Witchboard (2024) Movie Review – A Remake That Loses Its Magic
Witchboard (2024) arrives as a remake of the 1986 horror film, but despite its ambitious setup and rich backstory, it struggles to hold the same charm or tension. Directed and co-written by Chuck Russell—known for A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors—the movie promises dark fantasy and supernatural horror but delivers an uneven and confusing experience.
A Strong Opening That Sets the Tone
The film begins with a solid prologue set in 17th-century France, where a coven of witches is attacked by witch hunters. The battle ends with the witches’ leader dying, and her blood staining a mystical spirit board. This blood-soaked board becomes the central object of the movie and easily the creepiest element, especially with its finger-shaped pendulum.
A Confusing Story and Uneven Pacing
After the atmospheric opening, the story shifts to Emily, a recovering drug addict who ends up with the possessed board. Instead of using it for typical horror-related communication, she oddly uses it to find her missing engagement ring—a choice that doesn’t fit the tone or the logic of the film.
The pacing becomes inconsistent as the film jumps repeatedly between flashbacks and the present. The backstory of Naga Soth, a witch who once healed villagers before being betrayed, tries to position her as both a tragic figure and a villain. This switch between good and evil leads to an identity crisis in the storytelling.
Performances and Horror Elements
Madison Iseman delivers a strong performance as Emily, carrying most of the emotional weight. However, Jamie Campbell Bower, who should have felt more intimidating, does not come across as a compelling villain.
Even though this movie is marketed as a remake, it barely resembles the 1986 Witchboard—the plot, tone, and even the design of the board are entirely different.
For a film with a long runtime, you would expect a massive, chaotic finale. But the ending feels underwhelming and does not match the build-up. The only truly effective horror sequence is the kitchen scene, which stands out as the film’s highlight.
Final Thoughts
Witchboard (2024) had strong potential with its dark setup and lore, but uneven pacing, confusing character motivations, and a lack of genuine scares keep it from becoming a memorable horror remake.
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