THE STORY
A LEGEND REIMAGINED
From the mind of Julian Barris comes BATHORY, a reimagining of the infamous legend of Elizabeth Bathory.
Blending historical horror with a modern theatrical vision, the film descends into the mind of a woman consumed by obsession and bloodlust as she carries out one of her most infamous kills.
Witness the brutality, obsession, and gruesome acts that would cement Bathory's name in history—and turn a woman into a legend that refuses to die.
FROM THE DIRECTOR
A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Elizabeth Bathory has fascinated me for years—not simply because of the brutality associated with her name, but because of the mystery surrounding the woman behind the legend.
With BATHORY, I wanted to take that infamous history and create something that felt both grounded in the darkness of the past and theatrical in its presentation. Rather than simply retell the story of Elizabeth Bathory, I wanted to explore the obsession, bloodlust, and psychological darkness that have allowed her legend to survive for centuries.
This film is my interpretation of that legend. It is a dark, stylized journey into Bathory's world—one designed to make the audience feel as though they are witnessing a moment from history while simultaneously experiencing something larger, stranger, and more haunting.
As a filmmaker, I am drawn to stories that live somewhere between history and myth. BATHORY gave me the opportunity to take a figure whose story has been told countless times and approach her from my own perspective.
My hope is that audiences don't simply watch BATHORY—I want them to feel the atmosphere, question the legend, and leave with the image of Elizabeth Bathory lingering in their minds long after the film ends.
— Julian Barris
Writer & Director
THE MAKING OF BATHORY
BEHIND THE FILM
A LEGEND REIMAGINED
For centuries, the name Elizabeth Bathory has been surrounded by blood, mystery, and controversy. BATHORY takes inspiration from that infamous legend and reimagines it through a dark, theatrical lens.
The goal was never simply to recreate history. Instead, the film brings together elements of historical horror, supernatural mythology, and theatrical storytelling to create a world that feels both ancient and otherworldly.
From the atmosphere of the castle and dungeon to the performances and carefully constructed moments of violence, every element was designed to pull the audience deeper into Bathory's world.
A FILM MADE INDEPENDENTLY
BATHORY was created as an independent production by Barris Films, bringing together a dedicated cast and crew to bring Julian Barris' vision to the screen.
With limited resources and a passion for the story, the production relied on creativity, collaboration, and the commitment of everyone involved. Every location, performance, effect, and shot became part of the process of transforming an idea into a finished film.
THE WORLD OF BATHORY
The film's visual language draws from the contrast between the old and the new—combining the darkness of a historical Gothic world with a modern theatrical sensibility.
Blood, shadows, ritual, and supernatural imagery become part of a world where history and legend begin to blur.
This is not simply the story of Elizabeth Bathory.
This is BATHORY.