The Noonday Witch
The Noonday Witch

Movie spotlight

The Noonday Witch

2016
Movie
90 min
Czech

A story of Eliska and her daughter, starting a new life in a remote house with the 'father away on business', as the mother claims. After the lie is disclosed, their relationship begins to wither. At that time, the mythical Noonday Witch begins to materialize. She is coming closer and closer and the question is poised: is the danger real or is it all in the mother's crumbling head?

Insights

IMDb5.8/10
Director: Jirí SádekGenres: Fantasy, Horror, Mystery

Plot Summary

In a small Czech village, a young boy, Josef, is convinced that the titular Noonday Witch, a creature who punishes children who misbehave, is responsible for the strange occurrences and disappearances plaguing his town. As the line between folklore and reality blurs, Josef's grandmother, who once shared similar fears, must confront her past and the village's secrets to protect him from a sinister truth.

Critical Reception

The Noonday Witch received a mixed to positive reception, praised for its atmospheric horror and unsettling folk tale elements, though some critics found its pacing uneven. It garnered attention for its unique visual style and its exploration of childhood fears and Czech folklore.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its creepy atmosphere and effective jump scares.

  • Appreciated for its unique take on folklore-based horror.

  • Some found the narrative a bit disjointed or underdeveloped.

Google audience: Audience reviews are limited, but general sentiment points to an interesting premise with good visual execution, though some viewers wished for a more tightly woven plot.

Fun Fact

The film draws heavily from the Czech folktale of 'Hodinová bytost' or 'The Noonday Demon', a supernatural being said to appear around noon and harm children who are outside during that time.

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