Mikes Film Talk

Mark Wilson makes good use of The Calling Witch (2026) and it is a compelling and atmospheric tale. The script, penned by Chris Retts, has layers and Wilson plays these against a spooky backdrop. Set in a remote farmhouse in the woods, this thriller blends fear with some pretty effective twists.

The Calling Witch Story

Siblings Virginia and Edward are dealing with loss and memories. Their late mother, an author, has seemingly left her children a different sort of legacy. A scary, and very sinister, character from one of her books; The Calling Witch. This witch lives outside in the forest and lures children to their deaths.

The Main Cast

Danika Golombek is Virginia.

Grayson Eddey is Edward.

Nathalie Söderqvist is Alison.

Marcus DeAnda is Warren.

Zachary Cowan is Greg.

Greg Lutz is Sheriff Dupray.

Let’s Talk The Calling Witch

Wilson’s film looks fantastic. It is moody, sad, melancholy and twisted. Oh yes, let’s not forget those excellent twists and turns in the film. This was a very enjoyable story. One that, I’ll confess, had me guessing right to the end. Each layer is stripped bare and we are privy to a lot of intriguing facts.

In many ways it felt initially to be inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, or more likely The Brothers Grimm. *Or? A sort of mashup with faery tales and, maybe, Wolf Man or any other film that “shifts” midway through. I adore films that change gears like that and it is the main reason it is rated so high.

DP Thomas Rose does a brilliant job here. Each frame is spot on; an excellent composite of clarity, mystery. As well as showing the sheer bravery of the characters. Editor Jennifer Ward fits everything together with the skill of a mosaic artisan. Composer Jacob Boyd give the movie a score that fits. Mark Wilson conducts this mystery thriller with envious aplomb. His Bona Fides; a cool 31 credits to his name as director, pays dividends here.

The Core Cast

It is the two siblings who carry a lot of this film, although we would be remiss not to mention the “Calling Witch” herself. My daughter used to complain that films “Cast unrealistic looking people.” I agree. No one I know looks glamorous as most movie heroes/villains. Heck, even the extras look far too perfect.

In this film, Danika Golombek and Grayson Eddey; as Virginia and Edward respectively, swing for the fences. Most importantly, they look like real people and sell their performances with an impressive truth.

They are not alone. Nathalie Söderqvist; as the tragic Alison, evokes many different sides of the same parcel. One moment, scary. Another, vulnerable. The longer we deal with her characters she keeps changing. Marcus DeAnda as Warren works on a different level and it works.

Zachary Cowan as Greg shows excellent growth as a character. This is a guy we dislike almost at first sight.

The Verdict

The Calling Witch earns a sneaky 4.5 out of 5 stars. *Sneaky? Well, because you get so invested watching the film, you suddenly realise that the game has changed. Personally? I could not stop watching this film. It is available to rent/purchase on Prime and Fandango at Home. This one is well worth a watch. It looks great and really draws the viewer in. Check it out and see what you think.