Synopsis

A nobleman living in Vogelod Castle invites a group of guests for a hunting party. Among the guests is the Baroness Safferstatt, whose husband died three years ago in a mysterious incident. As dark clouds gather over the castle, the Baroness, her new husband, her brother, and the other guests are confronted with the truth about the death of the Baron. Set in a haunting yet fascinating old castle, the story unfolds with scenes of jealousy, hypocrisy, ominous dreams, and murder. This 1921 film is often considered Murnau’s prologue to his masterpiece *Nosferatu*. The direction conveys the anxiety and suppressed psychology of the characters, and the delicate camera work superbly captures the mysterious tone of the film, showcasing the unique charm of Murnau’s films. Manuel Gottsching’s dreamy and peculiar musical touch perfectly complements the film's tone, becoming a masterpiece of contemporary music in itself.

Director

F.W. Murnau

F.W. Murnau (1888-1931), a master of light and shadow, made 21 films in his short life, 12 of which remain today, including the classic horror film *Nosferatu* (1922) and his final film *Tabu* (1931). He established German Expressionism, one of the most important movements of the silent film era, and created films that delved deeply into the psychological worlds of their characters, building his own unique cinematic world.