The Juniper Tree

A young Björk makes her screen debut in Nietzchka Keene's alluring revision of the Brothers Grimm's dark fairytale.

After their mother is executed for witchcraft, two sisters flee to start anew in a distant land where they are unknown. The elder sister, Katla, denies her use of witchcraft and quickly wins the heart of a widower, marrying him. However, his son, still grieving the loss of his mother grows suspicious of his new stepmother and her mysterious ways.

Curator's note

Set in the Middle Ages, filmed in the mid-80s and finally released in 1990, The Juniper Tree defies time with its stunning cinematography – crisply restored in 4K – creating an ethereal atmosphere. The film’s only anchor to reality is the presence of a 21-year-old Björk, whose performance feels as though it transcends eras.

Drawing from one of the Brothers Grimm’s more sinister tales, Nietzchka Keene's alluring feminist interpretation casts its own dark spell. Despite financial setbacks that delayed its release, the film premiered at the 1991 Sundance Film Festival where it competed for the Grand Jury Prize.

– Reece Goodwin, Curator (Film & TV)