This is a great film that will, unfortunately, probably get overlooked or missed by a lot people. This is a shame because good witchcraft and occult movies are few and far between. So if you get the chance, check it out.
This movie isn't revolutionary, but it is measured, well paced and the tone of the film is great. In fact, it is the tone of the film that makes it so desirable.
Pyewacket is a tale of modern witchcraft gone awry, when an angst ridden teen delves into the dark arts as a way to vent her anger. With growing regret, she begins to realise that she has summoned up something dark, which intends to destroy the lives of those closest to her.
Firstly, the approach to witchcraft in this film is excellent. Of course, it's a horror movie, so we see it through a darker lens. However, the way that the witchcraft is styled and portrayed, has a sense of authenticity to it, blending together a kind of twisted old spellcraft, with a few elements of a more recognisable modern witchcraft. The end result is something that is all at once new and original, yet also familiar.
Another nice touch is the name given to both the movie and the dark entity that is summoned: Pyewacket. A name given by Matthew Hopkins, the 'witchfinder general', as being the name of a familiar belonging to one of the witches that he tried. This really shows that the writer and director, Adam MacDonald, is either familiar with historical witchcraft or that he took the time to apply some research for the sake of authenticity. Either way, a job well done and I'd definitely like to see more from him in this genre.
The lead role is played by Nicole Muñoz, who does a great job playing a teenage who turns to an alternative lifestyle in the wake of her father's death, seeking a way to deal with her life and the spiralling mother that hovers unpredictably on the edges of it.
I also want to give a special nod to actress Chloe Rose, who plays the part of friend and confidant to the lead character. Her performance is great throughout, but she is exceptional in her portrayal of someone suffering a terrible and unspeakable paranormal trauma.
A particular element of the storytelling, which gives the film an extra edge, is the way it forms a seamless contrast between what we the audience know and what the characters perceive. We're given a fantastic and tragic view of people who are affected by the occult, but can never hope to prove it to others. Leaving them in a position where they're easily discredited and, despite what we know to be the truth, having to question their own sanity.
I have to give Pyewacket a four star rating, because while it may not be treading any new ground, the style and feel of the film are just spot on.
Well worth a watch.
This movie isn't revolutionary, but it is measured, well paced and the tone of the film is great. In fact, it is the tone of the film that makes it so desirable.
Pyewacket is a tale of modern witchcraft gone awry, when an angst ridden teen delves into the dark arts as a way to vent her anger. With growing regret, she begins to realise that she has summoned up something dark, which intends to destroy the lives of those closest to her.
Firstly, the approach to witchcraft in this film is excellent. Of course, it's a horror movie, so we see it through a darker lens. However, the way that the witchcraft is styled and portrayed, has a sense of authenticity to it, blending together a kind of twisted old spellcraft, with a few elements of a more recognisable modern witchcraft. The end result is something that is all at once new and original, yet also familiar.
Another nice touch is the name given to both the movie and the dark entity that is summoned: Pyewacket. A name given by Matthew Hopkins, the 'witchfinder general', as being the name of a familiar belonging to one of the witches that he tried. This really shows that the writer and director, Adam MacDonald, is either familiar with historical witchcraft or that he took the time to apply some research for the sake of authenticity. Either way, a job well done and I'd definitely like to see more from him in this genre.
The lead role is played by Nicole Muñoz, who does a great job playing a teenage who turns to an alternative lifestyle in the wake of her father's death, seeking a way to deal with her life and the spiralling mother that hovers unpredictably on the edges of it.
I also want to give a special nod to actress Chloe Rose, who plays the part of friend and confidant to the lead character. Her performance is great throughout, but she is exceptional in her portrayal of someone suffering a terrible and unspeakable paranormal trauma.
A particular element of the storytelling, which gives the film an extra edge, is the way it forms a seamless contrast between what we the audience know and what the characters perceive. We're given a fantastic and tragic view of people who are affected by the occult, but can never hope to prove it to others. Leaving them in a position where they're easily discredited and, despite what we know to be the truth, having to question their own sanity.
I have to give Pyewacket a four star rating, because while it may not be treading any new ground, the style and feel of the film are just spot on.
Well worth a watch.
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