Directed by Corrado Farina, this Italian-French co-production is a stylish, surrealist blend of erotic thriller and supernatural horror. It is based on the popular Valentina comic book series created by Guido Crepax.
Synopsis
The story follows Valentina Rosselli, a sophisticated fashion photographer living in Milan. One night, while walking home, she has a chance encounter with a mysterious, middle-aged woman driving a black car. The woman introduces herself as Baba Yaga and immediately takes a strange, possessive interest in Valentina.
As the days pass, Valentina’s reality begins to fracture. Baba Yaga gifts her an antique doll that seems to take on a life of its own, and Valentina is plagued by vivid, sadomasochistic nightmares and hallucinations. Objects in her studio begin to act in inexplicable ways, and she becomes increasingly isolated from her boyfriend, Arno. Valentina soon realizes she has become the target of a powerful witch who intends to use her for a dark, ritualistic purpose. The film blurs the lines between pop-art aesthetics and ancient folklore as Valentina fights to maintain her grip on her identity and her soul.
Key Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
| Director | Corrado Farina |
| Baba Yaga | Carroll Baker |
| Valentina Rosselli | Isabelle De Funès |
| Arno Treves | George Eastman |
| Annette | Ely Galleani |
Distinctive Features
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Visual Aesthetic: The film heavily incorporates comic book framing, freeze-frames, and psychedelic transitions that mirror the art style of Guido Crepax.
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The Villain: Hollywood star Carroll Baker brings a chilling, understated elegance to the role of the modern-day witch, moving away from traditional “hag” tropes.
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Atmosphere: It captures the avant-garde spirit of 1970s European “Euro-cult” cinema, focusing more on mood, fashion, and subtext than traditional jump scares.
Note: Due to its unconventional style and censorship issues during its original release, the film was largely rediscovered decades later, earning a reputation as a landmark of Italian psych-horror.
