The Witch in the Window is a 2018 American supernatural horror film written and directed by Andy Mitton (We Go On; Chilling Visions: 5 Senses of Fear; YellowBrickRoad). The One Bad House Films production stars Arija Bareikis, Charlie Tacker and Greg Naughton.
Plot:
When Simon (Alex Draper) takes his twelve-year-old son, Finn (Charlie Tacker), to rural Vermont to help flip an old farmhouse, they encounter the malicious spirit of Lydia (Carol Stanzione), a previous owner. And now with every repair they make – she’s getting stronger…
Reviews:
“Surprisingly touching, this spooky story about a spirit that refuses to exit the premises serves as both a movie that will have you looking over your shoulder, while also simultaneously giving the viewer pause to reflect upon the skeletons in their own closet […] One thing’s for sure – The Witch in the Window is not to be missed…” Bloody Disgusting
” …its 75-minute runtime and limited frills make The Witch in the Window undemanding as an easily accessible exercise in eeriness. Its effectiveness at engineering that unsettling tone enriches the experience as emotionally intriguing entertainment.” Culture Crypt
“This is a horror story told in hushed tones, the brooding lovechild of Edgar Allen Poe and Peter Straub. It shares tonal similarities with The Woman in Black and Lady in White, albeit with a less in-your-face approach to villainess exposure. Mitton makes the solid choice to let the witch quietly inhabit the periphery of the scene…” Dread Central
“The father-son bond is tested in this nifty little ghost story, were it to be a tad longer and draw out the suspense more, it could be something really spectacular. As it stands though,The Witch in the Window is a valiant stab at injecting new life into an old and familiar tale.” The Hollywood News
“Although not particularly terrifying, and it probably wasn’t the main focus nor intention of the film, “The Witch in the Window” crafts a “déja vu” storyline with some magnificently portrayed characters, a touch of chills, and a sprinkle of sentimental value to it.” Horror-Movies.ca
“The Witch in the Window has some creative spooks, an interesting villain, and a few good soundbites – but everything else is ground well tread. Like Simon’s house – it still feels like a work in progress. Father and Son fail to connect to each-other, and so they fail to connect to me, their audience.” Nightmare on Film Street
“Mitton’s handling of the supernatural elements – the way they are casually introduced and incorporated into the edges of Simon and Finn’s domestic experience – proves extremely unsettling, even as everything shifts towards a hard-earned poignancy that is both haunting and sublime. Few films genuinely creep me out or make me cry – The Witch in the Window expertly managed both.” SciFiNow
Cast and characters:
- Arija Bareikis … Beverly – The Purge
- Charlie Tacker … Finn – American Poltergeist; Predator Prey
- Greg Naughton … Louis
- Alex Draper … Simon – YellowBrickRoad; Mimic 2
- Carol Stanzione … Lydia
- Zach Jette … Louis’ Son
Release:
The Witch in the Window had its World Premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival in Montreal in July 2018. It was also shown in London at the Arrow Video FrightFest on 27 August 2018.
Streaming platform Shudder acquired the film for showing in the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Australia and New Zealand territories.
Film Facts:
The film’s working title was The Vermont House
