“Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil” (2018) – Movie Review

Errementari – Movie Plot

The Spanish horror film ERREMENTARI: THE BLACKSMITH AND THE DEVIL, based on Basque folklore, follows a brutal blacksmith who captures and tortures a demon he blames for his misery, but when a trespassing orphan girl – unaware of the danger – releases the demon, they now must face the grave consequences.

Paul Urkijo Alijo’s fantasy fright-fest “Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil” has won the Audience Award for Best Feature at the 2017 San Sebastián Horror and Fantasy Film Festival. The film with this gothic horror fable has been designed very well, as more than its horror elements, the film has been great with its dark humor.

Initially, with the trailer, many might not be too sure of its being a children’s film but barring a few scenes – it’s watchable by all. Well, after all, the story is based on an ancient fable and it is more of a preaching kind although the religious tonality has been minimal.

Watch the movie trailer of “Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil”

ERREMENTARI – THE BLACKSMITH AND THE DEVIL – Trailer from Errementari Film on Vimeo.

Well, there are many stories on “the Smith and the Devil” or at least there are many versions of the stories in the European, Russian, and western folklores. This very gothic horror legend follows a blacksmith who outsmarts a devil who wanted his soul for the smith’s misdeeds, while the smith believes that the devil is the reason for his misery.

The blacksmith, living in his workshop all alone after his wife committed suicide, one day trespassed by a young girl who not only releases the devil but also puts him in a situation where he must come to terms with the devil in order to save the girl’s soul.

“Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil” is indeed a very amazing film with a simple folk tale but great direction and performance. The film starts at a very slow pace but as it progresses, it becomes fascinating with a fable of realization and redemption. It never overdoes anything that would suggest it to be a satanic horror.

We see the depiction of a devil or demon with some common characteristics including a horn, trident, and tail, but those are not to divert any attention or suggest anything over religious. Those simplistic depictions are more to do with cultural symbolism than suggesting any pretentious messaging.

Moreover, the whole idea of a devil could be captured and tortured by a human itself makes this even more interesting. Again, the use of bells and chickpeas makes it funny while the writing also has its share of sarcastic wit embedded together with makeup, vintage setting and great performance (from its ensemble cast) have very rightly kept the Basque fable alive.

Movie Clip - Errementari-The Blacksmith and the Devil (Netflix)
Movie Clip – “Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil” (Netflix)

Starring: Kandido Uranga, Uma Bracaglia, Eneko Sagardoy, Ramón Agirre, Josean Bengoetxea, Gotzon Sánchez, José Ramón Argoitia, Gorka Aguinagalde, Iñigo de la Iglesia, Aitor Urtzelai
Genres: International Films, Spanish Films, Horror Films, Supernatural Horror Films, Fantasy
Director: Paul Urkijo Alijo

Where to watch Errementari: The Blacksmith and the Devil (2018)
A full-time movie geek and part time e-learning professional. He loves to read, write and discuss in length about cinema and the art of filmmaking.

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