Witchboard Review: New Orleans Couple Channel Dead French Witch in Fun Occult Thriller
In the bustling, atmospheric streets of New Orleans, a new horror remake emerges with Witchboard, directed by Chuck Russell. This occult-themed thriller blends supernatural chills with a touch of campy fun, centred around a mysterious board that summons a 17th-century French witch. As budding restaurateurs grapple with eerie flashbacks, it's Jamie Campbell Bower – best known as Vecna in Stranger Things – who steals the show, rescuing the film from potential cheesiness with his magnetic performance.
Jamie Campbell Bower's Scene-Stealing Role
Jamie Campbell Bower, who delivered a standout performance as the villain in the fourth season of Stranger Things, returns to his scene-stealing ways in Witchboard. He portrays Alexander Babtiste, a creepy antiquities expert who first appears in the shadows, making ominous pronouncements in a posh-boy accent. When fully revealed, Bower captivates with his uncannily blue eyes and a demeanour reminiscent of a vogue dancer catching the spotlight. With roles like this, he could well become the Peter Cushing of modern horror, blending gothic allure with the villainous charm of a young Ralph Fiennes.
His presence elevates the film, adding depth and intrigue to an otherwise tawdry plot. Without him, Witchboard risks falling into a cheap and doleful routine, relying on B- and C-list actors to carry the supernatural narrative.
The Plot: A Supernatural Board in New Orleans
The story follows Emily, played by Madison Iseman, and her hipster-chef boyfriend Christian, portrayed by Aaron Dominguez. While foraging for mushrooms in a New Orleans forest, Emily discovers a proto-Ouija board that inadvertently summons the spirit of a 17th-century French witch, Antonia Desplat. The plot thickens when Christian's slinky ex-girlfriend, Brooke, played by Mel Jarnson, crashes their party and encourages Emily to try the board.
Soon, Emily experiences vivid flashbacks to a life she never lived, adding a layer of psychological horror to the film. The flashbacks are in French, which lends a slight tang of authenticity, while scenes in Christian's kitchen – as he prepares to open a restaurant – offer a grounded contrast, reminiscent of shows like The Bear.
Cheesy Moments and Visual Effects
Not all elements of Witchboard hit the mark. Some scenes, such as those involving a malevolent Maine Coon cat that attacks a drug dealer, suffer from unconvincing visual effects, turning into a blur of fake fur and digital trickery. However, these moments are so gloriously cheesy and ridiculous that they almost become a selling point, adding to the film's campy charm.
Despite its flaws, the film manages to balance horror with humour, making it an entertaining watch for fans of the genre. The New Orleans setting provides a rich backdrop, enhancing the occult themes with its historic and mystical aura.
Final Verdict and Release Details
Witchboard is a fun, if flawed, occult thriller that benefits greatly from Jamie Campbell Bower's compelling performance. While it may not reinvent the horror wheel, it offers enough supernatural intrigue and cheesy moments to keep viewers engaged. The film is set to release on digital platforms from 2 February, providing a timely dose of horror for audiences seeking something lighthearted yet spooky.
In summary, Witchboard is worth a watch for Bower's scene-stealing antics and the unique New Orleans setting, even if some elements veer into the delightfully ridiculous.
