The adjoining house is visited by witch trial jurors cursed by Agnes’s mother, a suspected witch. Evelyn overhears her father discussing with her relatives how their mother appears to be possessed by the devil. During dinner, Minister Gilbert discusses with Evelyn the possibility of an arranged marriage with Matthew Shorter because she cannot be an old woman. She tries to decline by claiming she has not yet attained womanhood and attempts to change the subject to Agnes. She argues to her father that Agnes may be seriously ill and should be investigated, but the former is adamant that the witch trial is the only solution. He even adds that if Agnes is innocent, the Lord will eventually save her. That evening, Evelyn forcefully washes her blood-stained bedsheets, revealing that she has already reached womanhood.
Instead of watching as Agnes is burned alive following a public witch trial, Evelyn meets with Mary and the two engage in a romantic activity. Mary makes a ring made from grass and slides onto Evelyn’s ring finger when they notice the witch trial jurors passing by. The witch trial jurors exchange looks as they see the two women. On their walk home, Evelyn and Mary come upon a group of ladies known as “The Women” who are burying Agnes’ burned remains. The next day, Evelyn has a brief encounter with Mary when the latter delivers milk, but she is chastised by her father for failing to watch the trial. Mary’s absence was also noted by Minister Gilbert. Her father can be seen watching her interacting with the milk maiden.
Evelyn is wed to Matthew but refuses to consummate their marriage. Instead, she goes to Mary’s in the middle of the night and shares the bed. The following day, Evelyn tries to leave silently and is stopped by Mary who asks her to run away with her. Mary tells her that Evelyn cannot be spending the bed with her and Matthew alternately but the latter tells her that they must now end their relationship and walk away.
To Evelyn’s fear, her father and father-in-law are already awake and are looking for her. Meanwhile, Mary, who is following her, draws attention to them. Minister Gilbert tries to reassure Mr. Shorter that they are simply acquaintances, but the latter is enraged on behalf of his son’s dignity. Evelyn takes Mary’s hand in hers and proclaims her love for her. She is hit by her father who called Mary a witch for enchanting Evelyn. The two men accuse Mary of being a witch like Agnes as they forcefully separate the couple. Evelyn collapses to the ground and witnesses Mary being forcibly dragged by her father as she gradually loses consciousness.
Mary is subjected to a witch trial and found guilty, Minister Gilbert forces her daughter to watch as her lover screams brutally while being burned alive. She manages to free herself from her father’s hold and sobs as she walks away. “The Women” stands in front of her as she breaks down. Later, Evelyn, joined by “The Women” prays for Mary and offers her the grass-made ring before they cremate her burnt body.
The movie concludes with Evelyn standing outside with “The Women” as they watch the chapel burn down.
Writer’s Thoughts:
The film’s director states that ‘Requiem’ is “for all queer people so that we don’t forget our history. We have to take lessons from the past to tackle the systemic prejudice still around us and fight for our future.”. It delves further into not only the stereotype of same-sex couples in medieval times but also how religion may drive vengeance against anything that violates their values. Even though four hundred years have gone by since this fictitious film, the world may still not be as open as the past may have hoped for. While the story may leave a sour taste in the mouths of those who hope that the two young women in love will find their happy ending, the great performance from the two ladies is well worth the tears.
Watch ‘Requiem’ on GagaOOLala.
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