Imagine a house with creaky floors and doors that barely hang on their hinges. This is the setting of Witchery, also known as Evil Encounters. The film is steeped in local legend, featuring a pregnant witch who tragically jumped from a window centuries ago. Selling this house? Not an easy task for any real estate agent!
The Haunted House
The house at the center of Witchery is located on a small, isolated island, possibly near Delaware. It has a dark history that includes a pregnant witch who died by suicide to escape a mob. This legend adds an eerie twist to the property, making it a tough sell. Who would want to buy a house with such a grim backstory?
But let’s be honest. With a little creativity, like using baby powder to silence those creaky floors and a quick trip to the hardware store for new hinges, this house could be charming. However, the witch’s story is a hard sell. Would you want to tell potential buyers about a ghostly legend? Probably not!
The Real Estate Agent
Enter Linda Sullivan, played by Catherine Hickland. She’s a stunning real estate agent who is brought along to help a family interested in the haunted property. But why is she there? To ensure they don’t get ripped off and to estimate renovation costs.
Linda’s character is memorable, not just for her looks but also for her attempts to be alluring in a film that features Linda Blair and David Hasselhoff. While Blair’s character is pregnant and more subdued, Hickland’s character is all about the glam.
The Plot Thickens
The film opens with a flashback to the 1600s, where a pregnant woman is chased by a mob. Cornered, she jumps from a window, and just as she’s about to hit the ground, we cut to Jane (Linda Blair) waking up from this nightmare. What does it mean?
Meanwhile, on the same island, Leslie (Leslie Cumming) and Gary (David Hasselhoff) explore the house. They stand by the very window from which the witch jumped. Gary, a photographer, seems more interested in romance than the supernatural.
Creepy Encounters
As Jane walks around, she encounters a mysterious figure known as the Lady in Black (Hildegard Knef). This character adds to the film’s tension, especially when Jane narrowly escapes a falling girder. The Lady in Black seems to have a sinister agenda, especially when she interacts with Jane’s nephew, Tommy (Michael Manchester).
Tommy’s creepy demeanor raises questions. Is he just a bad actor, or is there something more unsettling about him? Either way, he adds to the film’s eerie atmosphere.
The Real Estate Meeting
In a twist of fate, Jane’s parents, Rose (Annie Ross) and Freddie (Robert Champagne), meet with a local realtor, Tony Giordano (Rick Farnsworth). During their meeting, a seemingly innocent leg scratch by the secretary, Jenny Lee (Victoria Biggers), becomes a moment of distraction. Freddie can’t help but notice her shapely legs, leading to awkward tension in the office.
The Rising Tension
As the characters become trapped in the mansion, the tension escalates. The Lady in Black lurks, and one by one, characters scream in fear. The film’s horror elements come to life, with close-ups of terrified faces and dramatic lighting.
Annie Ross shines as the overbearing mother, and her character’s fate becomes a highlight of the film. The infamous “mouth stitch” scene is both gruesome and poorly executed, adding to the film’s charm.
The Climax
The film reaches its peak when Linda and Tony share a steamy moment in front of a marlin. Their chemistry is palpable, and the scene is filled with tension. But after this moment, the film takes a turn. The body count rises, and the horror becomes more intense.
Linda Blair’s character showcases her best horror moments, but the film starts to drag. Viewers may find themselves wishing for a quicker resolution.
Conclusion
Witchery is a blend of horror, humor, and a touch of romance. While it has its flaws, the film offers memorable moments, especially with its unique characters and eerie setting. The haunted house, the witch’s legend, and the leggy real estate agent all contribute to a film that is both entertaining and chilling.
In the end, Witchery leaves viewers with more questions than answers. Will the haunted house ever sell? What will happen to the characters trapped inside? One thing is for sure: the legend of the pregnant witch will linger long after the credits roll.