Moloch (2022)
Moloch (2022)
Moloch (2022) is a Dutch folk horror film directed by Nico van den Brink in his feature debut. The movie blends elements of folklore, supernatural horror, and psychological tension to craft an atmospheric and unsettling narrative. Set in the rural peat bogs of the Netherlands, it explores themes of generational trauma, ancient curses, and the dark intersection between myth and reality.
The story follows Betriek, a 38-year-old single mother played by Sallie Harmsen, who lives with her young daughter Hanna and her parents on the edge of a mysterious bog in northern Netherlands. Betriek’s life takes a sinister turn when her family is attacked by a seemingly deranged stranger one night. This event sets off a chain reaction that leads Betriek to investigate her family’s history and uncover disturbing truths about their connection to an ancient curse.
As Betriek delves deeper into the mystery, she learns about local folklore surrounding Feike, a woman from centuries past who was accused of witchcraft and sacrificed herself to appease the pagan god Moloch. The curse tied to Feike appears to have haunted Betriek’s family for generations, with each cycle involving gruesome sacrifices. Meanwhile, an archaeological team led by Jonas (Alexandre Willaume) is excavating bodies from the bog—women whose throats were cut vertically in rituals spanning different eras. These discoveries intertwine with Betriek’s investigation as she begins to suspect that her family is being targeted by something ancient and malevolent.
The film builds its tension through slow pacing, eerie visuals of foggy landscapes, and unsettling sound design. It incorporates classic folk horror tropes such as whispers from the bog, pagan rituals, and supernatural possession while maintaining a grounded focus on Betriek’s emotional struggles. The climax reveals shocking twists about Betriek’s lineage and her role in perpetuating the curse.
While Moloch has been praised for its atmospheric cinematography and strong performances—particularly Harmsen’s portrayal of Betriek—it has also faced criticism for its slow pacing and underdeveloped side plots. Nevertheless, it delivers an effective blend of dread-filled storytelling and haunting imagery that appeals to fans of folk horror classics like The Wicker Man or Hereditary.
Ultimately, Moloch is both a chilling exploration of ancestral guilt and an engaging addition to modern folk horror cinema.
