Sorcery
In this chilling fantasy-drama set in late 19th century Chile, indigenous girl Rosa sets out for justice, seeking help from a powerful organisation of sorcerers after a brutal incident involving her father.
Sorcery takes viewers on a captivating journey to the mystical world of Chiloé, where ancient traditions clash with the encroaching forces of colonialism. Christopher Murray's masterful direction and Valentina Véliz's powerful performance as Rosa Raín anchor the film in a palpable sense of urgency and resilience.
Murray's atmospheric cinematography, under the lens of María Secco, immerses us in the verdant landscapes and misty fields of Chiloé, creating a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for Rosa's quest for justice. The film's tactile portrayal of magic, rooted in woven sticks, local herbs, and natural creatures, brings a tangible authenticity to the supernatural elements.
The narrative's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities faced by Rosa and her people. It deftly explores themes of identity, faith, and the indomitable spirit of resistance. Valentina Véliz delivers a standout performance, embodying Rosa's quiet determination and eventual embrace of her latent powers.
While the film's characters often represent broader archetypes, they serve as vessels for the larger themes at play. From the pious hypocrisy of Stefan to Mateo's enigmatic wisdom, each character contributes to the film's allegorical resonance.
Sorcery does more than weave a tale of revenge; it invites us to contemplate the untold stories of indigenous resistance against colonial forces. It's a cinematic experience that lingers, offering a glimpse into a history that deserves to be heard.
Amika Elfendi
Director
Christopher Murray, kjent for sine tidligere verk Manuel de Ribera og The Blind Christ, fortsetter sin utforskning av maktforhold og undertrykkelse i det rurale Chile. Med Sorcery bringer Murray til liv en historie forankret i innfødt folklore og historiske hendelser, og kaster lys over de uoppdagede landskapene og kultursammenstøtene i sitt hjemland.
This film is part of
Original title Brujería
Country Chile, Mexico
Year 2023
Director Christopher Murray
Screenplay Christopher Murray, Pablo Paredes
Cinematography María Secco
Producer Nicolás Celis, Viola Fügen, Rocío Jadue, Juan de Dios Larraín, Pablo Larraín, Michael Weber
Cast Valentina Véliz Caileo, Daniel Antivilo, Sebastian Hülk
Runtime 1h 40m
Language Spanish, German, Mapudungun
Subtitles English
Genre Horror, Drama, Adventure
Format DCP
Age limit 15
Links IMDb
This film is in competition for the Audience Award.