Most movies exploit the wedding as a comedy opportunity, with the newlyweds' lives being thrown into disarray by their eccentric new relatives and a series of tragic incidents that eventually lead to a joyful resolution. However, in some films, the wedding is an epic setting for character introductions. Any story, whether comedy or otherwise, will eventually involve some conflict, some of which may take on a truly bizarre quality in the context of a horror film.
7 Witches by Brady Hall is an interactive thriller. Kate's (Persephone Apostolou) family gathering moves slowly, like molasses, setting for "problems" of long-simmering resentment. They have to deal with issues of alcohol and the responsibility of caring for Kate's eccentric grandfather, who wanders and talks too much.
Kate's ex-boyfriend Cody (Mike Jones) joins her because she hasn't told anyone that they're no longer together, Nothing about Aggie or her family is revealed until the third act when the film finally lets loose with some actual terror and puts Kate through the wringer.
The movie is intentionally bleak, although Apostolou has plenty of nice moments. She keeps up with the drama and even some of the action, giving the 'final girl' cliches a run for their money. Gordon is also fantastic, providing the film with some of its best moments of fun and emotion. There isn't a terrible performance in the bunch, even if a couple veers dangerously close to unintentional parody—particularly Henry (Ross Rory), one of the witches who stabs and sneers with such fury that threatens to undermine the realism.
7 Witches is a lot of fun and very scary. The jarring discordant music composed by the director Brady Hall sets the mood with aggressively disturbing music at key scenes, such as extended views of meats being cut for supper, hinting at something much worse. Despite Hall's competent handling of the terror and tension, the film ultimately comes off as familiar. Still, it's a good addition to a market that's already full, and can be a worthy addition to public library shelves for patrons who are fans of horror movies.
Would this film be suitable for an outdoor screening?
Horror movies are fun and give that scary vibe. Your public library should consider this title for an outdoor nighttime screening during the Halloween season. The scary factor really jumps out at you in the dark where no one knows what mysterious creatures lie in wait.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
7 Witches would be on the horror shelves of a public library. The storyline is unsettling, just as the writer intended it to be.