31 Days of Horror: VIY

Horror isn’t just a genre; it’s an amalgamation of pop culture, cozy traditions, and things that go bump in the night. This year, we're taking our 31 Days of Horror across the entire cultural spectrum. We’ll be taking a look at movies that scare us, games that kept us paranoid, scary books we cozy up with under blankets, music that sets that spooky tone and seasonal food we’re craving–or strange food you’d have to tie us up and force feed us. Whether you’re looking for something truly terrifying or a cozy autumn haunt, come back every day this month for a new bite-sized review or spooky adjacent list.

Ok, so this is a weird one I know, but bare with me. 

Viy is a Soviet era gothic horror that is as surreal and liminal as you can get. A trio of seminary students get lost in the countryside and one of them, Khoma, becomes the target of witch. The film follows the student as he escapes the clutches of the witch (who shape shifts between an old hag and a young woman) , seemingly kills her, and is then tasked with praying over her body for 3 days. 

Seems simple enough, but this is a spooky movie baby! Those three days are filled with some of the craziest imagery you'll ever see. While the film was made in the 60s, so much of it feels uniquely modern. The visual effects are wonderfully odd and well done, really sucking you into the madness this dead, dying, tricking witch subjects Khoma to.  Wild composite shots that look as clean and realistic as possible, disgusting hellish creatures, and just plain old kooky insanity.

There isn't much plot to grab on to beyond that, so if logical progression or complex story is what you're after this one may not be for you. But if you want beautiful thrill ride that feels like a stage play gone awry, then this might be your bag. It runs just shy of 80 minutes and is pure madness, soviet style.

Get your mind in the right place and jump into the Viy madness! The film is avialable to stream plenty of places for free on Tubi, YouTube and more on Just Watch