Three Bewitching Occult Indies to Watch before Halloween
Movies about the occult are not a new phenomenon. Directors have been obsessed with the occult for as long as movies have been made. From “Häxan” (1922), which is credited as being one of the first-ever witch movies, to the iconic “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968), to the millions of modern iterations of Sabrina the Teenage Witch, there are plenty of options to choose from. Just don’t watch the 1998 version with Ryan Reynolds, it isn’t great.
All of these aforementioned films were directed by men, but they aren’t the only ones who know a thing or two about casting spells. If you’re fascinated by the dark arts, be sure to expand your witchy watches with these three female-directed occult indies.
Hail Satan? (2019) Documentary; dir. Penny Lane
The one question you’ll be asking yourself after a viewing of “Hail Satan?” is “why the question mark?” There’s nothing to wonder about after learning about the doctrine and activism adopted by members of the Satanic Temple. This documentary expertly guides the viewer through Satanism’s rich history and its current roots in advocacy. This grassroots activism includes blood drives, collecting socks and menstrual products for the unhoused, and even picking up litter using pitchforks. “Hail Satan?” maintains a sense of humor even when tackling tough topics like the challenging of the First Amendment by Christian fundamentalist actors. Lane’s humor is the film’s greatest strength.
The documentary is broken up by confessionals from members of the Satanic Temple in front of a school picture day-esque background, discussing their relationship with Satanism and their own experiences working within the temple. “Hail Satan?” makes one thing clear: The Satanic Temple is not a group rooted in evil or satire as many presume. Instead, the temple aims to save lives and encourage equality. Lane encapsulates the ideologies of inclusion in “Hail Satan?” devilishly well.
The Love Witch (2016) Horror/Comedy; dir. Anna Biller
“The Love Witch” follows Elaine (Samantha Robinson), a young witch who is obsessed with the idea of all things love and asserts her belief in satisfying men until they disappoint her. She crafts her personality around the idea of the male gaze. Her dedication to the craft strikes one as a type of religious fanaticism. Visually, the film is reminiscent of Technicolor Hitchcock films; this aesthetic is complemented by stiff acting and lines delivered to be as campy and cheesy as possible.
Shot on 35mm film, “The Love Witch” is vibrant and delightful. Director Anna Biller was responsible for its costume design, music, and production design. Biller’s dedication to replicating an authentic 60s style seeps into every frame. “The Love Witch” won the Michael Cimino Best Film Award at the American Independent Film Awards and the Trailblazer Award as well as Best Costume Design at the Chicago Indie Critics Awards. While watching “The Love Witch,” keep an eye out for when Elaine sprawls out like a starfish on a pentagram rug while begging a goddess to send her a man. Anna Biller spent six months hand-hooking that rug!
Witch’s Cradle (1944) Experimental Short Film; dir. Maya Deren
If you have thirteen minutes to spare and a proclivity for pentagrams, this is the film for you. This short has no plot and it doesn’t need one. Maya Deren abandons the typical, almost literary structure of film and instead opts to create a haunting surreal experience for the viewer. The film features a nameless young woman (Pajorita Marta) and an older man (Marcel Duchamp). “Witch’s Cradle” is a silent film filled with dizzying camera angles, as if Deren took a dream she once had filled with possession, shattered mirrors, web-like patterns on her hands, and an exposed heart that stops beating and translates it directly to screen. Made 79 years ago, “Witch’s Cradle” captures a surreal, confusing type of fear in a way that is timeless.
This list is just your starting point, so what are you waiting for? There are countless more witchy films to choose from. Hop onto a broomstick and fly to your local indie theater for an enchanting time this spooky season!