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The Love Witch

The Love Witch (2016)

Nov 11, 2016 2h 1m Horror Comedy Romance

A modern-day witch uses spells and magic to get men to fall in love with her, with deadly consequences.

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Directed by Anna Biller

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Anna Biller
Writer
  • Anna Biller
Producer
  • Anna Biller

Reviews

Gimly
6/10

The story may be imperfect, but I have never in my life seen a more accurate modern-day throwback to cinema of the 1960s. Not a film everybody will love, but certainly a film every movie buff should watch.

_Final rating:★★★ - I personally recommend you give it a go._

May 22, 2017

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Thematic Analysis

This Horror/Comedy/Romance film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Love Witch presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.

Director Anna Biller brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of The Love Witch took approximately 26 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 121 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 172 minutes long.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 31 unique compositions.
  • The film contains approximately 1991 individual shots.

Historical Context

  • In 2016, when this film is released:
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While The Love Witch shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Magic in Town, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Love Witch offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like The Hottest State and Comme t'y es belle ! explore similar territory, The Love Witch stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: November 11, 2016
  • Runtime: 2h 1m
  • Revenue: $228,894

Where to Watch

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Philo
Night Flight Plus
Fandor Amazon Channel
Screambox Amazon Channel
Cineverse
Midnight Pulp
Peacock Premium Plus
Midnight Pulp Amazon Channel