Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Thriller
Written & Directed By: Elle Callahan
Cast: Gideon Adlon, Elizabeth Mitchell, Abigail Cowen, Christian Camargo, Cameron Crovetti, Nicholas Crovetti
Runtime: 92 minutes
Release Date: March 17, 2021 at SXSW Film Festival
Reviewer’s Rating: 3.5
When I researched some of the films that would be presented at this year’s (virtual) SXSW Film Festival, I gravitated toward films that are in the genres of supernatural, paranormal, fantasy, and anything to do with space. When I saw the synopsis for Witch Hunt, I became intrigued.
Synopsis: In a modern America where witches are real and witchcraft is illegal, a sheltered teenager must face her own demons and prejudices as she helps two young witches avoid law enforcement and cross the southern border to asylum in Mexico.
Prior to the SXSW 2021 lineup was released, I hadn’t heard of the film. It was actually filmed in 2019, and I love the underdogs, lesser known films that could potentially become fan favorites. Admittedly, I had to watch Witch Hunt twice to fully grasp what I think writer/director Elle Callahan wanted to convey. I may be wrong in my assessment, but it’s my interpretation.
While I did have a second chance to watch this movie, I am purposefully writing this review so that people can go into the first viewing with a clear idea to pay attention to the small details.
Witch Hunt is a curious and cautionary tale that’s complex and intriguing; however, there are a couple of caveats. After the second viewing, I realized several things I missed which are crucial for the viewers to know before going in. While there are some things that are not on the screen long enough, the internet searches that Claire (Gideon Adlon) does for her school paper is such an important part of the overall message of this film. There are also some slight plot holes, but I’ve forgiven most, except the ending. If you’re going to use the iconic Thelma & Louise film as reference, you must do it justice. The ending lacked in that satisfaction; however, you get the idea of where the director is trying to go.
The film opens with a definition of “witch hunt” which begs to be noticed. The second part of the definition stands out: “A campaign directed against a person, or group, holding unorthodox or unpopular views, usually based on slight, doubtful, or irrelevant evidence.” Having this lingering in the back of your mind sets the stage for the remainder of the film.
If you’re at all easily offended or squeamish, the opening scene after the incredibly jarring definition is an even more visceral scene of a woman being burned alive; so, you have been warned. As I watched the film, I began to see a running theme playing, something so profound that you don’t realize that it’s been smacking you in the face since the start of the movie.
Witch Hunt has magic, terror, and a sense of discovery . The story arcs feel like a comparison to the modern day (current) ostracizing of minorities, including those in the LGBTQ+ communities, even drawing on the condemnation of people of different race and creeds. The so-called “witches” in this film are all fair-skinned, red-haired women. Their children are also under scrutiny because of their genetic link to an accused “witch.” Sound familiar? Stereotyping, racial profiling, judging people based on the color of their skin, or in this case, the color of their hair.
After the death of her husband, Martha (Elizabeth Mitchell) moves her children, Claire, and twin boys George and Corey (Nicholas and Cameron Crovetti), into a large farm-like house in Southern California near the Mexico border. Martha assists those who are accused or are in danger of being persecuted and executed for being a witch. This causes a bit of a rift between her and Claire who can’t be a normal teenager which is made more difficult by being in a new town and new school.
The house is also an interesting character. It harbors many secrets within its cavernous walls, and the use of some suspenseful jump scares and flashbacks make some scenes quite intense. I wouldn’t say this is a typical horror, but there are some frightening characters who make their presence known in unexpected ways.
The quintessential bad guy comes in the form of Detective Hawthorne (Christian Camargo) from the “Federal Bureau of Witchcraft Investigations” – “BWI” for short. Hawthorne is a ruthless lawman who doesn’t have any qualms about using excessive force when it comes to taking down persons believed to be witches. He even has a special item that aids him in his search for evidence of witchcraft being used. Camargo immerses himself into this character so much so that I felt angst toward him. I loved his performance. His portrayal of Hawthorne as an unapologetic, self-righteous a**hole is compelling. Hawthorne puts fear into those who cross him.
The BWI run routine tests on the girls at school to determine if they are witches or not. The painful looking “prick tests” where they get needles jammed in their bodies and to identify a “witch’s mark” then subject them to “sink tests” to see if they pass or fail – witches apparently float.
There are other characters in the film that deserve to be mentioned. Abigail Cowen plays Fiona, and her younger sister Shae is played by Echo Campbell. The two girls have traveled from New England to Southern California to get across the border. Martha tries to help them but after a tragic event with the last transport, things become complicated. These girls have a tragic story; they just want to be accepted for who they are and not what they can do. Their ability to do magic is something they were born with, not something they asked for.
Claire must constantly keep secrets from her friends at school, but these friends are prejudiced against witches or anyone who looks like they could be a witch. Claire also has asthma which leads to strange and complex situations. Peculiar things happen to Claire over the course of the film – she’s having specific dreams and experiencing sleepwalking. Adlon gives a nuanced performance that showcases the character’s timid nature. She gives the misunderstood/frustrated teenager vibe, but she also conveys empathy and understanding when she and Fiona get to know one another better.
There are a few moments that strain credulity, especially the bar scene with Claire and Fiona. With all the BWI agents in the area, why would you purposefully go to a bar and expose yourself? While I get the plot device to add a catalyst for Hawthorne to visit Martha and investigate, it felt a bit contrived.
Overall, I enjoyed Witch Hunt. Despite a couple of flaws, there is good casting, commendable acting, and there is enough suspense mixed in to qualify it as a ‘horror’ genre. The creepy hands reaching out in the darkness, the mysterious ladies in black that disappear in the mist kept me on edge. And there is a moral to the story – don’t judge people based on certain criteria.
A wider U.S. release date hasn’t been set (at least not when I published this review), but I’m sure it will be available soon. The film is produced by Defiant Studios.
WITCH HUNT – Teaser Trailer
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Judy Manning
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