The Witching
The Witching

The Witching

1983Movie87 minEnglish

This is Gordon's re-edit of his 1972 horror film Necromancy starring Orson Welles and Pamela Franklin. This version features brand new scenes (mostly to up to exploitation factor) filmed in 1983 and added by Gordon himself. It also features a brand new score and other changes and the whole thing differs greatly from the original 82-minute theatrical version.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes91%
Metacritic87/100
Google Users89%
Director: Robin HardyGenres: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A devoutly Christian police sergeant, Neil Howie, travels to the remote Scottish island of Summerisle to investigate the disappearance of a young girl. Upon his arrival, he finds the islanders engaging in pagan rituals and living a sexually liberated life, which starkly contrasts with his own strict beliefs. As Howie delves deeper into his investigation, he uncovers a disturbing truth about the girl's fate and the island's true purpose, leading to a terrifying confrontation.

Critical Reception

The Wicker Man is widely regarded as a masterpiece of folk horror, praised for its chilling atmosphere, unsettling themes, and a profoundly disturbing climax. While it may have taken time to gain widespread recognition, it is now considered a cult classic and a landmark film in the horror genre. Its unique blend of suspense, religious commentary, and visual artistry has earned it critical acclaim over the years.

What Reviewers Say

  • A uniquely unsettling and atmospheric folk horror film.
  • Features a haunting performance by Edward Woodward and a legendary turn by Christopher Lee.
  • Its shocking ending remains one of the most memorable and disturbing in cinema history.

Google audience: Audiences praise 'The Wicker Man' for its unique and chilling atmosphere, its intelligent exploration of themes like faith versus paganism, and its unforgettable, disturbing conclusion. Many highlight the film's slow-burn tension and the exceptional performances of its cast.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Actor Golden Globe for Edward Woodward (1975), Winner of the Saturn Award for Best Horror Film (1977). Considered one of the greatest horror films of all time.

Fun Fact

The original negative for The Wicker Man was lost for many years, and various versions of the film exist due to different edits and missing footage, making the hunt for the definitive cut a quest for film preservationists.

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