EMC Blog

Franz and Fiala use long, lingering shots to build a sense of inescapable dread. Conclusion: A Tough But Necessary Watch

In an era when mental illness was barely understood and often attributed to demonic possession or moral failing, being in “the devil’s bath” meant you were spiritually immersed in the devil’s own murky waters—drowning in sorrow, hopelessness, and dark thoughts. As one article notes, “the griefs and sorrows of melancholia—‘the devil’s bath’—could move a target to suicide, as well as attract the hauntings of unclean spirits.”

Some historical sources also link the term to crude “treatments” for melancholia that involved freezing baths or forced submersion—practices believed to drive out the devil or rebalance the humors. These brutal methods were as ineffective as they were cruel, and they further reinforce the dark historical associations of the phrase.

This is the Devil’s Bath—a neon yellow-green pool that looks more like a vat of toxic chemicals than a natural spring. While its name suggests something sinister, the science behind its appearance is a fascinating lesson in geology and chemistry.

Upon release, The Devil’s Bath received , who praised its unflinching honesty, meticulous historical accuracy, Anja Plaschg‘s searing performance, and the directors’ refusal to soften or sensationalize the subject matter.