The House of the Witch Deep in the heart of the dark woods stood an old, ominous house. It was said to be the dwelling of a witch, a practitioner of dark magic and sorcery. Locals avoided the area, fearing the supernatural powers that resided within its walls. Legend has it that the witch, known as Morgana, had lived in the house for centuries. Stories passed down from generation to generation portrayed her as a terrifying and powerful being. She was said to have cast spells on anyone who dared approach her dwelling, making them suffer from sickness, nightmares, and even death.
Phil Hall
Co-Editor, Writer | X
They don t always land, but there s some interesting spooky instances including a scene in a basement involving a lighter, and when a character attempts to flee in a field but is antagonized by ghosts. Four interwoven stories that occur on Halloween an everyday high school principal has a secret life as a serial killer; a college virgin might have just met the one guy for her; a group of teenagers pull a mean prank, and a bitter old recluse receives an uninvited guest.
She was said to have cast spells on anyone who dared approach her dwelling, making them suffer from sickness, nightmares, and even death. The house itself was a sight to behold, with its gothic architecture and eerie atmosphere. Decay and moss covered its exterior, and the windows were often covered in a thick layer of grime.
House of the Witch (2017)
There’s something kind of charming about Alex Merkin’s “House of the Witch.” It’s a straight up rip off of “Night of the Demons” while also feeling a lot like a fan film for “The Blair Witch Project.” It’s part are all from much better movies made before, but even at its most clunky, I didn’t have a bad time. “House of the Witch” is that kind of movie you could probably appreciate as a passing treat on a random night if you had absolutely nothing to do. I also found the final scene to be pretty damn clever, as it at least gives us a reason for the seemingly random series of events that unfold.
On Halloween, a group of friends decide to spend their holiday at their town’s abandoned mansion (every town has one!) which is rumored to be haunted. Deciding to spend the night there for a party, things gradually spiral out of control as the group of friends realizes that they’re trapped in the massive house. As they fight to escape and hope for someone to find them, they begin getting randomly picked off by the evil witch said to lurk within the house. Confused as to why she’s hunting them, they hope to survive the night and find a way to stop her reign of terror.
Alex Merkin’s horror film is not perfect, but as a small Halloween treat, it does the trick with some genuinely creepy atmosphere and a lot of gore. For a TV movie it’s hard to believe that there is such gruesomeness, but lo and behold we get to see the film’s horrific witch rip people to shreds and even tear one’s guts out. Although, “House of the Witch” starts out on the predictable side, it does at least aspire toward delivering some genuine scares here and there. They don’t always land, but there’s some interesting spooky instances including a scene in a basement involving a lighter, and when a character attempts to flee in a field but is antagonized by ghosts.
The house itself becomes something of a character, and the more that we learn about the witch and the characters, the more things tend to come full circle. All things considered, the characters don’t stand apart very much, especially as the movie goes on, and there’s not a ton of explanation as to why the witch was confined to the house and what kept her there. Also the exposition leading in to the movie with introductions of the sub-plots go absolutely nowhere. That said, the special effects are respectable, and the final scene is surprisingly very clever.
I’m surprised a movie that really doesn’t deliver the most original premise turns around and gives us a slick closing scene like that. “House of the Witch” is a solid haunted house movie with a genuine Halloween spirit behind it. I could see myself re-watching this again very soon if the mood strikes me.
The doors were rarely seen open, and any attempt to enter was met with an unsettling silence. Despite the tales of horror surrounding the house, there were many who were curious and adventurous enough to brave its enigmatic presence. Those who dared to venture close enough claimed to hear whispers carried by the wind and to catch glimpses of dark figures moving within the shadows. Over the years, various rumors circulated about the house and its owner. Some spoke of Morgana using her powers to communicate with spirits and conjure otherworldly creatures. Others claimed she was in possession of a coveted book of spells, granting her near-immortality and the ability to control the elements. One brave soul, a young scholar named Benjamin, was determined to uncover the truth behind the legends. Intrigued by the stories, he ventured into the woods armed with his notebook and a sense of curiosity. As he cautiously approached the house, he could feel the weight of the tales pressing upon him. Benjamin approached the front door, his heart pounding with a mixture of excitement and fear. With a trembling hand, he pushed against it, and to his surprise, it creaked open. The darkness swallowed him as he stepped inside, his footsteps echoing through the empty halls. The interior of the house was just as foreboding as its exterior. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling, and the air was thick with the scent of musty books and decay. Benjamin explored each room, finding remnants of ancient spells and potions scattered throughout. The further he delved into the house, the more signs he found of Morgana's presence. Strange symbols adorned the walls, and whispers seemed to emanate from the very walls themselves. With every step, the scholar's curiosity grew, until he found himself in the heart of the house, standing before a hidden door. Benjamin hesitated, unsure of what awaited him on the other side. Yet his determination prevailed, and he pushed open the door, revealing a hidden chamber bathed in soft, mystical light. In the center of the room stood a book, its pages filled with the secrets of the universe. As Benjamin delved deeper into the book's contents, he realized that the legends surrounding Morgana were both true and false. She was indeed a powerful witch, but her intentions were not always malevolent. Throughout the centuries, she had sought to protect and preserve ancient magic, ensuring it did not fall into the wrong hands. With newfound knowledge and a greater understanding of the witch's existence, Benjamin left the house, forever changed by his experience. The House of the Witch became a symbol of mystery and enchantment, a place that held both darkness and wisdom within its walls. Though the tales of Morgana and her house continue to be told, it is the brave few who dare to venture there, searching for answers and enlightenment. And perhaps, like Benjamin, they will discover that sometimes, the most extraordinary and unexpected truths lie hidden within the darkest corners of our world..
Reviews for "The House of the Witch: A dark portal to the spirit world?"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "House of the witch". The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the acting was subpar at best. The special effects were also lacking and didn't add anything to the overall experience. I was hoping for a creepy and suspenseful horror movie, but instead, I was left feeling bored and uninterested.
- John - 1 star - "House of the witch" was a complete waste of my time. The plot was unoriginal and predictable, and the characters were one-dimensional and unrelatable. The scares were cheap jump scares that failed to build any real tension. I had high hopes for this movie, but unfortunately, it fell flat in every aspect. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a good horror flick.
- Emily - 2 stars - I found "House of the witch" to be lackluster and uninspired. The story had potential, but it was poorly executed. The pacing was off, and the movie failed to maintain any sense of suspense or fear. The performances were forgettable, and I didn't connect with any of the characters. Overall, it was a forgettable and underwhelming horror film.
- David - 2 stars - "House of the witch" just didn't do it for me. The scares felt forced, and the storyline was convoluted and difficult to follow. The atmosphere was also lacking, making it hard to feel any real tension. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unimpressed. It's a shame because the premise had promise, but the execution fell short.