Review of The Countess (2009) by Roxanne R — 24 Dec 2011

BRAVO! Congratulations to Ms Julie Delpy who wrote, directed and starred in this great film about the birth and life of Countess Erzebet Bathory, the most prolific female serial killer of the 17th century.

I have seen several films depicting the life of Countess Bathory but this one is the best! I was unaware of how her upbringing shaped her to become so cruel. I was also unaware that Erzebet fell in love with a man nearly 20 years younger than her (Istvan Thurzo played by Daniel Bruhl) and despite their love for each other, his father Gyorgy Thurzo played so nicely by William Hurt conspired to end the love affair for ulterior motives.

Lots of conspiracy and deceit. The Countess at the time of the affair was 39 years old, and as years went by the loss of her youth was tormenting her when alas, one day she hit her maid and blood splattered on the Countess' face.

Since that day, she came to the conclusion that virgin blood will help her retain her youth. Well her position of nobility certainly helped her get away with over 600 murders but once she killed another noble lady, her "luck" ran out.

Magnificent performance by Julie Delpy and so glad she brought more insight into this project. BTW this is inspired by true events! Indeed Countess Erzebet Bathory lived during that time period and became notorious in history as the most prolific female serial killer.

The ending posed an excellent question because I believe that had she been born a male, her life would have taken a different course, a better one actually as stated by Countess Bathory. Again excellent script and performance by Julie Depy, I was impressed and its available on Netflix WOW, don't wait, watch asap.

.Highly recommended!