We are in Beira Alta, 200 years after the Arab invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, with the year 1000 fast approaching. A Christian count conquers Marialva from the Arabs and takes possession of the vast surrounding region. Yet, through intrigues of mysterious origin, the king dismisses him and appoints in his place a countess — Maria Alva — an enigmatic woman of unknown descent. Free of her rival, the countess asserts her power. Soon, disturbing phenomena begin to emerge: the dead rise from their graves, monks and nuns surrender to orgies, and discord and death spread in succession. This film marks the Portuguese contribution to the European television series “Sabbath”, dedicated to witchcraft across the continent. The first openly horror film by the director of “Domingo à Tarde” offers a meticulous reconstruction of 10th-century life, adapting the original legend of the Lady of Pé-de-Cabra, the Portuguese “super-witch.”