Reely Bernie Horror Fest: Pyewacket

Origin/Director: Canada/Adam MacDonald

Viewings Tally: This was my first viewing, and I have no idea why or how I added it to this year’s lineup. In fact, most of my Letterboxd friends didn’t like it. The mystery of how it got on my list made me wanted to see it more. And, what the heck is a “Pyewacket?”

Synopsis: A frustrated, angry teenage girl awakens something in the woods when she naively performs an occult ritual to evoke a witch to kill her mother. [Letterboxd]

Reely Bernie’s Take: Even with a few creepy scenes involving a witch hovering in the dark ceiling corner (did Ari Aster steal this in Hereditary?), this one was a bust that made itself up as it went along. Director MacDonald knows how to maneuver a camera through the woods and in between characters during anxious moments, but the simple premise might have been too simple to conclude satisfactorily.

The mother-daughter relationship (Laurie Holden and Nicole Munoz) was believable enough to draw empathy, especially when the daughter sincerely regrets pursuing her black magic hobby to the brink (I mean, moms aren’t perfect and probably shouldn’t be cursed if they mess up once in a while).

But, there are empty holes in the Pyewacket name and origin story, and it is unclear what exactly the “witch” is empowered to do. And, talk about an abrupt ending!

Meh, not all horror movies are good ones, right? If you want a good scare, the halfway point of this little indie horror is worth it if you’re willing to spend the $3.99 on Prime Video.

By the way, I learned more about what a “Pyewacket” is on Google…

The Shot that Won’t Let Go:

Final Score: 1.5 better endings out of 5

Did any of you give this a try? I can’t recommend it, but all comments and/or “Pyewacket” experiences are welcome 🙂

Best,

Reely Bernie