viy header

Hooptober 12.0 – Viy (1967)

Being Film #11 for Hooptober 2025

Straddling the line between folktale and vibrant Hammer-style gothic horror, I was shocked and surprised at how much I enjoyed the lean, vibrant Viy. My knowledge of Russian cinema, let alone Russian horror, is pretty limited, but I shouldn’t be surprised considering the rich history Russia has from a literature standpoint. Adapted from a short story by Nikolai Gogol, Viy is a wonder of practical effects, concise storytelling, and – weirdly – a sense of joy despite its grim plot.

Continue reading “Hooptober 12.0 – Viy (1967)”