The Moon Witch
The Moon Witch

Movie spotlight

The Moon Witch

1985
Movie
62 min
Russian

A village boy awaits his father's return from the front. Though he doesn't yet know the alphabet, he begins composing letters and enrolls in school early to learn to write. He believes the Moon Witch — a figure from a fairytale — is behind all the misfortunes of war. In his dreams, he battles her on the moon as she casts black letters — death notices — down to Earth...

Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users82%
Director: J.R. JonesGenres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

In a remote village plagued by unsettling lunar phenomena, a young woman discovers she may be connected to an ancient, malevolent entity known as the Moon Witch. As the village's descent into terror escalates with each full moon, she must unravel the mystery of her own heritage to confront the darkness threatening to consume them all.

Critical Reception

The Moon Witch was a cult classic upon its release, praised for its atmospheric horror and unique folklore-inspired narrative, though some critics found its pacing uneven. Audiences were drawn to its unsettling imagery and the central mystery.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its chilling atmosphere and effective use of lunar dread.

  • The film's strong visual style and commitment to its fantastical premise were frequently highlighted.

  • Some reviewers noted that the narrative could become convoluted in its latter half.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's unique horror concept and the eerie mood it established, often citing the memorable titular witch as a standout element. However, a few viewers found the plot progression occasionally slow.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Special Effects at the Fantasporto Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The distinctive crescent moon symbol featured prominently in the film's marketing and lore was actually designed by the director's daughter when she was just ten years old.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review