However, even if it is amusing at times, such was the visceral, authentic darkness of some of its period recreations, that the film aroused controversy on its release. As one reviewer wrote for Variety in 1923, "Wonderful though this picture is, it is absolutely unfit for public exhibition". Indeed, Christensen"s film became a whispered, cursed object all of its own. In just about every territory in which it was released, from Europe to the United States, Häxan was heavily censored for its content, in particular its incredibly realistic depictions of violence and torture, and overtly blasphemous imagery, in particular the desecration of the cross and scenes of witches kissing the devil"s backside. Indeed, it was even butchered for its home release in Sweden, in spite of being the most expensive Swedish production made at the time.