For Day 19 of The Bark Knight’s 31 Days of Halloween, we’re turning our attention to witches with Mandrake (2022), a Shudder original that delivers a healthy dose of folk horror, unsettling imagery, and plenty of blood.
It’s a movie that flew a little under my radar, and based on the trailer, I wasn’t even entirely sure it was going to be about witchcraft. As it turned out, there was no shortage of it though.
Bloody Mary and a Trail of Missing Children
Mandrake follows a probation officer tasked with rehabilitating a notorious killer known as Bloody Mary, who has just been released from prison.
Children begin disappearing almost immediately, raising some pretty serious concerns that Mary has returned to her old ways. Our probation officer, however isn’t convinced. Afterall, Mary only got out yesterday. Surely she wouldn’t be stupid enough to start killing again so quickly…
Of course, the timing is absolutely suspicious, and it isn’t long before questions begin to emerge about Mary and what she’s really up to.
What follows is a dark folk horror story that gradually introduces supernatural elements, strange rituals, and local folklore. There are some interesting and unexpected turns along the way, with enough mystery surrounding Mary’s intentions to keep things moving.
A Solid, If Imperfect, Folk Horror Movie
From a writing standpoint, Mandrake isn’t perfect. Some of the story developments could have used a little more attention, and it doesn’t do much that feels especially groundbreaking for the genre.
But, the production quality and acting are solid, particularly for a straight-to-streaming horror release. If you’ve watched your share of Shudder originals, you’ll probably have a pretty good idea of what you’re getting.
The film also does a good job of establishing its atmosphere. The rural setting, unsettling imagery, and folklore elements give it a creepy quality that works well with the witchcraft at the center of the story. There are incantations, ceremonies, plenty of blood, and some memorable visuals along the way.
“Sometimes a horror movie with an interesting premise, a creepy atmosphere, and solid execution is enough.”
At the time of my first viewing, Mandrake had a 4.6/10 rating, which I remember thinking was a little harsh. I wouldn’t rate it dramatically higher, but somewhere around 6 to 6.5 feels more appropriate.
That’s a passing grade in my book. It’s risen to 4.7, so at least a few people have elevated it in the year since then.
There are certainly better witch movies out there, but the selection isn’t endless, especially if you’re looking for something rooted in darker folklore. And at 85 minutes, it’s also an easily accessible addition to a Halloween watchlist.
Other Witch Movies Worth Watching
If Mandrake sounds interesting, there are several other witch movies I’d recommend exploring.
Robert Eggers’ The Witch (2015) stands as probably the crown jewel of modern witch horror, with its impressive atmosphere, historical setting, and unsettling approach to folklore.
For something lighter, there’s always Practical Magic (1998), which is a fun change of pace and one that my mom and sister watched religiously growing up. Gretel & Hansel (2020) was one that really took me by surprise and was even featured in my 31 Day of Halloween for its haunting, ethereal, fever dream approach to the subject along with it featuring one hell of an atmospheric score. Hellbender (2021), The Craft (1996), and Suspiria (1977 & 2018) all offer unique takes on witchcraft as well, ranging from supernatural stories to much darker tales of terror.
And then there’s The Witches (1990), which remains my all-time favorite children’s witch movie. I still remember seeing it in a theater in Warsaw, New York when I was a kid and being absolutely terrified yet still captivated and blown away. It’s one of those childhood movie experiences that has stuck with me all these years later, and a reminder that a movie doesn’t have to be made for adults to deliver some genuinely frightening moments.
As for Mandrake, it may not rank among the genre’s best, but there’s enough atmosphere, folklore, and witchcraft here to make it worth a watch.
Join me next time as the 31 Days of Halloween takes on the Ghostface Day theme.
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Previous Day: Day 18 - Dawn of the Dead (1978) and the End of an Era.
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