A title like Witches in the Woods recalls folkloric and other fantastical tales of horror. However, this film is not that kind of story. Instead, its title teases a fun premise brimming with great moments of tension and character dynamics. Directed by Jordan Barker and written by Christopher Borrelli, Witches in the Woods follows a group of friends traveling for a snowboarding trip. 

Our central characters include Jill (Hannah Kasulka), Allison (Sasha Clements), Derek (Craig Arnold) and Philip (Corbin Bleu). During their trip, one of them comes across a pamphlet about the Stoughton Valley Witch Trials; the text says how young women were hunted down and executed, their anger becoming one with the land. And would you go figure, the friends happen to be traveling through Stoughton. 

A car accident leaves them stranded in the wilderness, and with the dangerous weather conditions, the friends try to survive the night – and each another.

Most of the narrative is devoted to tension between the characters. In its first act, the film makes a point to let the viewer know there are a few secrets among the group, each capable of hurting someone. Over time these secrets become revealed, establishing distrust between certain individuals. As our characters struggle throughout the night, their bitterness towards one another lingers. This focus escalates to a witch hunt of sorts. As each person strives to stay alive in the icy woods, their hysteria and anger is turned towards each other. By utilizing survival horror traits, Witches in the Woods provides us with unnerving interactions to keep us on edge.

One issue is that the acting isn’t too deep, however, for everyone is primarily present to move the plot forward. The film cares more for delivering the drama between characters rather than developing them or offering a deep sense of personality. This can lead to a hit or miss when it comes to caring for characters and some of the conflicts that take place.

Further adding to the group tension is that of Allison, who some believe may be possessed. It is her weird behavior and a random seizure that kick off the group’s concerns regarding what is wrong with her. We see Allison covered in blood and saying some creepy things. Yet, other than two small occasions, we never see her do anything violent for most of the film. Derek even begins to blame her for problems taking place, but there is no logical reason as to why. There is no proof whether Allison is possessed, which makes the suspicion surrounding her an interesting part to the witch hunt. 

Besides all the issues taking place between the characters, the film also does a decent job portraying a chilly isolation. Utilizing limited lighting, plenty of shadows and the small space the friends take up in the broken-down car, one can feel the cramped and cold discomfort. The setting also allows us the chance to be closer to the unease between characters, amplifying the suspense.

Though its characters aren’t the strongest, Witches in the Woods still offers an intriguing narrative. As the film plays out and we watch the sanity of the characters spiral out of control, we too feel among their hysteria. From the grim setting to the declining sanity of our cast, Witches in the Woods brings the viewer on an experience permeating with ominous chills.

Shout! Studios will release Witches in the Woods on Digital & On Demand April 24th.