Witchboard Review: A Tawdry but Fun Occult Thriller with a Standout Performance
Jamie Campbell Bower, best known for his role as Vecna in Stranger Things, returns to the screen in Witchboard, a new occult-themed thriller that blends cheap thrills with moments of genuine entertainment. Directed by Chuck Russell, this remake sees Bower once again playing a sinister figure, this time as Alexander Babtiste, a creepy antiquities expert who steals every scene he's in. With his posh-boy accent and uncannily blue eyes, Bower channels a modern horror icon, reminiscent of Peter Cushing or a goth Ralph Fiennes, making his performance the highlight of an otherwise uneven film.
Plot and Setting in New Orleans
The story unfolds in today's New Orleans, where a young couple, Emily (Madison Iseman) and Christian (Aaron Dominguez), stumble upon a mysterious proto-Ouija board while foraging for mushrooms. Emily, urged by Christian's ex-girlfriend Brooke (Mel Jarnson), tries the board and soon experiences vivid flashbacks to a 17th-century French witch, played by Antonia Desplat. These flashbacks, presented in French, add a slight tang of authenticity to the otherwise tacky premise, as does the subplot involving Christian's preparations to open a restaurant, which shows some research or at least inspiration from shows like The Bear.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Film
When Bower is on screen, Witchboard elevates itself with his menacing presence and dramatic flair. However, in his absence, the film often reverts to a cheap and doleful form, relying on B- and C-list actors in roles that feel underdeveloped. The plot involves the couple being bewitched by the board, leading to supernatural encounters and a malevolent Maine Coon cat that attacks a drug dealer in a gloriously cheesy and ridiculous scene. This moment, though unconvincing in its visual effects, adds a campy charm that might appeal to fans of low-budget horror.
Overall, Witchboard is a mixed bag: it's fun and engaging when Bower takes center stage, but struggles with cheesy elements and weaker performances elsewhere. For those seeking a lighthearted occult thriller with a standout villain, it offers enough entertainment to be worth a watch, especially for horror enthusiasts. The film is available on digital platforms from 2 February.
