As the Auckland leg of the New Zealand International Film Festival nears its close, the magic continues with The Love Witch, a vivid, retro horror-drama – tongue firmly in cheek. Written and directed by Anna Biller, there’s a hefty 1960s vibe, paying homage to the technicolor horror flicks of that era of cinema.
Samantha Robinson is radiant as the title character, fitting the spell-maker’s shoes perfectly, and the actress seems to be having fun. As well as the through-line of sorcery and sauciness, The Love Witch channels the roles of women and the limited powers man have in such a female-strong story. Gorgeous, glowing costume and set design lands you in the 60s even though the film is set in the present day.
See the NZIFF website for scheduling.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXOmzA56E40?rel=0&w=640&h=360]