The film recounts the haunting tale of Erzsébet Bathory, a Hungarian countess who lived during the 16th and 17th centuries. Set against the backdrop of a region in Hungary that is now part of Slovakia, Bathory presents a unique perspective on her life. In this adaptation, the countess is portrayed not merely as an infamous figure but as a healer engrossed in medical experiments and basic autopsies within a concealed “hospital” beneath her castle. Her world changes when she encounters Darvulia, a reputed witch who rescues her from a deadly poisoning attempt. This pivotal moment seals a bond between them, with Darvulia promising Erzsébet eternal beauty and motherhood, but at a steep price that requires her to sacrifice both love and her own reputation.
As the plot unfolds, the countess grows increasingly reliant on Darvulia, who becomes her most trusted companion. Yet, dark events begin to unfold in the surrounding area as young maidens mysteriously succumb to deaths deemed unrelated initially. Adding to the enigma is a scene where Erzsébet, played by Anna Friel, is seen bathing in a large tub filled with red liquid, as the disfigured remains of these girls are buried in close proximity. After some investigation, two monks erroneously deduce that the water is not blood; rather, it has been colored by various herbs.
As the story progresses, following the death of her husband Ferenc Nádasdy, the countess finds herself embroiled in conflict with her husband’s scheming friend György Thurzó, depicted by Karel Roden. This tension escalates when Thurzó attempts to solicit her affection during her husband's funeral. His herbalist lover aids him in seeking revenge for his unrequited advances. In the ensuing turmoil, Erzsébet begins to experience haunting visions and surreal episodes, leading to a fateful encounter where she fatally stabs a woman with scissors. The mental strain is such that she confides in Darvulia her inability to distinguish between her dreams and reality.
The situation worsens as Darvulia discovers that someone has been spiking Erzsébet’s drinks with hallucinogenic mushrooms, leading her to doubt Darvulia's loyalty. Upon this revelation, Erzsébet heartlessly expels her. In a shocking turn of events, Thurzó and his wife capture Darvulia, subjecting her to brutal torture that culminates in her tongue being severed. In her last moments, she defiantly inscribes Thurzó's name in blood on the wall of her cell. Consumed by rage, Erzsébet vows retribution against him.
With Thurzó rallying Erzsébet's sons-in-law and other conspirators to charge her with witchcraft, their malevolent plans unravel time and again. Nonetheless, they manage to detain the countess and employ torture on her household staff in their quest to elicit damning evidence. Subsequent execution of the servants on the grounds of alleged crimes marks a significant downfall for Erzsébet, who finds herself imprisoned. Stricken by despair over her separation from her son, she lies on her bed, introspectively singing a hymn. In a disastrous twist, the flames from her candles rise and engulf her in fire. Upon learning of her untimely demise, Thurzó reflects on her once again outwitting him, as he admits to a long-held, unreciprocated love she never knew about—echoing memories of their strategic chess matches, where she perpetually surprised him with her moves.
