"The Loved Ones" is a British play written by Irish dramatist, Brian Friel, in 1962. The play explores themes of love, loss, and the power of memory. It is set in the fictional Irish village of Ballybeg during the early 1900s and focuses on the Mundy family. The story centers around the five Mundy sisters, who live together in a small cottage. Each sister has a distinct personality and dreams of a different life. The eldest sister, Kate, is a schoolteacher who takes on the role of the family matriarch following their parents' death.
When: Screens at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and 9:40 p.m. Saturday.
The Love Witch is lit and shot to look like a 1960s Technicolor film, with costumes and sets designed by Biller to evoke a vaguely psychedelic fairy tale, slash lighthearted self-aware horror story, slash queasy feminist psychosexual dramedy. The Love Witch has been described as a story about the true price of the patriarchy which is technically true, but makes the film sound much more serious than it is.
The eldest sister, Kate, is a schoolteacher who takes on the role of the family matriarch following their parents' death. Maggie, the second eldest, is a free-spirited woman who longs for adventure. Agnes, the third sister, is mentally handicapped but possesses a childlike and innocent spirit.
'The Love Witch' a mischievously delightful homage to 1960s horror (review)
"The Love Witch" focuses on the life and crimes of a seductress (Samantha Robinson) who concocts "sex magick" potions to gain power over men. But not just that; she also aims to please them every which way and "give them what they want."
(Richard Foreman, Jr. SMPSP)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seeing Elaine cruise through the California cliffs in her cherry-red 1960s Mustang convertible, you might think that "The Love Witch" was some long-lost witchy horror flick that's been summoned from the past. That is, until she pulls into town and the rest of the cars look very much today.
No matter, because Anna Biller's homage to '60s Technicolor witchcraft yarns -- which screens at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque Thursday and Saturday -- is a mischievous send-up that is visually delightful.
It chronicles the life and crimes of a seductress (Samantha Robinson) who concocts "sex magick" potions to gain power over men. But not just that; she also aims to please them every which way and "give them what they want."
You know, a striptease, maybe a fried steak for dinner, an omelet in the morning, a gentle hug and a soothing caress, and some "oh, baby, oh baby" cooing after hot, steamy sex. Yeah, all that.
One problem. This sympathetic li'l devil's potions would never get FDA approval, because they come with unpredictable side effects. like mental meltdowns or, perhaps, death.
Ah, you mean this sweet, mannered and very stylish Stepford Wife could actually be a malevolent maneater on a feminist murder spree?
Well, yeah, there's that. "The Love Witch" is at its weakest when it dives into a cauldron of pronouncements on sexual politics during a gab session set in a burlesque club.
It's at its best when the focus is on Elaine and the uber-stylized settings around her. Biller manages to meticulously stitch every thread on every garment into some spectacular parallel universe that recalls the past, but also Elaine's twisted ambitions.
Shot on 35mm film by M. David Mullen, "The Love Witch" boasts a look that's just as spectacular.
Robinson, who delivers a performance that is alternately ironic and straight, is deft at bringing the whole shebang to life. She manages to simultaneously summon that other Samantha - of "Bewitched," of course - and a more glamorous Manson Family girl on the road to hell and fury.
Ah, but isn't it sweet how she drinks tea like a mannered Victorian? Step right up, fellas.
REVIEW
The Love Witch
Who: Directed by Anne Biller. With Samantha Robinson, Laura Waddell and Jeffrey Vincent Parise. Running time: 120 minutes. Not rated. Contains scenes of nudity and violence. Adults only.
When: Screens at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and 9:40 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Ave.
Info: Go to cia.edu/cinematheque or call 216-421-7450.
Grade: B+
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Rose, the fourth sister, dreams of becoming a famous singer in London. Finally, Christina, the youngest sister, returns home from a failed relationship and brings her young son, Michael, with her. As the play unfolds, the audience witnesses the daily struggles of the Mundy family. Each sister faces her own challenges and tries to find happiness in the midst of their harsh reality. The arrival of Gerry Evans, Christina's former lover and Michael's father, further complicates the family dynamics. Through Friel's evocative language and powerful storytelling, "The Loved Ones" explores the complexities of love, family, and the impact of societal expectations. Friel skillfully blends humor and pathos, creating a poignant and thought-provoking play that resonates with audiences to this day. "The Loved Ones" is often regarded as one of Friel's masterpieces and has been performed in numerous theaters around the world. It reflects the playwright's deep understanding of human nature and his ability to capture the essence of Irish culture and tradition. The play's portrayal of the Mundy sisters' lives invites audiences to reflect on their own hopes, dreams, and the ties that bind them to their own families. In conclusion, "The Loved Ones" is a timeless play that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the search for happiness. Friel's masterful storytelling and compelling characters make it a must-see for theater enthusiasts and a valuable exploration of love, loss, and memory..
Reviews for "The Loved Witch: A Celebration of Female Sexuality and Witchcraft"
1. John - 1 star
"The Loved Witch 1960 was an absolute disappointment. The film had promising potential, but ended up being a complete letdown. The plot was confusing and lacked depth, making it hard to truly understand the intentions and motivations of the characters. Additionally, the acting was subpar, with overdone performances that felt forced and unnatural. The cinematography, while trying to emulate a vintage aesthetic, ended up looking cheap and amateurish. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and wishing I could get those two hours of my life back."
2. Sarah - 2 stars
"I had high hopes for The Loved Witch 1960, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was slow and dragged on, making it difficult to stay engaged throughout the film. The characters lacked development and depth, making them uninteresting and hard to root for. The dialogue felt forced and stilted, further disconnecting me from the story. While the visuals were visually appealing at times, they didn't make up for the overall lackluster experience. I wouldn't recommend this film to anyone looking for an entertaining and well-crafted cinematic experience."
3. Michael - 2 stars
"The Loved Witch 1960 had a unique concept, but it failed to deliver on its potential. The storyline felt disjointed and confusing, making it hard to follow and ultimately care about what was happening. The acting was mediocre at best, with wooden performances that lacked emotion and believability. The dialogue was clunky and often felt forced, further detracting from the overall viewing experience. While the film had some visually pleasing moments, it was not enough to redeem it. I was left feeling disappointed and underwhelmed by this supposed cult classic."