ROT

In a small, isolated village in 17th-century France, a young woman named Pierrette is accused of witchcraft by the local authorities. As the accusations escalate and paranoia grips the community, she must fight for her freedom and survival against a backdrop of religious fervor and superstition. The film explores themes of female agency, societal control, and the devastating consequences of unfounded accusations.

Rot received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised its atmospheric direction, strong performances from the lead actors, and its blend of dark humor and genuine horror. However, some found the pacing to be uneven and the narrative occasionally convoluted. Audiences were generally more divided, with some appreciating its unique take on the witch trial genre and others finding it too bleak or disturbing.

• Praised for its chilling atmosphere and effective horror sequences.

• Lauded for strong performances, particularly from Juno Temple and Kaitlyn Dever.

• Some critics noted a somewhat slow pace and a occasionally muddled storyline.

Google audience: Audiences largely appreciated the film's dark and unsettling tone, with many highlighting the performances and visual style. However, a significant portion found the film's content to be overly graphic and disturbing, leading to a polarized reception.

The film's director, Jeff Baena, aimed to create a witch trial narrative that felt both historically grounded and viscerally modern, drawing inspiration from classic folk horror films while injecting a contemporary sensibility into the characters' experiences.