In particular, a scenario featuring g**ital mutilation appalled many spectators and provoked controversy.
The movie also examines the conflict between pagan and Christian ideas and the dread of the feminine, which is highlighted by the viewpoint of the female witch.
Many people think this reinforces the notion that women are the source of all evil. The movie was said to have caused several walkouts and faintings.
When it debuted at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival. As a result, the Ecumenical Jury gave it the “Anti-Award” for the most sexist movie.
According to The Guardian, the film was banned in France after being sued by the Catholic conservative organization Promouvoir seven years after.
