Maribel Martin, Alexandra Bastedo – The Blood Spattered Bride (1972)

"The Blood Spattered Bride" (1972) is a Spanish horror film directed by Vicente Aranda, loosely based on Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu’s 1872 vampire novella Carmilla. It stars Maribel Martín as Susan, a newlywed bride, and Alexandra Bastedo as Mircalla Karnstein (also referred to as Carmilla), a mysterious and seductive figure tied to the supernatural. The film blends elements of gothic horror, vampirism, and eroticism, while exploring themes of gender dynamics, sexuality, and repression, earning it cult status over the years.
In the story, Susan honeymooning with her husband (played by Simón Andreu) begins experiencing disturbing visions and nightmares shortly after arriving at his ancestral estate. Her husband’s aggressive and domineering behavior alienates her, pushing her toward the enigmatic Mircalla, an ancestor who famously murdered her own husband on their wedding night. When a woman resembling Mircalla—later revealed as Carmilla—appears in the flesh, Susan becomes entangled in a web of seduction, bloodlust, and forbidden desires, leading to a violent and surreal climax.
Maribel Martín delivers a compelling performance as Susan, capturing her descent from innocence to psychological turmoil, while Alexandra Bastedo’s portrayal of Mircalla/Carmilla exudes an alluring yet menacing presence, embodying the film’s blend of erotic tension and gothic dread. The film’s atmospheric cinematography and haunting score by Antonio Pérez Olea enhance its eerie, dreamlike quality.
Released in 1972, The Blood Spattered Bride stands out for its progressive undertones—critiquing patriarchal control and fascism—while still indulging in the visceral thrills of the horror genre.