"Witchboard" Movie Review. SUPERNATURAL HORROR MOVIE.

 "Witchboard" 

Movie Review

The 2024 film *Witchboard* is a supernatural horror remake of the 1986 cult classic, skillfully revived by director and writer Chuck Russell. Known for his earlier work on films like *The Blob* and *A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors*, Russell brings his seasoned touch to this chilling tale. The new Witchboard maintains the eerie essence of the original while incorporating fresh elements to engage contemporary audiences. Premiered at the 28th Fantasia International Film Festival on July 26, 2024, the film has been widely anticipated, especially by fans of supernatural horror. Featuring a talented cast that includes Jamie Campbell Bower, Madison Iseman, Aaron Dominguez, Antonia Desplat, and Charlie Tahan, Witchboard presents a dark journey into the unknown, blending themes of ancient occult practices, supernatural entities, and complex relationships.

Set in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans, Witchboard follows the lives of Emily, her fiancé Christian, and a group of close friends who have recently opened a trendy organic café. The film begins on an optimistic note, with the group reveling in their success and the vibrant culture of New Orleans. However, the story takes a sinister turn when Emily discovers an ancient pendulum board while renovating the old carriage house that now hosts their café. Unlike a traditional Ouija board, this pendulum board carries an air of mystery and unease, enticing Emily to explore its supernatural potential.

At first, the board seems like a curious relic, an eccentric addition to the café's eclectic decor. But as Emily begins using it, inexplicable events unfold, casting a dark shadow over her life. Strange occurrences escalate, and her behavior starts to change, worrying her friends and, especially, her fiancé Christian. Desperate to understand the forces at play, Christian reaches out to Alexander Babtiste, an enigmatic occult expert. Babtiste, portrayed by Jamie Campbell Bower, reveals that the pendulum board is part of an ancient practice used to summon spirits, specifically linked to a powerful witch lineage that has been intertwined with their bloodlines. Babtiste’s vast knowledge of the occult reveals unsettling connections between Emily and the witchboard, suggesting that her fate is tied to something far more dangerous than she anticipated.

Witchboard explores themes of forbidden knowledge, the seductive pull of the supernatural, and the thin veil between life and death. Emily’s fascination with the pendulum board is not merely about curiosity; it draws her into a deeper, darker world that promises power but at an enormous personal cost. The board acts as a bridge to the past, connected to the Queen of Witches, Naga Soth, an ancient entity whose presence is felt throughout the film. As Emily’s connection to Naga Soth strengthens, her very soul hangs in the balance, culminating in a perilous spiritual journey.

The film’s supernatural elements are intricately crafted, blending traditional horror with occult lore. Babtiste introduces the idea of “white witches,” modern-day practitioners who use their powers for good but are entangled in a web of historical witchcraft. The introduction of a masked ball held at Babtiste’s mansion adds a layer of suspense, offering an atmospheric setting where tensions rise, and Emily’s predicament becomes terrifyingly clear. The lavish, gothic imagery at the masked ball reflects the psychological undercurrents of the story and adds to the movie's atmospheric tension.

The performances in Witchboard are noteworthy, especially Jamie Campbell Bower as Alexander Babtiste. Bower brings a haunting intensity to Babtiste, an individual whose expertise in the occult is matched only by his cryptic motivations. Madison Iseman’s portrayal of Emily is equally compelling, capturing her descent from a hopeful entrepreneur to a woman consumed by forces beyond her control. Her transformation throughout the film—from light-hearted to increasingly paranoid and distraught—adds depth to her character and serves as a powerful representation of possession and manipulation by dark forces.

Aaron Dominguez as Christian is a grounding presence, portraying a man deeply in love but overwhelmed by the strange and terrifying changes in his fiancée. His desperation to save Emily, coupled with his own skepticism about the occult, makes him a relatable character, someone thrust into a world he neither understands nor believes in. Supporting roles by Antonia Desplat and Charlie Tahan, who play Emily’s friends, bring a necessary balance to the ensemble, reflecting a range of emotions from skepticism to fear as they witness the terrifying events surrounding Emily.

Chuck Russell’s direction in Witchboard is both stylish and intense, creating a visually rich horror experience that pays homage to its predecessor while embracing modern cinematic techniques. The French Quarter of New Orleans serves as an ideal backdrop, its historical and somewhat mystical atmosphere adding a layer of authenticity and dread to the storyline. Russell skillfully uses shadows, candlelight, and mist to evoke an ambiance of unease, particularly during scenes involving the pendulum board.

The cinematography emphasizes close-ups and lingering shots, especially on the pendulum board itself, amplifying the tension whenever it is in use. Russell incorporates practical effects alongside CGI to create realistic and visceral moments, especially when Emily interacts with spirits or has visions tied to the ancient board. The sound design further enhances the atmosphere, utilizing subtle whispers, eerie chimes, and sudden silences to evoke a sense of foreboding that keeps the audience on edge.

One of the standout aspects of Witchboard is its exploration of generational trauma and inherited legacies. Emily’s connection to the pendulum board and the Queen of Witches, Naga Soth, raises questions about destiny and the idea of fate versus free will. The board itself becomes a symbol of forbidden knowledge, tempting Emily to uncover secrets at the expense of her own identity and safety. As her connection with Naga Soth strengthens, Witchboard delves into the concept of personal agency, forcing Emily to confront whether she is genuinely in control or merely a pawn in a much larger, malevolent scheme.

The presence of white witches adds an intriguing moral dimension, suggesting that not all practitioners of witchcraft are evil. This modern coven serves as a counterbalance to the dark forces, providing a sense of hope amid the film’s relentless dread. However, their involvement also complicates the story, as it highlights the blurred line between good and evil in the supernatural realm.

Witchboard (2024) succeeds in delivering a horror experience that is both terrifying and thought-provoking. Chuck Russell’s take on the story honors the original while breathing new life into the narrative through updated themes, a talented cast, and meticulous attention to atmosphere. The film’s exploration of the occult, combined with the dark allure of New Orleans, makes it a worthy addition to the horror genre.

With a solid mix of suspense, psychological horror, and supernatural dread, Witchboard captivates from start to finish. The film doesn’t just rely on jump scares; instead, it builds an atmosphere of dread that lingers long after the credits roll. Fans of supernatural horror and newcomers to the genre alike will find Witchboard a haunting, memorable experience that is as much about the exploration of human curiosity as it is about the terrifying unknown.