By Romey Norton - March 16, 2025
Hood Witch is the social-media supernatural drama, debut French feature film from French director Saïd Belktibia, which offers a contemporary twist on the age-old theme of witch hunts, blending mysticism, technology, and societal tensions into a gripping narrative. Set against the backdrop of Paris's vibrant banlieues, the film delves into themes of misogyny, xenophobia, and the dangers of blending traditional beliefs with modern technology.
The story follows Nour, portrayed by the compelling Golshifteh Farahani, a single mother striving to provide a better life for her young son, Amine. Nour trades exotic animals and mystical artifacts, supplying them to local practitioners of various spiritual traditions to make money. Recognising the potential to expand her reach and legitimise her business, Nour develops a successful mobile app that connects clients with mystics and healers, bringing ancient practices into the digital age.
Tensions escalate when a consultation facilitated through the app leads to tragedy: a father, misinterpreting his son's autism as demonic possession, seeks help, resulting in the boy's untimely death. The community, fuelled by fear and misunderstanding, turns on Nour, branding her a witch and igniting a modern-day witch hunt. Nour's journey becomes a poignant allegory for the countless women throughout history who have been persecuted for defying societal norms.
The opening is a very intriguing black and white sequence of short stories about witches, people affected by what they believe to be something supernatural, and more spooky experiences. Setting the tone for the entire film.
The cinematography throughout boasts some impressive imagery, with dark undertone colours, symbolising the entrapment and chaos constantly closing in on Nour. There are also some touches of comedy, such as when the app takes off and there’s testimonies from customers, with a backdrop of deep dubstep music - not something I was expecting but it worked.
Social media plays a significant role, with interspersed clips reflecting public opinion and the rapid spread of misinformation. The narrative showcases the fragility of societal acceptance and the speed at which admiration can turn to animosity; something along the lines of cancel culture.
Farahani's portrayal of Nour is both powerful and nuanced. She embodies a woman torn between her desire to preserve her cultural heritage and the need to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Farahani has some high emotional scenes towards the end where she truly shows her acting skills - a compelling performance. Nour’s relationship with her son is at the heart of the film; emphasising the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. The ensemble cast give compelling performances; everyone has believable chemistry and is dedicated to their roles.
While Hood Witch excels in many areas, it occasionally falters in balancing its myriad themes. The rapid shift from a personal story about a mother's struggle to a broader commentary on societal issues can feel abrupt. However, don’t let this stop you from watching as towards the end, there is some excellent conflict, and intensity that will have your heart racing.
Overall, Hood Witch is a thought-provoking exploration of how ancient prejudices can resurface in modern guises. Audiences will be left questioning, in our hyper-connected world, have we truly moved beyond the days of witch hunts, or have they merely taken on new forms? Fans looking for a horror-drama, Hood Witch is a must-watch!
Releasing on digital platforms March 21
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