Told in chapters, Two Witches presents the story of – as the title suggests – two witches. Each witch has their own very different story to tell, both of which are sure to capture the imagination of horror lovers everywhere. Films with witches are often set in olden times, but director Pierre Tsigaridis has cooked up a very modern study of witchcraft, one that sees the stone-set tradition bang heads with the newer world in which we are living.
The first chapter follows pregnant woman Sarah (Belle Adams) who begins to unravel after a strange encounter with an elderly woman whilst out at a restaurant. She’s plagued by hallucinations and strange visions, all accompanied by super loud instances of score that jars your nerves. As the visions intensify, events get bloody, before switching to the second part of the story. Here we join the rather unhinged Masha (Rebekah Kennedy), a young woman who has spent her whole life knowing that she will one day become a powerful witch. Kennedy’s performance is – for lack of a better phrase – batshit menacing. Without any spoilers about how, rest assured that these two separate stories do interconnect in interesting ways. What’s even more exciting about the project is that each half could easily be its own feature. By sticking both into one outing, the film is able to cut through the fat and get straight to the good stuff. Two Witches doesn’t end with the epilogue however, so be sure to stick around until the end of the credits.
Tsigaridis uses his debut feature to analyse traditions and rituals associated with one of the oldest forms of magic – witchcraft. Along the way, Tsigaridis also looks at the history of womanhood, Two Witches focuses in on three very distinct moments in the life cycle of a female: on the verge of fully-fledged womanhood (here a distorted riff on the virgin), on the verge of motherhood (the mother), and on the verge of death (the crone). There’s exploration surrounding the fears and anxieties that women face during these moments and it helps add an extra depth to the film that makes it a much more inviting prospect.
In addition to directing and co-writing the film, Tsigaridis also worked as producer, cinematographer, and editor. A truly talented and passionate filmmaker, the care and attention poured into Two Witches by Tsigaridis is clear to see. His thirst for the macabre shines bright and those that have seen Tsigaridis’ short, I Who Have No One, will know that the filmmaker isn’t afraid about a gore sequence. Two Witches builds on the foundations of what was created in I Who Have No One and runs, and is full of gut-bustingly gnarly practical effects that may leave you feeling a little queasy.
Made entirely during the Covid-19 pandemic, Two Witches is a testament to the hardwork of all those who helped create it. From the writing team and cast, to the practical make-up and sound designers (whose layering of eerie whispering chants induces chills), everyone has given their all, and in doing so has created a film with solid production values and intriguing ideas. An interesting study of witchcraft, traditions, and womanhood through the ages, Two Witches isn’t afraid to get a little bloody to help sell its message.
Two Witches
Summary
Crafting an enjoyable meal for those with an appetite for knowledge, accompanied by a veritable feast for those who revel in the bloody, Two Witches aligns somewhere in the middle of analysis and catharsis in an attempt to win over audiences in their entirety.
Two Witches was reviewed at Grimmfest 2021. Two Witches will be available on the Arrow Player from 1st October. It arrives on Blu-ray on 17th October.
