Post Mortem (2020): A Haunting Exploration of Death and the Supernatural
Post Mortem (2020) is a Hungarian supernatural horror film directed by Péter Bergendy, known for blending historical realism with chilling ghost story elements. Set in the immediate aftermath of World War I and during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the film is a rare mix of period drama and horror that explores death not just as a theme but as a looming presence over every frame. With its eerie atmosphere, striking cinematography, and slow-burning tension, Post Mortem is a chilling and emotionally resonant experience.
The story follows Tomas, played by Viktor Klem, a traveling post-mortem photographer—an eerie profession where he takes portraits of the dead with their living relatives. After a near-death experience on the battlefield, Tomas becomes fascinated by death and the possibility of an afterlife. One day, he encounters a young girl named Anna, who invites him to her village, where something is deeply wrong. The town is plagued by unexplained deaths, ghostly apparitions, and supernatural occurrences. Hoping to uncover the truth and perhaps communicate with the spirits, Tomas begins documenting the strange events using photography and sound equipment.
As Tomas delves deeper into the mystery, the film slowly reveals a community that is not only grieving but trapped—haunted by vengeful spirits who seem to be reaching out through the camera lens. Unlike many modern horror films that rely heavily on jump scares, Post Mortem builds its dread methodically. The suspense lies in what is not shown, in the silence between sounds, and in the shadows behind the characters. The film uses ghost photography, old-school audio experiments, and decaying village settings to create an authentically disturbing mood.
One of the film’s standout aspects is its visual style. Cinematographer András Nagy crafts a hauntingly beautiful world of muted colors, foggy forests, and candlelit interiors. Every frame is meticulously composed to evoke a sense of isolation and unease. The production design, rooted in early 20th-century Eastern Europe, gives the story a grim authenticity that enhances the horror. The sound design and score also contribute heavily to the oppressive mood, filled with distant whispers, creaking wood, and moments of unsettling quiet.
Thematically, Post Mortem is not just about ghosts—it’s about the trauma of war, the fear of the unknown, and humanity’s struggle to process mass death. Tomas represents a man caught between life and death, science and superstition, trying to find order in a world where none exists. His relationship with young Anna adds a layer of warmth and vulnerability to the bleak setting, grounding the film emotionally.
Post Mortem was Hungary’s submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards, a testament to its craftsmanship and originality. While it may not cater to all horror fans—especially those expecting fast-paced thrills—it offers a rich, slow-burn narrative that rewards patient viewers with a deeply atmospheric and thought-provoking experience.
In the end, Post Mortem is a ghost story that lingers, not only for its scares but for its haunting meditation on death, grief, and memory.
