Witchboard (2025) Movie Review – Chuck Russell’s Stylish, Wild Occult Remake

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)

Witchboard (releasing on 22 August 2025), directed by Chuck Russell, revives the cult horror classic with a stylish and occasionally chaotic modern spin. Set amid the haunting energy of New Orleans, the film follows a young couple whose dreams of starting fresh take a dark turn when they uncover a cursed pendulum board tied to centuries-old witchcraft.

PLOT SYNOPSIS

Emily, a recovering addict, and her fiancé Christian, move to New Orleans to open a café in a renovated carriage house. Their hopes for a new beginning collapse when Emily discovers a mysterious pendulum board. Drawn into its sinister pull, she awakens the spirit of Naga Soth, a vengeful witch whose curse has haunted generations.
With help from Brooke, an occult researcher, and Alexander Babtiste, a mysterious scholar of the supernatural, Christian must fight against time and dark forces to save Emily before the board consumes her entirely.

PERFORMANCES

Madison Iseman delivers a strong performance as Emily, balancing fragility and desperation as she succumbs to the board’s influence. Aaron Dominguez as Christian plays the role of the supportive but increasingly desperate partner with sincerity, though his emotional arc feels underexplored.
Jamie Campbell Bower as Alexander Babtiste commands the screen—his enigmatic performance lends the film an eerie gravitas. Supporting actors Mel Jarnson and Antonia Desplat add layers to the occult lore, though their characters remain underdeveloped.

DIRECTION & SCREENPLAY

Chuck Russell blends folk-horror elements with gothic New Orleans atmosphere. The film’s world-building is ambitious, fusing historical flashbacks with surreal rituals and occult madness. However, the screenplay sometimes struggles under the weight of too many ideas—shifting tones and pacing issues occasionally disrupt the flow. Still, Russell’s flair for spectacle keeps the tension alive.

TECHNICAL MERITS

Visually, Witchboard thrives. The production design captures both the vibrancy of New Orleans and the shadowy eeriness of witchcraft rituals. The pendulum board is crafted as a chilling centerpiece, adding to the film’s unsettling imagery. The cinematography oscillates between grounded realism and dreamlike horror, enhancing the film’s unpredictable energy.

The sound design and score complement the gothic tone well, while the editing—though occasionally abrupt—keeps the chaos moving at a brisk pace.

AUDIENCE & CRITICAL RESPONSE

Early screenings generated mixed reactions. Some praise the film’s bold visuals, unapologetic camp energy, and commitment to practical horror effects. Others find the story overstuffed, with underdeveloped characters and uneven pacing. Yet, even critics acknowledge the film’s entertainment factor—it thrives on atmosphere and spectacle rather than emotional depth.

FINAL VERDICT

Witchboard (2025) is not a polished or restrained horror film—but that’s exactly its appeal. It’s chaotic, stylish, and soaked in occult energy, delivering a throwback vibe to horror of the late ’80s and ’90s. Fans of folk-horror aesthetics and supernatural thrillers will find enough to enjoy, while those seeking a tight, emotionally gripping narrative may find it messy.

A flawed yet fascinating ride, Witchboard proves that sometimes horror works best when it’s unafraid to be weird.