User Reviews

How did I just hear of this film? This is actually based on a true story and I absolutely loved it. Lots of positive things to talk about here from the set designs to the costumes and the actress Suzan Anbeh, super talented as she really made this film come alive. The story is deep and has plenty of plot twists and the ending really had me by surprise. This isn't your typical Hollywood film so you will need to pay attention but it's totally worth it. The script is solid and is award winning. It's not so often you find films like this so I'm glad I found this and i'll be sure to recommend it to family and friends.

I liked it because is is a psychological thriller. My husband liked it because of the detailed historical accuracy in costumes and set! It gives you a lot to talk about, with several compelling subthemes (progress, women's rights, psychology, crime investigation). It is also a beautifully filmed movie, with a strangely quiet feel and gorgeous scenery. The tension is on many levels.

The English dubbed version is terrible.

1. Too many current turns of phrase. It might be bad dubbing

2. Probably just two voices in total: one male and the other female

3. There seems to be another sub-plot in the movie about investing in trains vs shipping

4. The clothes the characters are wearing are too clean

5. The characters are too healthy

6. The characters have great teeth

7. Lots of detail about the chemical analysis process

8. Overall it isn't clear what's going on

9. Bizarre distractions like a red rain in the middle of exhumations

10. The film should've been edited better: lots of filler

I couldn't finish the film.

The film's foundation in a true story significantly and it really impacted my admiration for it. Kudos for adeptly and artistically presenting the narrative with a robust feminist perspective. The custom-composed film score, executed by a 40-piece orchestra, is masterfully crafted and seamlessly aligns with the overall film ambiance. While not adhering to a modest budget, this isn't your typical Hollywood production, demanding your focused engagement. However, the investment is undeniably rewarding, even for those who aren't typically drawn to historical dialogues. Encountering films like this isn't a frequent occurrence, so I'm genuinely pleased to have come across it. I'll definitely make a point to recommend it to my family and friends.

Two strong women play convincing roles in the foreground of this real life story.

If the murderess and her plot had been invented, this would hardly be credible, it would simply appear overdone. So the disturbing thing is that this apparently gentle but crafty woman, who poisoned around 15 people over several years before being caught, really existed in Bremen. I watched the film in a cinema in a city in Germany, not far from Bremen, and friends from there know the story from local history.

In the film, the murderess appears to envy the skills and social standing of her opponent, the young law clerk Cato Böhmer.There are a few understandable interpretations of the killer's motivation and psychological disposition, but by and large her actions remain a mystery, so you get something to ponder about afterwards. Why did she kill so many people and at the same time portray herself as a caring person?

The dialogues are enjoyable acoustically, in contrast to many current films, where it is apparently cool to mumble or to accompany the dialogues with loud background noises or music.

The specially produced film music, performed by a 40-piece orchestra, is wonderfully composed and fitting to the whole atmosphere of the film.

The criminal case is integrated into the technical and economic developments of the era around 1830. You learn about railroad construction in Northern Germany together with impressive historical backdrops. As an interesting detail, the use of a kind of mechanical copier is also shown (a device completely unknown to me).

It is a film well worth seeing, not only for fans of historical dialogues. I am already waiting for the next film from Udo Flohr and hope that he will continue to employ such powerful actors.

I am not normally a fan of foreign films as I find the subtitles distracting, but Effigy is different. I watched this movie on the big screen at a local film festival, and the big screen is where it deserves to be seen! As a fan of crime dramas and historical content Effigy Poison and the City had me intrigued from the synopsis. The movie as a whole is wonderful, the creative aspects, the directing and the post production are all masterful. I recommend watching this movie any chance you get, and especially if you can find it at a theater near you!.

That this film is based on a true story greatly influenced my appreciation of it. High marks for presenting the narrative (with feminist angle) so convincingly and artfully. Loved the brilliant performance of the actors, especially the female serial killer and her nemesis. Loved very much the music score. Not so much the subplot which, while adding to the political context, proved too elusive to the average viewer like me. Looking forward very much to another film by Udo Flohr.

We need more attention to films like this. Loved everything about this flick. The murderer seems to harbor jealousy for the talents and societal status of her adversary, the young legal assistant Cato Böhmer. While there are several plausible interpretations of the killer's motives and psychological makeup, for the most part, her actions remain an enigma, providing ample food for thought afterwards. Why did she commit multiple murders while simultaneously presenting herself as a compassionate individual?

Unlike many contemporary films that seem to favor mumbling or accompany dialogues with excessive background noises or music, the conversations in this film are sonorously pleasing.

This film is undoubtedly a worthwhile watch, appealing not only to enthusiasts of historical dialogues. I am already anticipating Udo Flohr's next cinematic creation and remain hopeful that he will continue to collaborate with such formidable actors.

Deftly filmed by director Udo Flohr, "Effigy - Poison and the City" offers an absorbing glimpse of history that should satisfy period drama fans. Set in the 19th-century German port city of Bremen, the film is based on the true story of Gesche Gottfried. As one of the first female serial killers ever identified, she was beheaded in 1831 - Bremen's last public execution.

The movie skilfully blends elements of suspense, drama, and psychological thriller, keeping the audience engaged and intrigued throughout. Its meticulous attention to historical detail immerses viewers in the era's atmosphere. The pacing is deliberate - and occasionally slow, but this apparent mundanity underscores the grim brutality of its subject matter.

Lead actress Suzan Anbeh, who portrays Gesche Gottfried, delivers a nuanced and compelling performance, expertly balancing the character's complexity and evoking both empathy and revulsion. She presents Gottfried not just as a villain but as a multifaceted individual shaped by her circumstances and demons. Consequently, the film also delves into themes of gender and societal roles, reflecting on how women were perceived and treated during that time. It offers both entertainment and insight.

Overall, if you're a fan of thought-provoking psychological thrillers and period pieces alike, give Effigy a watch.

In this true story, two formidable women deliver impactful performances at the forefront. The narrative, if fabricated, would seem implausively exaggerated. It's unsettling to realize that the seemingly benign yet cunning woman who poisoned about 15 people over years in Bremen actually existed. I viewed this film in a German city close to Bremen, where locals are familiar with this historical incident.

In the movie, the murderess is depicted as jealous of the talents and status of her adversary, the young legal assistant Cato Böhmer. While there are some plausible theories about the murderer's motives and mindset, her actions largely remain an enigma, leaving viewers with lingering questions. What drove her to commit numerous murders while maintaining a facade of benevolence?

The film's dialogue stands out for its clarity, a refreshing change from modern movies that often feature mumbled lines or overpowering background sounds.

The score, created by a 40-member orchestra, beautifully enhances the film's mood.

The plot weaves in the technological and economic progress of the 1830s, educating viewers on railway development in Northern Germany against a backdrop of historical scenery. An intriguing aspect is the depiction of an early mechanical copier, a device I was unfamiliar with.

This movie is a must-see, transcending appeal beyond historical dialogue enthusiasts. I eagerly anticipate Udo Flohr's next creation and hope he continues to cast such compelling actors.

It's astonishing that I only discovered this film today. "Effigy: Poison and the City" revolves around two formidable women who deliver incredibly convincing performances at the heart of this true story.

If the character of the murderess and her plot had been fictional, it would have strained credibility; it would have felt excessively dramatic. What makes it unsettling is that this seemingly mild-mannered yet cunning woman, who poisoned approximately 15 people over several years before her capture, actually existed in Bremen.

In the movie, the murderer appears to covet the talents and social status of her adversary, the young law clerk Cato Böhmer. While there are a few plausible interpretations of the killer's motives and psychological makeup, for the most part, her actions remain shrouded in mystery. This leaves you with plenty to contemplate afterward. It's a genuinely thought-provoking and highly entertaining experience.

I found the film captivating due to its psychological thriller elements, which kept me engaged and on the edge of my seat. My husband, on the other hand, was particularly impressed by the film's dedication to historical accuracy, evident in the detailed costumes and authentic set designs. This movie provides a wealth of discussion topics, thanks to its rich array of subthemes including technological progress, the evolution of women's rights, psychological intricacies, and the nuances of crime investigation. Beyond its compelling narrative, the film stands out for its artistic cinematography. It possesses a unique, tranquil quality, juxtaposed with the stunning beauty of its landscapes, which adds depth to the visual experience. The way the film weaves tension through various layers of the story, from subtle interpersonal dynamics to overarching societal conflicts, contributes to an immersive and thought-provoking viewing experience.

I'm impressed. The criminal case is interwoven with the technological and economic advancements of the early 1830s blew me away. Thorough, captivating historical settings as you gain insights into the construction of railroads in Northern Germany. An intriguing detail emerges in the portrayal of a mechanical copying device, a technology entirely unfamiliar to me.

Undoubtedly, this film is a valuable viewing experience, catering not only to enthusiasts of historical discourse but to a wider audience as well. I eagerly anticipate Udo Flohr's next cinematic endeavor and hold hope that he will continue to work with the same actors from this film.

If your reading this and considering if you should watch this, you need to watch it.

The fact that this movie draws its inspiration from actual events significantly enhanced my enjoyment and appreciation of it. The filmmakers deserve commendation for their ability to present a narrative that not only engages but also incorporates a strong feminist perspective, executed both artfully and convincingly. The performances were exceptional, particularly those of the actress portraying the female serial killer and her counterpart, the nemesis character. Their portrayals were both compelling and immersive, adding depth to the storyline.

Additionally, the music score of the film was a standout feature. It complemented the mood and tone of the movie beautifully, weaving seamlessly with the narrative to enhance the overall experience. On the other hand, the subplot, which aimed to enrich the film by providing political context, fell somewhat short for me. Although it was an interesting addition, I found it somewhat elusive and challenging to fully grasp as an average viewer. This aspect didn't diminish my overall enjoyment of the film but was a noticeable contrast to the otherwise engaging storytelling.

Looking forward, I am genuinely excited and eagerly anticipating more work from the director, Udo Flohr. His unique approach to storytelling and his ability to bring complex characters to life are truly commendable, and I am keen to see how his future projects unfold.

In this gripping real-life narrative, two formidable women deliver compelling performances at the forefront.

The tale's authenticity lends credence to its chilling plot: in Bremen, a seemingly meek yet cunning woman, responsible for poisoning about 15 individuals over several years, truly existed. I viewed this film in a German cinema near Bremen, where locals are familiar with this historical incident.

The movie portrays the murderer as jealous of her adversary, Cato Böhmer, a young law clerk, reflecting on her motivations and psychological state, yet her actions largely remain enigmatic, leaving the audience with lingering questions. Why did she commit multiple murders while maintaining a facade of compassion?

The film stands out for its clear, enjoyable dialogue, a refreshing change from many modern movies that often use mumbled lines or drown conversations with loud music or background noise.

The original score, masterfully executed by a 40-member orchestra, beautifully complements the film's mood.

Set around 1830, the plot intertwines with the technological and economic progress of the time, including railroad construction in Northern Germany and historical settings. An intriguing aspect is the depiction of a mechanical copying device, unfamiliar to me.

This film is a must-watch, not just for enthusiasts of historical narratives. I eagerly anticipate Udo Flohr's next creation and hope for the continued casting of such dynamic performers.