Witchfinder

With nods not only to Witchfinder General (1968), but also The Mask Of Satan (1960), Witchfinder is a very pleasing live-action debut for director Colin Clarke, following two animated shorts.

It's a fairly simple tale of witchery and revenge, but perfectly suited to the slim running time. The film's real trump card is an engaging visual design - heavy on autumnal reds, yellows and browns, it strikingly utilises the woodland setting and claustrophobic interiors.

As The Witch, Valerie Meachum is suitably menacing, particularly at the film's climax.

Is this a taster for a more fully fledged project? Let's hope so, as on this evidence Clarke has a great flair for capturing barren landscapes and locations, which is screaming out for a wider canvas. Well worth a look.

Revenge is sweet in this short film Witchfinder, which to me is an obvious homage to the film Witchfinder General (1968) where the Witchfinder himself, Matthew Hopkins is played by the great Vincent Price, though more than just Witchfinder General, much of the Hammer film output is also referenced. Colin Clarke manages to conjure up the right mix of gore, fright and dialogue, or should I say lack of dialogue which I think the film is all the better for, leaving you, the viewer to fill in the gaps yourself. About two thirds of the film is shot at night with just the right amount of 'there's something in the shadows' to put that 'edge of the seat, 'what happens next?' fear into you. The rest of the film shot in daylight with the slightly washed out colourisation looking particularly striking and adding to the overall ambiance. The period is also well represented and the settings look almost Gothic or Salem like in nature. It has everything you'd expect from a film called Witchfinder. Looking very professional in its appearance all in all this is an enjoyable nineteen minutes of horror cinema.

I like to discover short horror films on my journeys, ones that are really made well, and that really stand out - Witchfinder is one of these.

All departments did a great job (there's a behind the scenes, I recommend watching that as well), a tremendous amount of effort and dedication was put into this production, and it shows!

This is a prime example of how effective short films can be in their production quality, execution, and most of all how entertaining they can be.

So if you like horror, witches, and great performances, you'll definitely enjoy Witchfinder...and if not, well I guess you'll be paid a visit by the witch Abigail...