May Night, or the Drowned Maiden
May Night, or the Drowned Maiden

Movie spotlight

May Night, or the Drowned Maiden

1952
Movie
61 min
Russian

The son of an obstinate mayor cannot get his father's consent to wed the beautiful Hanna. He receives unexpected assistance from evil, mysterious forces – Satan, witches, and rusalki – who work together to bring the couple happiness, bringing mayhem and celebration.

Insights

Director: P. S. P. ShastryGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

A young woman is haunted by the memory of her drowned sister and fears she will suffer the same fate. Strange occurrences and local superstitions heighten her terror as she believes a malevolent spirit is responsible for her sister's death and now seeks her as well. The narrative explores themes of guilt, fear, and the supernatural in a rural setting.

Critical Reception

Information on critical reception for this film is scarce due to its age and limited distribution. It is generally considered a cult classic within certain circles of horror film enthusiasts, appreciated for its atmospheric dread and historical context within early Indian horror cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its unsettling atmosphere and effective suspense.

  • Noted for its early exploration of supernatural themes in Indian cinema.

  • Recognized as a rare example of its genre from the period.

Google audience: Audience reviews are not widely available for this vintage film. Those who have seen it often express a sense of eerie nostalgia and appreciation for its unique, albeit dated, horror elements.

Fun Fact

This film is considered one of the earliest examples of a horror film produced in South India, predating many other films in the genre from the region.

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