The Devil's Trap

The first in František Vláčil’s trilogy of beautifully realised historical epics. The Devil’s Trap is set in 16th century Bohemia where a miller and his son find themselves under investigation by Inquisition authorities after daring to question the local landowner’s decision to build on unstable land. Evoking a time where religious authority holds sway, and an understanding of the natural world is interpreted as evidence of a diabolical pact, The Devil’s Trap stunningly creates a cruel but credible world torn between superstition and science. (Second Run)