Witchcraft and the dark arts have surged over the last few decades from niche culture into mainstream society. Both film and literature along with social media have glorified alternative religious practices while those seeking a different path are now able to connect worldwide. Writer/Director Nathaniel Paull brings his talent to this sub-genre of horror films with his latest presentation, HEATHENS.
A documentary crew follows a coven of six witches living in middle America in an attempt to capture their mystical existence as they traverse everyday mundane life. This coven reaches out to the supernatural for help from everything to economic, to sexual, to coping skills, in desperate dark hope for a better life. When the rebel of the tribe, Isis, breaks a rule, the gaggle of witches turns on her. Now fractured, each member must contemplate whether they are stronger as a unified force, or better off navigating the craft as an individual.
HEATHENS is a refreshing film that disregards a typical Hollywood portrayal of witchcraft for a much more realistic take on those who practice the dark arts. Paull presents a sharp script coupled with a first person shooting style that is both smart and never jumpy, like other brands of footage films are. The cast puts in a strong shift while speaking with rapid dialogue that keeps the viewer’s attention throughout the run time. Cris Tyser stands out with an all too real performance as Isis, which ranges from slightly frightening to hysterical. A darker final act perhaps could have turned this indie into a modern classic, but the film is an enjoyable watch that perfectly exemplifies what true dark art worship looks like in a country riddled with anxiety, where the citizens turn to anything to help cope with modern problems.
Scream Score: 7.3/10