The Love Witch is a 2016 film that was written, produced, and directed by Anna Biller. It is a tribute to the Technicolor melodramas of the 1960s and follows the story of Elaine, a young witch who uses spells and love potions to find true love. However, her attempts at love often end tragically, leaving a trail of heartbroken men in her wake. The film is known for its stunning visuals and attention to detail. Anna Biller painstakingly recreated the vibrant colors and elaborate sets of classic Hollywood films from the 1960s. The costumes are also a standout feature, with each character's attire meticulously designed to reflect their personality and the era in which the story is set.
Natural hair is magical, but magic isn't easy. As a young Black girl patiently waits for her mother to finish her newest hairstyle, she wonders what stunning, majestic, awe-inspiring form her hair will take next!
SAMARA COLE DOYON is a second-generation Haitian American living in the state of Maine a region of unceded Wabanaki Abenaki territory where half the roots of her family tree reside. The story continually emphasizes the superiority of Aether, making it challenging to invest in the development of characters who rely solely on Mana.
The costumes are also a standout feature, with each character's attire meticulously designed to reflect their personality and the era in which the story is set. While The Love Witch is visually captivating, it also explores deeper themes and commentary on gender roles and female empowerment. Elaine uses her witchcraft to manipulate men and achieve the love she desires, but ultimately finds that her actions have unintended consequences.
MAGIC LIKE THAT
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence.
A 20-some–years-later companion to Natasha Tarpley’s I Love My Hair (1998).
A young, dark-skinned, brown-eyed Black girl declares, “My hair is magic,” as she smiles at her own image in a mirror while her puffy, freshly shampooed hair drips. While she cringes when her mother combs out her tangles to style her hair, she admires and appreciates the results. She then describes a plethora of hairstyles she wears that show the versatility of her Afro-textured hair. On each double-page spread, she likens her hair to something in nature: When she wears it loose, her hair resembles ocean currents; she compares her Bantu knots to the windswept desert; with colorful barrettes in it, her hair is “a cloudless sky on a winter night”; and her braids are “like long vines tumbling from a garden trellis.” After each simile comes the refrain: “My hair is [adjective] like that”—majestic, mischievous, stunning, elegant, etc. Haitian American author Doyon creates an affirming story, enhanced by Black illustrator Bowers’ use of bright colors, lots of bold, face-front images, and beautiful natural settings to positively portray dark skin, African physical features, and highly textured hair. Readers who enjoy Yesenia Moises’ Stella’s Stellar Hair (2021) and M.L. Marroquin and Tonya Engel’s My Hair Is Magic (2020) will find just as much to love in this book.
A fine addition to an expanding body of hair-affirming books that exude Black girl self-love and confidence. (Picture book. 3-7)
Pub Date: Sept. 7, 2021
ISBN: 970-1-64379-070-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Lee & Low Books
Review Posted Online: June 28, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2021
The film raises questions about the nature of love, the power dynamics between men and women, and the societal expectations placed on women to conform to certain roles. In addition to its visual and thematic elements, The Love Witch has received critical acclaim for its performances. Samantha Robinson stars as Elaine, delivering a captivating and nuanced portrayal of the witch. Her performance is simultaneously seductive and unsettling, perfectly embodying the character's complex nature. Despite its positive reception among critics, The Love Witch remains a somewhat divisive film among audiences. Its deliberate homage to the melodramas of the past may not appeal to everyone, and some viewers may find the slow pace and deliberate stylization distracting. However, for those who appreciate the film's aesthetic and its exploration of deeper themes, The Love Witch offers a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience..
Reviews for "The Love Witch: A Hidden Gem or a Rotten Tomato?"
1. John123 - 1/5 - I was very disappointed with "The Love Witch". The movie had received so many positive reviews and I thought it would be a thrilling and captivating experience. However, I found the plot to be convoluted and the pacing incredibly slow. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth, making it difficult to empathize or connect with them. Furthermore, the visual style, which some people praised, felt cheesy and overdone. Overall, I found "The Love Witch" to be a tedious and unfulfilling watch.
2. SarahCinephile - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Love Witch" after seeing all the hype surrounding it. Unfortunately, I found it underwhelming and lacking substance. The movie seemed more focused on style over substance, with the aesthetics overpowering the weak storyline. The acting felt forced and overly theatrical, making it hard to take the characters seriously. Additionally, the attempts at social commentary felt shallow and forced. While there were some visually striking moments, they couldn't save the overall lackluster experience. Overall, "The Love Witch" left me wanting more substance and depth.