Cast
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Millie Perkins
as Molly
Lonny Chapman
as Long John
Vanessa Brown
as Cathy
Peggy Feury
as Doris
Jean Pierre Camps
as Tadd
Mark Livingston
as Tripoli
Rick Jason
as Billy Batt
Stafford Morgan
as Alexander McPeak
Richard Kennedy
as Detective Beardsley
George Buck Flower
as Detective Stone
Roberta Collins
as Clarissa
Stan Ross
as Jack Dracula
Lynne Guthrie
as Carol
Barry Cooper
as Newcomer
Gene Rutherford
as Sam Walters
Crew
Director
- Matt Cimber
Writer
- Robert Thom
Producer
- Matt Cimber
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This Drama/Horror film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. The Witch Who Came from the Sea presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Matt Cimber 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1976, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Witch Who Came from the Sea took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 128 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 15 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1976, when this film was released:
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Witch Who Came from the Sea shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike I'll Be Your Killer This Morning, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Witch Who Came from the Sea subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Indra and ExTerminators explore similar territory, The Witch Who Came from the Sea stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: February 6, 1976
- Runtime: 1h 28m
Where to Watch
