Black Death

Black Death

Year: 2011

Runtime: 102 min

Language: English

Director: Christopher Smith

AdventureDramaMysteryHorror

In 1348, a ravaged Europe succumbs to the Black Death's merciless grasp, fueling superstition and fear. Amidst this desolate landscape, rumors of a mystical village in the marshlands spread, where the plague's wrath is said to falter. A ruthless knight, Ulric, embarks on a perilous quest with novice monk Osmund to uncover the truth, but as they approach the cursed village, their faith and humanity are pushed to the brink.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Black Death yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Black Death (2011)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Black Death (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

13th Century

The movie is set in the 13th Century, a period marked by the rise of the Church's authority and the devastating impact of the bubonic plague across Europe. During this time, many viewed the plague as divine punishment for humanity's sins, leading to extreme reactions, including witch hunts and persecution of those perceived as heretics. The conflict between religious zealotry and human compassion is a significant theme during this era.

Location

13th Century England, remote village, large marsh

The film takes place in 13th Century England, during a time of societal turmoil caused by the bubonic plague. The central location is a remote village surrounded by a large marsh, which provides seclusion from the overwhelming influence of the Church's oppressive might. This setting is pivotal, as it symbolizes both isolation from the plague and the villagers' desire to break free from religious tyranny.

🏰 Medieval 🌳 Nature 🌑 Isolation

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Main Characters – Black Death (2011)
Meet the key characters of Black Death (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Osmund (Eddie Redmayne)

Osmund is a conflicted young monk who grapples with his religious vows and his passionate love for Averill. Torn between his duty to the Church and his desire for personal happiness, Osmund's character arc evolves dramatically from innocence to vengeance after the loss of Averill, ultimately leading him to commit atrocities in the name of his faith.

🧙‍♂️ Monk ❤️ Love ⚖️ Conflict

Averill (Kimberley Nixon)

Averill is a young woman representing love and innocence in the story. Her affection for Osmund and her desire to escape the plague-driven chaos symbolize the hope for a life free from the horrors surrounding them. Her tragic fate becomes the catalyst for Osmund's transformation.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Romantic ✊ Independence 😢 Tragedy

Ulrich (Sean Bean)

Ulrich serves as a brutal enforcer of the Church's will, tasked with ridding the land of perceived threats to their authority. His complex character embodies the dark side of religious zealotry, as he grapples with his own violent methods, which ultimately lead to catastrophic consequences.

⚔️ Soldier ⚖️ Authority 💔 Betrayal

Langiva (Carice Van Houten)

Langiva is an enigmatic herbalist who straddles the line between healer and manipulator. She represents the villagers' resistance against oppressive forces and serves as a catalyst for Osmund's journey. Instead of witchcraft, she utilizes her skill with herbs and knowledge to empower her community, challenging traditional notions of power.

🌿 Healer 🧙‍♀️ Enigmatic ✊ Empowerment

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Major Themes – Black Death (2011)
Explore the central themes of Black Death (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚔️ Faith vs. Doubt

The film explores the tension between faith and doubt, as represented through Osmund's internal struggle between his love for Averill and his vows to God. This theme is exacerbated by the cruel realities of the apocalypse brought on by the plague, leading characters to question the righteousness of their beliefs and the morality of their actions.

🕊️ Redemption and Revenge

Redemption and revenge are central to the narrative, particularly in Osmund's evolution from a pious monk to a vengeful inquisitioner. His tragic transformation showcases how grief can lead individuals down dark paths, prompting them to embrace violence and abandon their initial principles in pursuit of retribution.

🌪️ Chaos of Power

The chaos wrought by power dynamics is evident throughout the story, especially in the interactions between the Church soldiers and the villagers. The villagers' revolt against the Church's authority and their own descent into brutality regarding perceived sins highlight the tumultuous nature of power and its corruptive effects.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:49

Similar Movies to Black Death
Discover movies like Black Death that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.