The concept of Witchcraft is one of the oldest parts of any culture dating back to the beginning of time. That being said, Witches have always been featured heavily in Horror stories through the years, and 2016’s Mark of the Witch, also known as Another, is the latest added to the list. Initially debuting at the Seattle International Film Festival in May of 2014, the film visited quite a few other festivals since, and as of June 6th of 2016, hit VOD via Full Frame Features. Written and directed by Jason Bognacki (The White Face 2010, In the Dark Dark Woods, Lived the Invisible Woman 2016), Mark of the Witch is Bognacki’s debut feature film.
- Still from Mark of the Witch
The beginning of the story takes place some time in the past, where cloaked men perform a strange ritual with a newborn child. Fast forward eighteen years, Jordyn (Paulie Redding: Crimson Winter 2013; as Paulie Rojas, The Blacklist 2016), is celebrating her birthday with her Aunt Ruth (Nancy Wolfe: The Intruders 2009, The Dead Will Rise 2 2013), boyfriend Donny (David Landry: In The Woods 2010, Insurgent 2015), and friend Kym (Lillian Pennypacker: Tangerine Sky 2009, Compromise 2015).
Part way through the celebrations, Ruth begins ranting irrationally, takes the cake knife, and slits her own throat. Ruth is rushed to hospital, hanging onto life. After making sure she is okay, Jordyn goes to work in the hospital pharmacy with John (Michael St. Michaels: Ninja Academy 1989, Alex & Emma 2003). Jordyn notices a woman (Maria Olsen: A Gothic Tale 2008, Paranormal Activity: The Ghost Dimension 2015) spying on her. This sets off a course of events from possession to cheating that forever alter Jordyn’s life.
- Still from Mark of the Witch
The story is told in a dream-like, surreal manner, switching between shooting styles. This has the effect of distancing the viewer from the story and the characters, and makes it extremely difficult to figure out what exactly is going on. It is also not filmed in a linear manner and many scenes are out of time sequence. There is almost a complete lack of narrative, no introduction to any of the characters, and switching between terrible acting and misplaced special effects. The viewer could watch this movie several times and still have no idea what the movie is about.
- Still from Mark of the Witch
Just when the viewer thinks it could not get any worse, it ups the dreadful ante. Further, there is no explanation about any of the events, Aunt Ruth’s attempted suicide and its effect on Jordyn are ignored, as is Donny’s brief fling with Jordyn’s roommate, and where the roommate came from to start off with. Attempts at being edgy come off as bad, inexperienced camerawork. Sadly, it lacks in story, connection, and introduction to the characters. Furthermore, there is no solid tangible plot or purpose, thus resulting in a film that made little to no sense. All this being said, Mark of the Witch is cinematographic mayhem, not worth the time watching, but like any film, it will have a select audience. CrypticRock gives this movie 1 out of 5 stars.
- Full Frame Features
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