Motherwitch

Cyprus, late 19th century. The painter Eleni tries to bring her dead children back to life, but instead accidentally summons a Kallikantzari – a sinister creature from local folklore that will try to destroy the entire village.

If you’re used to folk horror drawing primarily on Anglo-Saxon or Slavic legends and tales, then The Motherwitch will bring you a breath of fresh air within the genre. Instead of damp forests, we find ourselves in a sun-drenched, rocky village, and instead of a classic witch – a monster straight out of Greek and Cypriot folklore.

Cypriot director Minos Papas takes an approach similar to that of Robert Eggers – his plot is based on extensive research, and in his film, he strives to portray the world of 19th-century beliefs and customs as realistically as possible. Although he doesn’t have a budget like the director of The Viking and Nosferatu, his horror film is exceptionally consistent, gripping, and visually impressive. At the same time, it offers a glimpse into a world to which we are usually denied access in horror cinema.

Age Rating: 18+