Recently, Netflix released a captivating documentary series on the subject of witchcraft, titled "Witchcraft: Unveiling the Mysteries." This six-part series delves deep into the history, practices, and beliefs associated with witchcraft, shedding light on this often misunderstood and stigmatized topic. The documentary takes viewers on a journey through different cultures and time periods, exploring the diverse forms of witchcraft that have existed throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern-day practitioners, the series highlights the wide range of practices and rituals employed by those who identify as witches. Through a combination of expert interviews, archival footage, and on-site visits to significant witchcraft locations, the documentary provides an in-depth understanding of the traditions, beliefs, and experiences of witches. Each episode focuses on a particular aspect of witchcraft, such as spellcasting, divination, or herbalism, offering a comprehensive overview of the topic.
The curse of lilith ratchet
Stars: KateLynn E. Newberry, Rob Jaeger, Roger Conners, Angela Cole, Brianna Burke, George Tutie, Crissy Kolarik, Layla Cushman, Lauren Paulis, D.J. Remark, Debbie Scaletta, Ann Shamess | Written and Directed by Eddie Lengyel
Name: The Curse Of Lilith Ratchet (aka American Poltergeist: The Curse Of Lilith Ratchet)
Age: 2019
Appearance: A slick-looking ghostly slasher film with all the production values of a Hallmark film. Not much blood or atmosphere but plenty of hysterical acting and a villain that looks like a cross between the Woman in Black and former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Lilith Ratchet. Don’t lose your head!
Alright guv’nor. ‘Ow’s it going?
Why are you speaking like that? And what’s with the flat cap and chimney brush.
It’s the Curse of Lilith Ratchet, innit geezer? That’s the name of a Dickensian cockerneeee villain, if ever I ‘eard one.
She’s nothing of the sort. Lilith Ratchet (a gloomy looking Crissy Kolarik) is a poor woman who had her head chopped off after her heart turned black when her husband had an affair with a baker.
She’s not a cockney villain from a Dickens book?
I dressed up like a chimney sweep for nothing then.
Sigh… So, what’s Lilith’s beef?
Well, after she had her head chopped off, it was shrunk down and put in a box with a little nursery rhyme usefully explaining the curse. Basically, if you pass her head around and repeat her name then whoever is left with the head is cursed to die at the hands of Ratchet. Of course, a group of young college hipsters do just that and Lilith kills each of them, one by one.
Cor blimey. Them geezers never learn.
You can stop now.
I mean, they read the nursery rhyme and still did it anyway?
Of course. Otherwise it would have been a very short film. And to be honest, at one hour and forty-five minutes, it could have done with being a little shorter.
Why is it so long?
The dialogue is very exposition heavy and when they are not explaining the plot over and over again, they are either screaming at each other as to how scared they are or worrying that they are next to die. After we get a prologue where Lilith kills two unnamed women, we are introduced to Hunter Perry (played by a tall haired Rob Jaegera), a podcaster who presents a show about the paranormal. He purchases the shrunken head off of the college hipsters with the intention of using it at a Halloween party.
I love Halloween parties with that apple bobbing game but I’ve never played with a decapitated head before.
Hunter describes the game as a mix of hot potato and musical chairs with those at the party getting a free Hunter Perry T-shirt. However, I thought it was more like a morbid version of Pass the parcel where you pitch a severed head about and chant, “Lillith Ratchet took a hatchet and gave her lover a head… in a basket. Play the game and call her name and one by one you’ll feel her pain.” Unbeknownst to Hunter, various characters become marked for death, including his girlfriend, Bree (Angela Cole).
But they still get a free T-shirt. So not all bad.
Although it was competently directed, the film lacks any style or atmosphere and some of the characters seem rather lifeless and wooden. It felt as if all involved were simply going through the motions. Instead of screaming and crying in fear, characters gasp and wheeze as if they had just stubbed a toe. One amusing scene features a girl screaming “no no no” at hearing about the death of her friend, sounding more like she’s throwing a tantrum in a supermarket rather being shocked and scared. She then returns to behaving as if her friend had never died.
Sounds like a drinking game is in order. Take a drink whenever you see a Stock Acting Method being used.
And there are plenty of them. You get a lot of hysterical screaming and shouting “nooooo!”, “Oh my God. She/he’s dead!” Plenty of miserable characters looking at the ground and shaking their heads, crying and hugging themselves and plunging their hands into their pockets. If you added in taking a drink whenever a jump scare occurs such as the ghost appearing in the mirror/window/doorway/bathroom/car, then you’d probably end up with a shrunken head yourself.
What about the horror bits. That’s why we’re here after all.
Most of it happens off screen with the occasional blood spurt against the wall. There are a couple of flourishes, which might please some horror fans but you have to slog through a lot of pointless moments just to get to some horror fun. I mean, there was one long scene where Hunter’s mum turns up to make a drink and tell him that his show isn’t very good. What was the point of that? And why did we have to sit through watching her mess about with bottles and pouring drinks. No wonder the film clocks in at nearly two hours.
Ok, but what about the story itself? It can’t all just be ghost kills hipsters.
Aside of the listless dialogue and acting, there is actually a nice story rolling underneath. The curse, although somewhat devoid of logic, makes for some suspenseful plotting and I wish they had elaborated on the ghosts of their dead friends coming to warn them or Hunter Perry’s clairvoyant aunt seemingly possessed by Ratchet. Instead we get scenes of a woman making a drink or Bree arguing with her sister about who’s bra she is wearing.
I have a lot of questions but what I really want to know is, whose bra was Bree really wearing?
No wonder she was pissed.
______
Do say: Gotta catch-et Lilith Ratchet.
Don’t say: Lilith Retch-it
The Curse of Lilith Ratchet (2018) – Play The Game. Call Her Name.
Next up on my review plate was the latest (and greatest) feature film from Eddie Lengyel known as The Curse of Lilith Ratchet. I reviewed another Lengyel film back in September Mother Krampus 2: Slay Ride and at the time I felt Slay Ride was his best looking flick. Well, that’s only because I hadn’t seen Ratchet yet. This takes the cake in that department as it looks phenomenal. This may be a ‘low budget’ indie film but it certainly doesn’t look or feel that way.
The film has been officially titled American Poltergeist: The Curse of Lilith Ratchet as it is the next installment in the popular “American Poltergeist” series, which is current ly available on Netflix.
SPOILER ALERT: This review will talk openly about some plot points of the film. I’ll try not to ruin any major surprises but if you want to be totally spoiler free skip this until you’ve watched the film.
Each episode focuses on a particular aspect of witchcraft, such as spellcasting, divination, or herbalism, offering a comprehensive overview of the topic. One of the strengths of "Witchcraft: Unveiling the Mysteries" is its objective approach. The series avoids sensationalism and embraces a balanced perspective, giving voice to different practitioners and skeptics alike.
The Curse of Lilith Ratchet Synopsis
Alice and her best friend Lauren inadvertently set a hellish curse in motion after surprisingly acquiring a mysterious shrunken head. Wanting to know more about their fiendish find, they pay a visit to a popular paranormal podcast host Hunter Perry of “Beyond the Veil”. Hunter discovers it’s true authenticity of the ages-old object and in hopes of creating a rating boost, he plans a LIVE podcast in which the tale of the shrunken head will be introduced to the masses. Little do they know by playing the game and calling her name they will release the malevolent demonic spirit of Lilith Ratchet.
It presents historical facts alongside personal anecdotes, allowing viewers to form their own opinions and interpretations. Furthermore, the documentary challenges common misconceptions about witchcraft, dispelling stereotypes and myths that have perpetuated throughout the centuries. It emphasizes the diversity within the witchcraft community, showcasing individuals from various backgrounds, genders, and belief systems. The production value of the series is commendable. With stunning cinematography, captivating visuals, and an engaging soundtrack, "Witchcraft: Unveiling the Mysteries" manages to create an immersive and captivating viewing experience. The attention to detail in recreating historical settings and the inclusion of expert commentary further enhance the overall quality of the series. Overall, "Witchcraft: Unveiling the Mysteries" is a thought-provoking and informative documentary series that brings witchcraft out of the shadows and into the mainstream. By presenting a comprehensive exploration of its history, practices, and beliefs, the series aims to demystify an often misunderstood and marginalized aspect of human culture. Whether one has a personal interest in witchcraft or seeks to broaden their understanding of different belief systems, this documentary provides valuable insights and is definitely worth a watch..
Reviews for "Magic in the Modern Age: Exploring the Netflix Witchcraft Documentary"
1. Michelle - 2/5 stars:
I was really disappointed with "Witchcraft Documentary" on Netflix. The whole documentary felt like a cheap attempt to sensationalize and cash in on the witchcraft trend. It lacked depth and insight into the history and practices of witchcraft. The interviews with practitioners felt forced and scripted, and the narration was overly dramatic. Overall, it was a missed opportunity to explore a fascinating and misunderstood topic.
2. Jared - 1/5 stars:
I couldn't even finish watching "Witchcraft Documentary" on Netflix. It was poorly researched and seemed more interested in creating a spooky atmosphere than providing accurate information. The reenactments were tacky and exaggerated, and the voiceover was cheesy and cliché. I expected a more educational and unbiased look into witchcraft, but instead, I got a poorly made and sensationalized mess.
3. Laura - 2/5 stars:
I found "Witchcraft Documentary" on Netflix to be extremely disappointing. It lacked any real depth or substance, and the information presented was surface-level at best. The documentary seemed to focus more on staged rituals and dramatic scenes rather than exploring the true practices and beliefs of witches. I would not recommend this documentary to anyone looking for genuine insight into witchcraft.
4. Michael - 3/5 stars:
While "Witchcraft Documentary" on Netflix had its flaws, I still found it somewhat interesting. However, it fell short in providing a comprehensive and accurate representation of witchcraft. The documentary seemed more interested in presenting witchcraft as something mystical and dangerous rather than taking a balanced approach. The use of reenactments and dramatic music also detracted from the overall viewing experience. Despite these shortcomings, I still found certain aspects of the documentary to be engaging and thought-provoking.