User reviews

Before we even begin watching it's worth noting that this is the first full-length feature in which Victoria U. Bell has starred, and the first that she has written or directed. Whatever else is true, I'm inclined to give some credit and a warm welcome on that basis. If the film is well-made and enjoyable then it speaks even more highly of her; if the film faces an uphill climb, then one can only extend best wishes, and hopes that the filmmaker develops her skills and impresses in the future. With this good will firmly in mind - I think Bell shows burgeoning capabilities as a filmmaker and storyteller, and I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors. 'Heir of the witch' isn't bad, and I do kind of like it to a fair degree, but it bears a number of weaknesses that substantially weigh down the value it can claim.

Text at the beginning, providing background information crucial to the plot, did not need the redundant narration. I can appreciate that there was a wealth of information Bell wished to provide, and maybe there was no ideal way to communicate it, but the instance here is gawky and distracting. Occasional voiceovers to follow, of protagonist Anna expressing her inner thoughts, also seem a gauche touch, particularly since nuanced acting alone could convey the same thoughts; in the very least, any info that may have actually been important to impart in that manner could have been worked more naturally into dialogue. Many small moments are wholly superfluous, not least in the long first third of exposition, and the scene writing at large is rather forthright and tactless. Supporting characters are utterly vacuous, shallow, and unlikable - written that way on purpose, yes, but not only are they all painted with the same hues, but from one to the next it feels empty and excessive. The picture is also overproduced: the image is crisp and clear, the cinematography is splendid, and the computer-generated imagery is vivid if sometimes all too transparently false, but the sets and setting for each scene, the presentation generally, and even the score too often seem a bit sterile and hollow, bereft of real feeling or major detail.

The acting is mostly fine, though some instances are stronger than others. Weirdly enough, I think Bell is limited by her own screenplay, giving her relatively little opportunity as Anna to illustrate her skill as a performer (at least, that is, until the last third). Plot development initially comes off as slow and meager but later proves to be scattered and maybe lacking, with flashbacks mostly seeming both helpful (if incompletely) in communicating critical backstory, but inorganically inserted and disruptive to the active narrative. Even heading into the second half of the length we know almost nothing concrete about our protagonist except that the seamstress, an immigrant from Moldova, has had a difficult past, and is now haunted by apparent supernatural visitations and odd experiences - and as to the story into which Anna figures, well, these ninety-some minutes are over and it still feels less than fully satisfying. Case in point: there's a brutal murder, and a character who inexplicably has access to Anna's home, and even as all the bits and bobs seem to be escalating for Anna the story then skips ahead by eight months heading into the third act - and still only unhelpful fractions of the constituent story elements have had any quantifiable elucidation.

There is a definite element of horror here, violence and malice given prominence in fits and starts and mostly in the last third. With that said, I take no issue with the fact that 'Heir of the witch' presents as a horror-drama; it's a little less conventional of a tack, but perfectly suitable, and I've seen some terrific titles of just such a nature. But there are specific problems with Bell's approach to the material. We get distinct flavors of psychological drama, and psychological horror, as Anna is plagued by an increasingly distressed mental state, seeming manipulation, and the sheer strength of the powers with which she is cursed. This facet comes to bear in the very last several minutes as everything does get an explanation (more or less), including in fairness those parts of the first two-thirds that had me scratching my head. However, up until these very last minutes, what the movie is far and away - even with droplets of horror - is a domestic/romantic melodrama that wouldn't feel out of place as a TV movie on a network like Lifetime. In the last minutes that melodrama and the horror finally converge 100%, yet it doesn't actually feel like these specific revelations make the plot significantly clearer. Imagine, if you will, a jigsaw puzzle, with a complete image printed on the pieces. Now imagine some of those pieces are subsequently warped into a new shape, some are faded, some are shrunk, and some are enlarged. All the pieces are still there for a complete image, but they no longer fit together the way that they should. That's kind of what this film turns out to be when all is said and done.

I don't dislike 'Heir of the witch,' and I don't think it's bad. On the contrary, there's much to appreciate here, including stunts and practical effects, the more carefully cultivated instances of CGI, and the brutality of the horror at its best. I don't agree with all the choices made, but by and large those operating behind the scenes turned in fine work. Above all - again, not least for her first full-length feature - I think Bell does demonstrate her abilities as an actress, promise as a director, and commendable intelligence in her writing. That various issues are so pronounced at one time or another are unfortunate, but more so than not I believe this flick indicates solid craftsmanship and even more potential on the part of all involved, and Bell in particular. What it needed more than anything else was a more balanced narrative, weaving together the drama and the horror in equal measure throughout. It needed a more calculated and smooth if subtle arc for Anna, perhaps laying out more discreetly the progression that's thrown at us all at once in the last minutes, and with tiny kernels of incongruence more delicately handled than the parts we see that instead just completely feel out of place until the final reveal. It needed better establishment of Anna's background, and the driving impetus for the plot, than the few paragraphs of text that open and the sometimes vague flashbacks that more directly relate to Anna herself. It needed more emphatic if underhanded themes as an anchor, for the idea of cycles of violence is dallied with but not cohesively explored. With such tweaks in the writing the end result would have been drastically improved, to the point that other points of criticism - the need for more thoughtful consideration of production design and art direction, and more variation in supporting characters - could possibly just be forgiven outright.

Seeing as this was seemingly just released into the world one month ago, online, it surely hasn't had extensive viewership as of yet. I wouldn't be surprised if it evokes sharp and stringent responses lambasting the faults I've spotlighted and heaping even more vitriol upon it in other ways. I've watched too many pictures of the last several years, likewise given no theatrical release but simply a digital one, that bore many broad similarities to this, and that had the exact same experience (and many quite deservedly). That would be unfortunate, though, because I'm of the mind that 'Heir of the witch' earns and needs a more nuanced assessment. I see where there's room for improvement, but I also see what it does well; I can't begrudge those who more heavily dislike it, and I also understand how others might like it much more, and I'm glad for them. For my part I'm happy that I took the time to watch, and as Bell's first full-length movie I wish her nothing but the best for the developing aptitude it proves. Still, this is unwieldy as it presents, so any recommendation comes with an asterisk and a request for discussion.

Left a bit to be desired. Many transitions in the film were misplaced. The story structure of the movie is not apparent to the audience. The film lacks any direction. The movie is more about a mistress that lacks mental stability than it is a horror film. The performances come off as over exaggerated in a film that is not nearly serious or coherent enough as a film to be treated as such. As somebody who was at the first screaming I was remised to find audience members laughing at various beats of the movie. The film makers deserve credit for their hard work but the final product was below par.

This has to be the absolute worst and dumbest movie I've ever tried to watch. The main character is self absorbed, has zero social skills, makes everyone around her feel awkward by just staying silent and feeling sorry for herself, and spends the entire movie moping around wondering why she can't relate to anything or anyone.

I've only rated a handful of movies but this one made me angrier and angrier the more I watched to the point that I had to jump on here and write a review just to warn anyone who sees the review to not waste their time. Seriously.

Don't get me wrong, I've seen a lot of bad movies that I just felt "meh, okay" about and moved on. But this pity party is just painful to watch and I sincerely hope the director/actress finds the help in real life that she truly and obviously needs.

There is a reason the director is the lead actor. It's hard to find anyone who wants to star in someone's ego driven movie that's ultimately a flop and hard to watch. We didn't even finish the movie. Can we get a refund please? Some people need to understand just because you have money for a movie, doesn't mean you know what you are doing. Save yourself your time and money and watch something with meaning. This movie is a typical low budget indie film that based on folk lore that's slow, drawn out and never really comes together. Read the professional movie critics reviews as well, and don't bother with the paid for friend reviews because they feel bad for the director.

Heir of the Witch is a horror thriller following a young woman that finds the family curse coming back to haunt her. She finds her quiet life turned upside down by temptation as her nightmares from her past increase.

This is a horror that dives into the idea of coming from a family that was branded a witch, generations before. It shows the increased burden placed on them in modern life. The story gets to play it out in a mix of soap opera drama and nightmares haunting the descendant. This gets to create good scares and ones that have a lasting scare factor in the nightmares experienced.

The movie has strong performances throughout the cast with writer, director and star Victoria U Bell's performance shining through. If you want a nightmare fuelled story, you will get one here.

What an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected twists and turns! This captivating narrative truly leaves one yearning for more, evoking a sense of anticipation and intrigue. The meticulous attention to color and special effects in this independent film is commendable, lending it a visually stunning appeal. The judicious use of special effects enhances the storytelling without overshadowing it, ensuring a seamless delivery of the narrative's essence. The casting is impeccable, with Victoria U. Bell delivering an outstanding performance. The kill scenes are particularly noteworthy for their originality and spine-chilling impact. While the plot may initially seem complex, it all converges brilliantly by the end, revealing carefully laid breadcrumbs throughout the film, many of which become apparent upon subsequent viewings. I wholeheartedly recommend this film for its gripping storyline and cinematic excellence.

I watched the vast majority of this movie just hating it. It seemed like the plot was was just barely going through the standard horror tropes. All the main characters are bland or unlikable. The main actress is playing a plain and overlooked woman, but she's the most radiant one there.

So far, those are pretty typical problems for a horror movie. But the absolute worst problem is the pacing. Everything plods along with very little rhyme or reason. We get largely useless flashbacks. There are several abrupt time jumps that, instead of being effective, feel like scenes were just missing. One gap is probably eight months long, with no forewarning. With one of the victims there's a scene where we think logically that she surely must have been killed, but shortly after we get another scene where she's still alive and not even addressing having gone through anything earlier, followed quickly by a suggestion that she just got killed for real that time, but no actual scene explaining any of it. I think you're supposed to guess, but at that point it doesn't seem to fit what we know.

Closer to the end than it had any reason to, the movie took a wild turn. There was a quick succession of deaths, and a major mystery was revealed that I never saw coming. A couple of scenes were revisited, with a quick suggestion that there were other important things going on. But it's already over, credits are rolling. This was the making of a great movie. But it doesn't really work to just stuff it at the end like that.

This script badly needed a rewrite to take care of the pacing. The first two thirds of the movie should have been the first third, maybe. We got some hints, but there could have been a few more, maybe some red herrings. Parts that do not contribute to the overall plot (and a few characters even) should have just been ripped out. We needed more time at the end, and we could have seen some of the repercussions of what happened. It doesn't even have to all be denouement, if it were parceled out better we could process each step and build suspense about what that one was going to mean before the next one hit. And the loose threads could have been addressed in a satisfying way. For example, at this point I don't know if an important character lived or died, based upon what we know at the end.

I hope I danced around the spoilers successfully. Even knowing that there is a spoiler can in itself be a kind of spoiler, but I mention it so you don't give up on this movie before it's over. At least one of the reviews said they bailed before it finished, which is a shame. Fast forward a little if you have to, but don't just turn it off.

Few experiences rival the profound satisfaction of witnessing one's expectations surpassed by a considerable margin. Periodically, amidst the landscape of independent and low-budget productions, a rare find emerges-a shining beacon of originality and innovation. "Heir of the Witch" stands as a testament to such rarity.

From its inception, the craftsmanship evident in the writing of this haunting tale, partly inspired by real-life events, resonates deeply. It delves unflinchingly into themes of inheritance, curses, and the inescapable shackles of ancestral legacy, establishing the script as the pulsating heart of the narrative.

The performances exhibited within this production stand unparalleled within the realm of low-budget endeavors. Each character exudes a profound depth, while the dialogue, imbued with layers of meaning, creates a rich tapestry of interaction. Astute viewers will delight in the plethora of Easter eggs and subtle foreshadowing woven seamlessly throughout, ensuring that the narrative remains unpredictable, with each plot twist delivering a jolt of surprise.

Victoria U. Bell's portrayal is nothing short of unforgettable.

Furthermore, the cinematography transcends expectations, displaying a level of artistry and attention to detail that commands admiration. The visual effects, executed with astonishing precision, add an extra layer of immersion, elevating the viewing experience to new heights.

In summation, "Heir of the Witch" stands as a testament to the boundless potential of independent filmmaking, where creativity and passion converge to produce a work that leaves an indelible mark on its audience.

What a roller coaster ride of twists and turns. What a great story, that leaves you with a queezy feeling of wanting more. Color and SPFX were on point for an independent film, it looks great. Special effects were well placed and not over done which helped with delivery and get their point across. The movie was well cast with an awesome performance by Victoria U. Bell. I really enjoyed the kill scenes as they were original and SCARY... Its a film where it may be a little hard to follow at first, but it all comes together in the end. There were breadcrumbs throughout the film, most of what you pick up on the 2nd time you watch it. I highly recommend this movie!

🌟🌟. What sets 'Heir of the Witch' apart from other films in its genre is its commitment to realism within a fantasy framework. The movie introduces us to a magical world, but its roots are firmly planted in the struggles, joys, and dilemmas that are universally human. It addresses themes of love, loyalty, sacrifice, and identity, making it more than just a magical adventure. As the plot unravels, viewers are invited to question and introspect on broader life themes, making it a film that transcends its genre.

I'd be implore you to watch the movie, it's kinda interesting and fun, kudos to you.

Masterclass in filmmaking that showcases the magic of cinema. I was hooked from the opening scene, and the brilliance only grew from there. With its powerful message and superb execution, this movie lingers in your thoughts long after the credits roll. A triumph of storytelling.

Emotionally gripping and intellectually stimulating, this movie transcends boundaries and leaves a lasting impact. Prepare to be moved.

A rollercoaster of emotions that takes you on an unforgettable journey. I was thoroughly entertained and impressed by every minute.

This film combines heartwarming moments with intense action sequences flawlessly. It's a rare gem that appeals to a wide range of audiences.

'Heir of the Witch' unfolds as a narrative that's both ancient in its magical lore and modern in its character dynamics. The plot weaves intricate relationships, allegiances, betrayals, and redemption arcs that feel both fantastical and deeply human. The performances by the cast are commendable, breathing life into characters that are at once larger than life and deeply relatable. The dialogues are sharp, often leaving a lingering impact, making viewers reflect on their meanings. In essence, it's a tale that doesn't just entertain but also evokes deep emotion and introspection.

Would try and watch again.

There is nothing more gratifying than having your expectations far surpassed. Every once in a while, a gem emerges from the rough that is Independent/low-budget, gleaming with originality and innovation. "Heir of the Witch" is such a gem.

For starters, the writing is deep, socially accurate, intellectual, unique, and well thought through. From the opening scene, it's evident that the script is the heart of this haunting tale that is partially based on real life events. It dives headfirst into themes of inheritance, curses, and the suffocating embrace of inescapable ancestral ties.

The acting was hands down the best I've seen in low-budget. Each character had an incredible amount of depth, and the dialogue between characters came with layers; each line echoing with significance. If you're paying attention, there are so many Easter eggs in the dialogue, and between the lines, that make for the best kind of guessing what's to come in the story. Just when you think you have the story down, the plot twists certainly catch you off guard.

Victoria U. Bell gave an unforgettable performance.

The cinematography was far beyond what I expected, and I must say, I salute you for your brilliance, creativity, and attention to detail. Wow. The attention put into the visual effects were shocking in the greatest way!

This film did not miss a beat, and I will be the first in line for any feature film dreamed up and created by Pasha Entertainment, or Victoria U. Bell, in the future.

Trying to get ahead in her career, a woman tries to acclimate herself to the demands of the new job she finds herself in, but the more she finds herself in this situation the more a family curse involving a witch's legacy lording over her causes her life to unravel and forces her to stop it.

This was an incredibly fun and enjoyable genre effort. One of the finer points with the film is the stellar background here which brings about the highly inventive setup of the witch and the backstory that goes into play here. With the initial background involving the special witch and the creation which all ties into the particular setup involving the domineering familial curse lingering over her where she has the opportunity to focus on her career so that the implications won't affect her. With the visions and dreams on display involving the previous family members who became involved with the curse and what will happen to her if she follows the guidelines of the particular curse while not letting her work life get interrupted by the idea all give the film a great overall starting setup. Once this gets brought into play, there's quite a lot to enjoy here with the curse coming to fruition in the form of the strange woman who starts to integrate herself into the friend group. After getting the reveal of this early on with the attack on the sleazy friend, the idea of the witch coming to take her out as she tries to continue her burgeoning relationship with her bosses that has been propelling things along rather nicely around these other storylines. With the more she hangs around them and the figure's presence becomes far more frequent, the horrific visions and taunts of the witch become that much more prominent with the curse trying to bring out her true legacy like the other members of her family as that turns into the highly enjoyable and effective finale. Fully aware of the witch's plans and how that's going to play out as the incidents start to become more violent, this all comes together into a brutal and somewhat shocking resolution with quite a lot to like here. There isn't much holding this one back, but it does have some slight drawbacks. Among its few flaws is the decided lack of actual witchcraft here as this is brought up only rarely in the first half of the film. It has a massive effect throughout the film influencing a lot of what transpires here, from her actions and treatment of others, but that doesn't translate to actual scenes with the figure on display. Only a few scenes really feature the witch until the end as the majority of the film instead focuses on a questionable romance angle between her and a married man that's never believable and highlights the other issue here in a scattered plot that whips around quite frequently to the point it's possible to lose track of what's happening. Overall, these are the factors that bring the film down as a whole.

Rated R: Graphic Violence, Graphic Language, Nudity, and violence-against-children.

Heir of the Witch" is a spellbinding cinematic masterpiece that captivates audiences with its enchanting storyline and breathtaking visuals. The film seamlessly weaves together elements of fantasy and adventure, taking viewers on an exhilarating journey into a world filled with magic and mystery. The performances by the talented cast bring depth and authenticity to the characters, making them relatable and endearing. With its mesmerizing special effects and immersive soundtrack, "Heir of the Witch" transports audiences to a realm where anything is possible. It's a delightful escapade that will leave you enchanted and craving for more.

"Heir of the Witch" delves into the realm of horror-thriller as it unravels the unsettling journey of a young woman grappling with her family's cursed legacy. As the shadows of her ancestry loom closer, her tranquil existence is abruptly shattered by the relentless resurgence of past nightmares.

Exploring the chilling premise of being born into a lineage branded with witchcraft generations ago, the film meticulously portrays the amplified struggles faced by its descendants in contemporary society. Through a riveting blend of soap opera dynamics and haunting nocturnal terrors, viewers are thrust into a realm where terror lurks in both the waking world and the abyss of dreams.

Driven by compelling performances across the ensemble, the film particularly shines under the guidance of writer, director, and lead actress Victoria U Bell. For those seeking an immersive narrative fraught with spine-tingling suspense, "Heir of the Witch" promises an unforgettable descent into nightmare-fueled terror.

What truly sets "Heir of the Witch" apart is its richly developed characters. Each member of the ensemble cast brings depth and complexity to their roles, making it easy for viewers to become emotionally invested in their journey. From the courageous protagonist grappling with her destiny to the enigmatic mentor guiding her path, every character feels authentic and multidimensional.

Visually, the film is a feast for the eyes. From lush, otherworldly landscapes to intricately designed magical artifacts, every frame is meticulously crafted to transport audiences into a world brimming with wonder and enchantment. The special effects are seamlessly integrated, enhancing the film's sense of immersion and bringing its fantastical elements to life with breathtaking realism.

Heir of the Witch" is an enchanting cinematic masterpiece that captivates from start to finish. With its spellbinding storyline, captivating characters, and stunning visuals, this movie takes viewers on a magical journey unlike any other. The seamless blend of fantasy and adventure creates a truly immersive experience that keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. From the breathtaking special effects to the heartfelt performances of the cast, every aspect of this film is executed flawlessly. "Heir of the Witch" not only entertains but also leaves a lasting impression, reminding us of the power of courage, love, and destiny. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking an escape into a world of wonder and magic.

Heir of the Witch" is a mesmerizing journey into a world of magic, mystery, and self-discovery. From its captivating storyline to its stunning visuals, this film enchants audiences from start to finish.

At the heart of the movie lies a compelling narrative that follows the protagonist's quest to uncover her magical heritage and embrace her true identity as the heir of a powerful witch. As she delves deeper into her lineage, she is thrust into a whirlwind of adventure, danger, and unexpected alliances.

This is a great masterpiece to watch and a time worthy on its own From the videography to the characters Highly recommend.