Writer: Lorraine DCosta

Writer Ratings:
Overall:
Cast:
Plot:
Effects:
Cinematography:

Watch this if you liked: “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, “Exorcist”, “Witches of Eastwick”

Terrorists, government conspiracies, demons and face-stealing enemies are nothing that Nicholas Cage cannot handle. But what about a wolf-whispering, mind-controlling, levitating medieval witch?

It is the season of supernatural thrills and sexiness which started with the Twilight saga, "Jennifer's Body", "Legion" and so on, now to be joined by Nicholas Cage's "Season of The Witch". The movie stars Nicholas Cage as Behmen and Ron Perlman as his comrade Felson as two 14th century Crusaders who return to a homeland devastated by the Black Plague. A besieged church, deeming sorcery the culprit of the plague, commands the two knights to transport an accused witch (Claire Foy) to a remote abbey, where monks will perform a ritual in hopes of ending the epidemic.

All this happens while they trek through gloomy woods prowled by ferocious wolves in a period setting pumped up by a 21st century rock 'n' roll soundtrack and mid-air witch style kung fu. The interesting fact is the use of human psychology which is revealed to us when the monk Debelzaq (Stephen Campbell Moore) says "she sees the weakness that lies in our hearts and will use it against us" when he talks about the witch. Claire Foy does a good job as the dark-eyed, though grubby, minx who innocently asks, "You're not afraid me, are you?" She definitely knows how to inhabit another era on-screen.

A priest Debelzaq (Stephen Campbell Moore), a grieving knight Eckhart (Ulrich Thomsen), an itinerant swindler Hagamar (Stephen Graham) and a headstrong youth Kay who dreams of becoming a knight (Robert Sheehan) join their mission troubled by mythically hostile wilderness and fierce contention over the fate of the girl. When the embattled party arrives at the abbey, a horrific discovery jeopardises the knight's pledge to ensure the girl fair treatment, and pits them against an intriguingly powerful and destructive force.

Director Dominic Sena definitely knows how to deliver horror and high-octane action. He also must know something about heart-thumping music because the soundtrack of the movie fits just perfectly. "Season of The Witch" will prove to be everything its trailer promises. It is definitely a captivating mystery, a terrifying nightmare, a smooth special effects action fest, irresistibly sexy and ultimately, a highly-engaging blockbuster.

Cinema Online, 02 January 2011