I’m a bit jealous of people that live near Boston around the time of Halloween. To see the streets echo with the history of the Salem Witch Trials is a sight my eyes lust after. I’m not much for history but something about that era immediately draws me. I absolutely love it. One of the hosts of the podcast lives in the Boston area. Since I’ve known him, he has always told me about the spectacle when Salem gets ready for Halloween. I’m always eagerly awaiting my chance to go and always listening with a jealous ear. As we quickly approach the fall and become increasingly closer to Halloween, the more I ache for sights like that.
I couldn’t tell you why but recently I’ve been thinking about the Salem Witch trials a bit more recently. I’ve been thinking about The Crucible, the 1996 movie with Winona Ryder and Daniel Day-Lewis, recently as well. It was one of my favorite movies growing up. Getting wrapped up in all of my thoughts as of recently and thinking about how we haven’t had a good witch movie in a while. If there has been one, then I haven’t found it. I know there maybe some of you reading this who will question, “What about Robert Eggers’ The Witch?” Watched it after the Superbowl this year, for the first time, and honestly wasn’t a fan. As I said, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a good witch movie - that was until I saw The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw.
Earnshaw depicts a small rural village who stumble upon the secret daughter (Jessica Reynolds) and the aftermath that secret holds onto the community. For 17 years, Reynolds was kept hidden from the world at large with the exception of a Wiccan covenant. While this movie possesses a slow-burn approach to its storytelling and its horror; it’s equally a coming of age story more than anything else. That might be the most admirable thing about Audrey. Reynolds only has two credits under her belt, one of which includes Audrey. As a relatively new actress, she certainly commands attention from this transformative performance. She is elegant, yet seductive. The gradual narrative allows viewers to experience the metamorphosis of this timid young girl into this woman who commands every frame she enters.
While the narrative does work towards Reynolds’ advantage, other elements of the movie, not so much. While fellow actors deliver fine performances, no one quite leaves their mark like Reynolds. The one exception is that of Catherine Walker, who plays the mother, Agatha Earnshaw. The plot can get a bit wooden at times. There are definitely moments where I found myself checking my watch. Stick with it, I promise it does pay off in the end with constant twists and turns as it enters high gear for its second act. I love how mythological yet grounded the world of the movie feels. The film starts up with an opening scroll to draw viewers in right away with the mythology set up in this world. They unquestionably used that to their advantage once the movie develops further. Its crawling pace won’t be for everyone. However, its arthouse approach to its themes, narrative, and twists make this a refreshing piece of horror. Like I said, it’s been a long time since we’ve seen a truly good witch movie. The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw could be that movie.
Overall, The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw casts a subtle crawl approach toward its narrative to ensure character development, world-building, and gorgeous cinematography. Jessica Reynolds, who practically makes her big-screen debut, leaves quite the impression on viewers in this coming of age tale. Its use of mythology and mystery make this one a refreshing piece of horror cinema. As much praise I have for this film, there are several spots within the film where viewers are likely to experience boredom. Its dry tone can make viewing it a challenge from time to time. Those who stick through to the end will be able to prove why The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw is a lesson in art.
RORSCHACH RATING:
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Victims and Villains is written Josh "Captain Nostalgia" Burkey (and produced by), Caless Davis, Dan Rockwood, & Brandon Miller. Music by Mallory Johnson and others. The Curse of Audrey Earnshaw is property of Epic Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights. This review was edited by Cam Smith. Official Selection of the Fantasia Film Festival 2020!
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