Inherit the Witch is a film that exists within the realm of psychological horror, navigating a narrative that touches upon various themes and ideas that, while not entirely new, still manage to evoke a sense of intrigue. The movie’s attempts to craft a sense of tension and unease are admirable, and there are moments where it succeeds in creating an atmosphere that is, at the very least, somewhat unsettling.
Of course, crafting a compelling witch-themed film is no easy feat. The genre is fraught with pitfalls, from clichéd tropes to overly reliant jump scares. It’s a delicate balance to strike, between creating a sense of eerie foreboding and succumbing to campy melodrama. Just think of all the witch movies that have come before it – The Craft, Hocus Pocus, Rosemary’s Baby, The Witches of Eastwick, Bell, Book and Candle… each one attempting to put its own unique spin on the genre.
And yet, despite these challenges, Inherit the Witch perseveres, attempting to carve out its own unique niche within the crowded horror landscape. It’s a bit like The Witch, which transported the classic witch tale to 17th-century New England with stunning results, or Hereditary, which explored the darker side of family dynamics and the supernatural.
As the story meanders through its various plot points, it becomes clear that the film is trying to say something about the nature of family, power, and the supernatural. The exact message or commentary that the film is attempting to convey remains somewhat murky, leaving the viewer to piece together the various threads and themes in a way that feels somewhat unsatisfying.
I feel like the film has inherited the difficulty in crafting a compelling witch narrative. After all, the genre is steeped in tradition and expectation, from the classic Hammer films to the more modern interpretations like Midsommar and The Devil’s Backbone. It’s a daunting task to create something that feels both authentic and innovative, especially when working within such a well-trodden genre.
The characters that populate the world of Inherit the Witch are, for the most part, fairly well-realized, even if they don’t particularly stand out as fully fleshed-out individuals. They serve their purpose within the context of the story, but one can’t help but feel that they could have been more fully developed, more nuanced, and more relatable.
The pacing of the film is, at times, somewhat uneven, with moments of intense suspense giving way to stretches of exposition and character development that feel, at times, overly long-winded. The setting, too, is effectively utilized, even if it doesn’t particularly stand out as a unique or memorable aspect of the film.
Furthermore, the film’s use of symbolism and metaphor is intriguing, if not always entirely successful. The witches themselves are, of course, a symbol of feminine power and rebellion, but the film also touches on themes of family, trauma, and the cyclical nature of violence. It’s a lot to unpack, and the film doesn’t always succeed in conveying its ideas with clarity and precision.
Inherit the Witch feels like a film that is still searching for its identity, still trying to find its place within the horror genre. It’s a noble effort. Some may find it to be a compelling, if flawed, effort, while others may see it as a predictable, unremarkable entry into the horror genre. Either way, it’s a film that, once seen, will likely fade into the background, a forgettable, if not entirely unenjoyable, experience.
