Witch-Hunt

Going into this, watching the trailer, reading the synopsis, I thought it was such a cool premise. Interesting way to throw a lot of building, creepy tone and almost like a "who dunnit" kind of story, but of the supernatural kind. However, the acting was a little painful to watch and ultimately, the backstories/additions to the plot lines were cut so short, it all never really came together and the whole thing repeatedly felt unfinished. I caught myself saying "what, what?" more than a few times. I definitely enjoyed myself, but oh, man, there was so much missed opportunity here. I rarely say this, but I would love if a more experienced filmmaker took this, cleaned up the script and remade it. The outcome of who's the witch is also muddy and if they'd just taken another 5 minutes to tidy it up, it would have been much more satisfying. Worth a watch, but don't get your hopes up too far.

Clever, spare and modern horror movie with a great all-female cast. I recommend for Halloween, paired with Sisters or some other classic.

It is tough to find one with a script this good.

USA Film Festival 2017

Greetings again from the darkness. There may not be a mass-market audience for ultra low-budget supernatural horror-thriller-comedies, but that doesn't stop writer/director Philip Schaeffer and his cast of seven actresses from delivering a rollicking good time.

Best viewed late at night and preferably with a group of friends smart enough to enjoy a bit of satire, and not so pseudo-intellectual as to be unable to cut loose and possibly even create a new drinking game (not that such uncultured and unruly behavior would be encouraged). In fact, just keeping up with one of the character's propensity to shift from red to white wine and back again requires somewhat of a clear head and attention span.

Five ladies gather in clock-filled home to play a board game that could be named "Who is the Witch?" The clocks don't really matter, but do make for interesting set pieces and might also play into someone's unconventional drinking game. The birthday girl (Robyn Purcay) who receives the game as a gift is very excited to play, while the emotions of the others range from 'OK, I'll play along' to utter disdain (from the striking Abby Eiland).

The movie is divided into the different rounds played during the game … with each of the five participants getting special attention during a particular round. Additionally, the story has an external structure thanks to a late night strategy session at a book publishing firm. Of course, the story doesn't really matter. What matters is the periodic creepiness and abundance of humor stemming from the conversations of wine-guzzling, long-time friends who share a clouded and traumatic childhood memory.

Other than the aforementioned Ms. Eiland and Ms. Purcay, the other actresses involved here are Melina Chadbourne, Erin Curtis, Lillian Olive, Suzanne Blunk and Trisha Miller. Each brings their own style to the fun, and special mention goes to cinematographer Olivia Kuan, whose camera work provides the necessary claustrophobia and unease necessary to keep viewers guessing.

Not my type of movie. Acting was good, but, I was thinking horror/thriller. Not watching a group of women--being women.

Chick who did people pleasing Suzanne over acted.

You have to be old enough to remember the McMartin pre-school trial and the ridiculous hysteria of the 1980 satanic cult frenzy to appreciate this movie. If you do, and you like witchy horror, it really works.