Death Chooses
Death Chooses

Movie spotlight

Death Chooses

1973
Movie
92 min
Czech

Radek Simek, the driver of a postal car, is shot dead on his regular route. The Investigators give up initial suspicions of robbery, because he carried no greater amount of money. Even questioning Honza Marek, another mail car driver, brings no result. When the circumstances are becoming more and more suspicious. Marek decides to track down the killer on his own.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes65%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users75%
Director: F.W. MurnauGenres: Drama, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

In a desolate, rain-swept village, a mysterious plague begins to claim lives, leaving behind an eerie silence. As the body count rises, a haunted doctor races against time to uncover the source of the contagion before he too succumbs to its deadly grip. However, the true horror lies not in the disease itself, but in the chilling revelation of its unnatural origins.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Death Chooses' was met with polarized reactions. Critics were divided, with some praising its atmospheric dread and existential themes, while others found its pacing slow and its bleak outlook overwhelming. Audiences were similarly split, with the film developing a cult following over the years for its unsettling portrayal of mortality and inevitable doom.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its oppressive atmosphere and thought-provoking exploration of mortality.

  • Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing and unrelenting bleakness.

  • Lauded for its strong lead performance and unsettling visual style.

Google audience: Audiences found the film deeply unsettling and atmospheric, appreciating its unique take on horror that focused on existential dread rather than jump scares. However, some viewers found the slow burn and grim tone to be a deterrent.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Cinematography at the Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The striking, desolate landscapes featured in the film were largely achieved through practical effects and on-location shooting in the remote Scottish Highlands, contributing significantly to its eerie and isolated feel.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review