Shudder has been feeding me a constant stream of entertainment this month. I promise this isn’t an ad for Shudder, but the variety is splendid. I may not like every title, but each has had something to enjoy. In this case, I’m excited to share that I found another winner. Up next on my list is Fréwaka, and I am happy to hit play again and soak in more of its strange, uneasy, and ominous energy. I love being terrified.
Fréwaka is an Irish folk horror film, written and directed by Aislinn Clarke. Heavy on folklore and rich with Irish traditions, history (specifically oral), themes of intergenerational trauma and violence, traditional gender roles, and mental health stigma. Clarke captures the intensity, unease, and fear in each breath of Fréwaka with a remarkably authentic portrayal of the Irish setting.
An Saol Eile
Fresh from Shudder’s Halfway to Halloween highlights, Fréwaka is now available to stream, and you should add it to your watchlist posthaste. The film title is a phonetic spelling of the Irish Language word ‘fréamhach,’ meaning ‘roots.’ The story centers on Shoo (Clare Monnelly), who has recently lost her estranged mother to suicide. Along with her fiancée, they are left to empty the residence when Shoo decides to take a position caring for an homebound woman. Peig (Bríd Ní Neachtain) lives in a remote village, and she is terrified of letting anyone into her home. Specifically, she believes that the malevolent Na Sídhe once abducted her and will return for her.
The Past and Present
Shoo is an outsider, and her presence is a nuisance to the town and Peig herself. Unfortunately, Shoo refuses to grieve or even care about her mother’s passing and inconsequentially leaves Mila (Alexandra Bustryzhickaya), her Ukrainian fiancée, to deal with emptying her late mother’s apartment. There also lies a little more detail that I felt compelled to read about Ukrainian emigration to Ireland. Moreover, Shoo and Mila’s marriage is a sign of a prosperous future thanks to the embrace of gay rights. There are so many layers to explore, which led me to read more about Irish history and places like the Magdalene laundries.
Peig is strong-willed, and as much as her beliefs may be dismissed by others, she is certain, with no hints that she could possibly be showing signs of cognitive decline. She repeats rituals, counts her iron or silver objects, purposely urinates at the entrance to her home, using every method at her disposal to protect her home. Shoo thinks she may have OCD from the repeated counting and arranging, but there is no fear that Peig will injure herself or anyone else. Their frankness and respectful back-and-forth are natural, lending a unique authenticity to the evolution of their relationship. However, Shoo becomes increasingly affected by Peig’s fears, stories, and actions.
Ambient Horror
The intro to Fréwaka definitely set the tone for the rest of the film. There are no cheap thrills or scares to be had. The fear lies in the steady, subtle moments that become an integral part of the film’s all-encompassing environment. The relationship between Peig and Shoo unfolds in this unsettling realm where myth and reality collide. Frustratingly, Shoo is forced to face the reality of her mother’s death at a frightening pace. From the moment Shoo arrives, neither woman finds peace in this space.
Clarke shines here with the creation of a perfect atmosphere. There is superb detail in every aspect, from sound design to exciting visuals, and a classic slow-burn that delves deep into the ever-building psychological effects.
Let’s discuss the exceptional sound design. The fantastical arrangement of music, voices, and soundscape was engulfing. At times, I felt like someone was reading me a scary book, with an almost whispering, ominous tone that slowly and steadily intensified the tension. Unfortunately, for some, they may be lost in the slowness and fear that there will be no payoff. However, I found it stimulating. Clarke drives in fear, with a constant barrage of sounds, lighting, and shadows, as well as frightening imagery. Each moment, pulling me deeper into this hellscape. My unease was palpable, and my heart was racing for most of the third act.
Surrender
Clearly, I am a fan. I felt compelled to delve deeper by reading more about Ireland’s folklore, traditions, and history. I read about fairies and realms, and I am sure my words are elementary in this department. Still, a great foreign film from any country other than my own is worthy of further study. We have so much to learn, and it’s always exciting to get a glimpse into the rest of the world.
If you enjoy psychological horror and folklore, you will enjoy Fréwaka. I am usually lost in slow-burning and unfulfilling conclusions. To which I can say that Fréwaka does not fall victim to this. Admittedly, I felt a lost interest in an especially drawn-out scene, and I thought it was a tad too long. However, the ending left me thrilled. Head on over to Shudder today and immerse yourself in the world of Fréwaka.
