"The last witch documentary" is a captivating and thought-provoking documentary that delves into the history and persecution of witches. The documentary examines the Witchcraft Trials that took place in Europe during the late medieval and early modern periods. It showcases the disturbing era when thousands of women were accused of practicing witchcraft, leading to their torture, execution, and complete eradication of their existence. The documentary aims to shed light on this dark chapter of history and explores the factors that led to the widespread belief in witches and the ensuing witch hunts. Through interviews with historians, scholars, and experts, the film provides an in-depth analysis of the social, cultural, and political climate of the time that fueled the witchcraft hysteria. One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the inclusion of first-hand accounts and testimonies of those who witnessed the trials and persecutions.

What begins as a school project becomes an emotional journey into historic wounds.

THE LAST WITCH is a documentary following efforts to exonerate Elizabeth Johnson Jr., the last person convicted of witchcraft during the 1692 Salem Witch Trials. As a schoolteacher, her students, and a state senator work to clear Elizabeth’s name, what begins as a unique school project quickly becomes an emotional journey into historical wounds left unattended—and the contemporary implications of those wounds.

THE LAST WITCH shows how a schoolteacher, her students, and their allies not only set Elizabeth’s wrongful conviction right, but that by making amends with the past, they provide all of us with inspiration to create a better future. THE LAST WITCH spotlights the impact one person can have to change history, and draws attention to our own individual responsibility to follow her example and reduce bullying and ostracization everywhere.

Who was. ..

THE • LAST

WITCH?

The last person tried for the crime of witchcraft in the Salem Witch Trials was Elizabeth Johnson, Jr., a 22-year-old woman who was deemed “simplish,” accused, arrested, bullied and convicted. While she was not executed, her sentence as a “detestable witch” continued to subject her to ongoing injustices after the Trials and remained beyond her lifetime until present day.

August 10, 1692 : Arrested for Witchcraft

January 11, 1693 : Sentenced to Hang

July 28, 2022: Exonerated of the Crime,

The Last Salem Witch Has Been Exonerated

The documentary follows the students’ path to exonerating Elizabeth Johnson Jr., one of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft during the Salem witch trials. She was tried and found guilty in 1693 after confessing that another woman had persuaded her to become a witch. Historical records suggest that Johnson was targeted partially due to experiencing mental disability, and her vulnerability was compounded by her status as an unwed and childless woman.

Unwed women were viewed with suspicion at the time of the trials, and many individuals convicted were later exonerated by their own descendants. With no descendants to clear her name, Johnson’s wrongful conviction remained in place—making her the last remaining witch in Salem history—until Carrie LaPierre’s class came to her aid.

With the guidance of LaPierre and DiZoglio, the students first worked to draft a bill exonerating Johnson. However, it stalled in the state’s Joint Committee on the Judiciary. The students pivoted to a letter-writing campaign. After a few years of lobbying and petitioning, they were eventually able to add legislation exonerating Johnson as part of an amendment to a state budget, which passed.

Director Annika Hylmö told Ms., “It struck us that this bill, which should have been fairly easy to sign off on, wasn’t. Just to clear a woman’s name.”

Students learned to formulate arguments in defense of someone who had been treated unjustly, and through the success of their campaigning, learned their voices matter.

“Before [the students] worked on this project,” Hylmö said, “they never thought they had any voice in government at all. There was a real shift in mindset that occurred—to ‘no these people are working for me, the citizen, and they have to listen to what I have to say.’”

Carrie LaPierre with some of her students at the Old Parish Cemetery in North Andover, Mass., where they worked to establish a memorial stone in Elizabeth Johnson Jr.’s honor. (Instagram)

Righting the historical wrongs of the Salem witch trials is important because—as Sylvia Federici wrote in her book, Caliban and the Witch—they functioned as a way to police women’s behavior throughout the transition from feudalism to capitalism. During this time, resources like land became privatized, and people suddenly needed money to support themselves. This was especially difficult for women because the work they typically performed, reproductive labor, is often unpaid and undervalued.

Women were also excluded from paid labor jobs or paid pennies compared to their male coworkers, forcing them into a role of heightened economic dependence on men. This new lack of independence was exacerbated by the targeting of midwives during the trials—the church deemed contraceptives, abortion and other reproductive care ‘witchcraft.’

The witch trials worked to enforce new social roles which cemented these changes; they painted women as unruly, evil and dangerous, instilling widespread fear and quelling any desires to revolt. Any woman who did not conform to the new expectation of submissiveness and focus on so-called wifely duties—such as Johnson, who was unwed—could easily be labeled as anti-religion and deserving of punishments such as hanging, having her tongue cut or being stoned.

Though these trials concluded hundreds of years ago, their effects on women’s place in society have lasted to this day. Work that is traditionally done by women is still undervalued, and the justice system continues to punish women for exercising autonomy over their own bodies. The Last Witch shows how addressing injustices of the past is crucial for a more equitable future. This class project was able to literally change history and arm students with the tools to advocate for equality and inclusion in the present.

“There is a sense of hope and encouragement in this story, and the idea that you have the ability to take action,” Hymlö told Ms.

“In fact, you’ve probably got the responsibility to,” producer Dawn Green added.

“The Last Witch” film is currently in production. For updates on its release date, follow @thelastwitchfilm on Instagram, @thelastwitch22 on X or @thelastwitchfilmdoc on Facebook.

U.S. democracy is at a dangerous inflection point—from the demise of abortion rights, to a lack of pay equity and parental leave, to skyrocketing maternal mortality, and attacks on trans health. Left unchecked, these crises will lead to wider gaps in political participation and representation. For 50 years, Ms. has been forging feminist journalism—reporting, rebelling and truth-telling from the front-lines, championing the Equal Rights Amendment, and centering the stories of those most impacted. With all that’s at stake for equality, we are redoubling our commitment for the next 50 years. In turn, we need your help, Support Ms. today with a donation—any amount that is meaningful to you. For as little as $5 each month, you’ll receive the print magazine along with our e-newsletters, action alerts, and invitations to Ms. Studios events and podcasts. We are grateful for your loyalty and ferocity.

The Last 'Witch' in Europe City Country Culture

Picture-perfect Klöntal in the Swiss canton of Glarus has deep blue lakes, snow-covered mountains and cows. But its pretty landscape belies its dark past. At the end of the 18th century, Anna Göldi was tortured and executed for being a witch. Her treatment was politically motivated, and her killing sparked outrage across Europe.

From 16/03/2023 to 26/01/2024

One of the most compelling aspects of the documentary is the inclusion of first-hand accounts and testimonies of those who witnessed the trials and persecutions. These accounts offer a haunting glimpse into the fear, paranoia, and mass hysteria that gripped entire communities. The documentary also explores the role of religion in shaping beliefs about witchcraft and the influence of powerful institutions, such as the Catholic Church.

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Furthermore, "The last witch documentary" also touches upon the significant gendered aspect of witch hunts. The majority of those accused and persecuted for witchcraft were women, and the documentary highlights the societal norms, misogyny, and patriarchal structures that played a role in labeling women as witches. It challenges viewers to critically examine the systemic oppression and marginalization of women that persist even in modern times. Through its powerful storytelling, "The last witch documentary" provides a chilling reminder of the dangers of superstition, ignorance, and intolerance. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to be vigilant against the persecution of marginalized communities and to question deeply ingrained beliefs and cultural biases. Overall, "The last witch documentary" is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, social justice, and human rights. It offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of a dark period in human history and serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and the pursuit of truth. By shedding light on the past, the documentary encourages viewers to actively work towards a more inclusive and enlightened future..

Reviews for "The Last Witch's Spell: An Enchanting Journey Through Documentary"

1. Jane - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Last Witch Documentary". I found the storyline to be confusing and poorly developed. The interviews with the alleged witches seemed forced and scripted, making it difficult for me to emotionally connect with their stories. Additionally, the production quality was subpar, with shaky camera work and unclear audio. Overall, I feel like this documentary missed the mark and failed to deliver a compelling and informative exploration of witches and their history.

2. John - 1 star - "The Last Witch Documentary" was a complete waste of time. The content was shallow and lacked any depth or thorough exploration of the subject matter. The interviews were repetitive and provided little new information. I found myself bored and disengaged throughout the entire film. Furthermore, the editing was choppy and the pacing was sluggish. I had high hopes for this documentary, but unfortunately, it fell far below my expectations.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - I really had high hopes for "The Last Witch Documentary", but it just didn't captivate me. The narrative lacked coherence and failed to provide a comprehensive understanding of witches and their history. The filmmakers seemed more interested in creating a sensationalized and dramatic spectacle rather than conducting in-depth research and analysis. The interviews with alleged witches felt staged and insincere. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied with this documentary.

4. Michael - 2.5 stars - "The Last Witch Documentary" had some interesting moments, but it ultimately left me wanting more. The pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of repetitive information and abrupt jumps between different topics. I felt like the execution was sloppy and lacked a clear direction. While there were glimpses of fascinating historical accounts and personal stories, they were overshadowed by the overall lack of depth and substance. It's a shame because there was potential for a captivating documentary here, but it fell short in delivering an engaging and cohesive narrative.

5. Emily - 1.5 stars - I regretted watching "The Last Witch Documentary". It felt like a shallow attempt at capitalizing on the fascination with witches without truly delving into the subject matter. The interviews lacked depth and failed to provide any meaningful insights. Moreover, I was not convinced by the authenticity of the alleged witches' claims. The film seemed more interested in creating a sensationalized spectacle rather than providing a balanced and thought-provoking exploration of witches and their history. Overall, I found it to be a disappointing and forgettable experience.

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