On paper, this documentary from director Andrew Castruita is really exciting: a film which looks at modern day witchcraft and its practioners, aiming to get rid of preconceptions.
But through failing to put it into a broader historical and cultural context, it is both maddeningly inconsequential and lacking in real insight. There are a few talking heads, all saying the usual soundbites like, “It’s not broomsticks, animal sacrifice, Harry Potter and pointy hats”.. No shit, Sherlock.
What we get instead is a rather static film with lots of TikTok goths and nice hippy/ New Age types casting spells (using the wrong herbs and candles) and talking about abundance through manifestation – that sounds more like the wellness industry to me, than any real exploration of Wicca. Apparently, “if you say you are a witch, you are a witch”. O…kay, then. That’s that settled.
Those who actually practice and are knowledgeable about witchcraft are given less screen time- the likes of Jamie Della and Amanda Yates Garcia, who have extensively researched and written about it hardly feature. It’s a real shame. What a waste of time. I’m not bewitched by this mess of a film – merely bothered and bewildered.
Hit The North 