Witchboard

As someone who counts themselves a fan of the big-haired Tawny Kitaen-led 1986 original "Witchboard," I was not particularly enthused by the promotional material for this remake, but I felt a duty to give it a chance, especially given Chuck Russell's horror credentials. I will preface this by saying that I went into this with extremely low expectations. Is this remake high art? Absolutely not. But for sheer entertainment value, I was pleasantly surprised.

The story here takes the bare bones of the original film (with a few visual nods and recreations of scenes from the source material), setting it in present-day New Orleans where a young woman, Emily, crosses paths with a historic "pendulum board." As she and her chef fiancé prepare to open his new restaurant, Emily becomes overtaken by the board which possesses supernatural powers.

While the original film was not exactly known for its subtlety, Russell's reimagining is outwardly garish and plays with a lot of familiar witchcraft tropes and cliches in a manner that may cause some eye-rolling, though the handling of the material was less outrageous in some aspects than I anticipated. The screenplay is far from perfect, though, despite some trite dialogue here and there, I felt the story moved forward at a breezy pace. The history of the board itself and its association with a powerful witch takes center stage here, drawing us back to 17th-century France in a timeline-shifting plot thread that allows for some surprisingly well-orchestrated period set pieces. There is also a unique theme at play revolving around the history of Christian institutions surreptitiously co-opting and dabbling in the very dark arts they purport to condemn that you rarely see explored in films of this type. These sequences are well-staged and at times reminded me of the period Hammer films of the 1960s and 1970s.

The performances here are decent given the material, with Madison Iseman giving a serviceable lead performance as the troubled Emily. Jamie Campbell Bower plays an occultist/New Age pagan with a vested interest in the board, and his performance is stagy if not amusing. Where the film suffers I think is its overzealous use of digital special effects, which give it a rather silly visual flair that recalls the cheapjack direct-to-video supernatural fodder of the 1990s. Whether this throwback element is intentional or not is difficult to say, though I believe the film would have been much better off without it. Still, there does remain a novelty aspect to seeing something of this nature on the big screen in 2025-and to be honest, it is perhaps not more egregious than a good deal of what we see studios like Blumhouse churning out year after year.

An amusing dinner sequence leads into a finale that is staged quite goofily to say the least, and there is a denouement that is equally goofy despite hearkening back to the aforementioned theme of religious institutions' interests in (and ostensible adoption of) the occult. At face value, the entire thing is admittedly ridiculous, but I can say that I was very much entertained by this film. I went into it with the expectation that it would be a chore to sit through, but I did not have that experience. While it is flawed in numerous ways, I think it is ultimately a decent if not silly reimagining of the original story. To think that a B-movie like this could claw its way to theaters today is a bit of a shock-what's more shocking to me, though, is that, despite being a fairly jaded horror fan, I found it reasonably watchable. Check your expectations at the door, and you may have some fun with this. 6/10.

This is a wonderful retelling of the story with a new board, with some history and great storytelling. Fantastic cinematography and acting. The cat steals the show! 😉

Beautiful nods to the original as well that has us fans of the original happy with them. Sensual and tasteful body scenes.

Go see this if you want some jump scares, laughs, and fun soundtrack.

Chuck Russell does it again! Loved every minute of this. Intense, chilling, and so well-acted. The scares are smart, the atmosphere is haunting, and it pulls you in from the first unsettling scene to the unforgettable finale. A gripping horror experience you can't shake, and one you'll be urging friends to see immediately.

The 2024 reimagining of *Witchboard* by director Chuck Russell is a masterful blend of nostalgia and innovation, breathing new life into the classic 80s horror genre. This film is a testament to Russell's expertise in crafting engaging horror narratives, as seen in his previous works like *A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors* and *The Blob*.

**A Captivating Storyline**

Set against the atmospheric backdrop of New Orleans, *Witchboard* (2024) introduces us to Emily, played by Madison Iseman, whose curiosity about a mysterious witchboard leads to a series of thrilling and chilling events. The film opens with a gripping prologue set in 1693 France, establishing a rich historical context that adds depth to the narrative. The story skillfully intertwines past and present, creating a compelling tale of supernatural intrigue.

**Stellar Performances**

Madison Iseman delivers a standout performance as Emily, capturing the character's transformation from excitement to fear with heartfelt earnestness. Her chemistry with Aaron Dominguez, who plays her fiancé Christian, adds an emotional layer to the story, making their struggles against the malevolent forces even more engaging. Jamie Campbell Bower's portrayal of the enigmatic Alexandre Baptiste is both captivating and chilling, providing a memorable antagonist that enhances the film's tension.

**Visual and Cinematic Excellence**

The film's visual appeal is undeniable, with Yaron Levy's cinematography enhancing the eerie and suspenseful atmosphere. The use of practical effects combined with CGI creates a visually striking experience, particularly in the film's intense action sequences. The setting of New Orleans, with its historical ties to witchcraft, adds an authentic and immersive backdrop that enriches the film's aesthetic.

**A Nostalgic Yet Fresh Take**

*Witchboard* (2024) pays homage to its predecessor while introducing fresh elements that make it a unique addition to the horror genre. The film's ability to balance humor, suspense, and horror ensures an entertaining experience for audiences. It doesn't take itself too seriously, allowing for moments of levity amidst the horror, making it a perfect choice for a thrilling movie night with friends.

In conclusion, *Witchboard* (2024) is a delightful reimagining that successfully captures the essence of 80s horror while offering a modern twist. It's a film that invites viewers into its spooky, supernatural world with open arms, promising a rollercoaster of emotions and thrills. Whether you're a fan of the original or new to the story, this film is sure to entertain and leave you eagerly anticipating more from the Witchboard universe.