Earlier this year, a compelling new thriller quietly hit streaming. While it’s one you might not have heard of yet, it’s definitely worth checking out. The Calling Witch was directed by Mark Wilson (The Painted Warrior) and written by Chris Retts (Five Star Murder, Til Death Do Us Part). The film follows Virginia in the wake of her mother’s suicide as she struggles with her future and hostile locals. Things only become more dangerous when a witch from a story her mother wrote might be far more real than she ever imagined.

When The Calling Witch begins, it’s only been a month since Virginia’s mother passed away. She’s desperate to leave her small town, but she feels compelled to remain to help take care of her younger brother, Edward, while her dad works. On a night when dad is out of town, strange things begin to happen around the house. At first Virginia assumes it’s some local bullies who have terrorized the family in the past. Yet it becomes increasingly clear someone, or something, far more deadly is lurking on the property. It might just be the “Calling Witch,” the titular character in a children’s book Virginia’s mother wrote who lures children into the woods to devour them. The film does a nice job of building the tension. The audience is allowed to get to know Virginia and Edward, weaving in small moments of unease that become bigger and bigger, all leading to the night that will either take their lives or change them forever. The closer the plot gets to the climax, the more likely some might figure out the big reveal before it happens, but it doesn’t take away from the journey or the emotional weight behind the truth of what’s happening.

Part of what makes The Calling Witch such a fascinating watch is how it highlights the idea of motherhood. It presents many different sides of being a mother and many different definitions of it. There are those who are desperate to be mothers, but then fail when given the opportunity. There are those who might not seem fit to be mothers, but it doesn’t take away from the love they have for their children. Even Virginia represents a version of motherhood. Because her own mother was never great at the job, she became Edwards substitute mother. This even more true after their mother died. It’s not the life she chose for her self, but the love Virginia has for Edward makes it easy for her to fall into that role to care for him. The suspense and terror emphasizes these themes and helps to bring all of these ideas to life in a haunting way. The horrors of motherhood are even represented in the children’s book written by Virginia’s mother, being both a tale teaching children to be brave while it also tells the reader that sometimes the real monster can be your own parent. It helps add emotional weight to the otherwise suspense-filled plot.

For the most part, The Calling Witch is carried on the back of Danika Golombek (7 Witches, I Am the Night) as Virginia. Not only is she the protagonist, but she is also the heart and soul of the film. Golombek allows for the character to be fiercely strong and independent while also showing Virginia’s vulnerability. She can be whatever those around her need – sister, mother, caretaker, protector. Grayson Eddey (City on a Hill, Oppenheimer) plays Virginia’s little brother, Edward. Where Virginia is fierce, Edward is empathetic. Eddey plays this young character in a way that shows a compassion and care for others beyond his years. Together they make quite the dynamic duo. The film also features strong performances from Marcus DeAnda (13 Reasons Why), Zachary Cowan (NCIS), and Nathalie Söderqvist (The Look-See).

Many of the visual choices throughout The Calling Witch add to the film’s appeal. Right away audiences will be struck by the illustrations for the children’s book about the witch. They are dark and sinister, but with a whimsical touch to make the images still feel somewhat appropriate for kids. Because the film opens with this story being read and showing these illustrations, it really sets the tone for what’s to come. The location the majority of the film takes place at is also fantastic. It’s the remote old home tucked away in the woods away from a small town. The wood everywhere in the home makes it feel as if it’s part of the forest, while the somewhat confusing layout makes it easy for one to imagine something lurking around every turn. The filmmakers were also smart with lighting, helping to keep the identity of the witch in the woods a secret shrouded in shadow until the right moment. With these visuals and the way it was shot, The Calling Witch manages to look like it had a much larger budget than it did.

The Calling Witch uses suspense and children’s cautionary tales to tell an emotional story of what it means to be a mother. Retts has created a story that will resonate with many viewers, and Wilson did a fantastic job bringing that story to the screen. It’s a slower burn with moments that might be predictable, yet the heart of the plot and Virginia’s journey is compelling. Golombek does a phenomenal job of portraying Virginia, showing all the complex facets of the character, and Eddey is wonderful as Edward. The filmmakers made the most of their budget with a great cast and well done visuals, leading to a finished product audiences everywhere will enjoy. You can see The Calling Witch for yourself on Tubi and other streaming platforms.

OVERALL RATING: 7/10