Calling all Lana Del Rey stans – The Love Witch is for you!
I’m aware this movie is not “vintage,” but if you google image search right now, you’ll understand why I watched…
The Love Witch follows Elaine and her bloody trail of ex-lovers. She’s a witch, obviously, and spends her days painting risqué folk art, concocting love potions, and baking traddy-wife cakes.
Her spells and potions, combined with love bombing, are so potent that each victim becomes over-the-top obsessed. It of course never ends well. There’s definitely some message in here about feminism and female sexuality, but I couldn't quite grasp it. Smart cinema gals - help me out on this one.
Aesthetically, this movie is all mixed up, and it’s probably the most compelling thing about it. Elaine shines in verging-on-delusional 60s dreamgirl vibes, while in the background we’ve got current-day BMWs and at least one cellphone. I suspect this is a pretty low budget film, but the anachronistic creative direction is clearly the realized vision of writer/director, Anna Biller.
Without the weird stylistic mashup, the plot would barely cross the 120 minute finish line. I myself would recommend the first 80 minutes only, though you do miss a cringy pop-up ren faire. I’ll let you make that call!
This movie is loved by many, but sadly not me. I do give the art department credit though, and maybe it’s worth a watch for the sappy LDR visual inspo.
Visual notes for a visual movie:
- All red outfits with blue eyeshadow is a choice that works exceptionally well here.
- Loved the women-only pink tea room.
- Total missed opportunity to cast Cole Escola as the neighbor.
- This has really left me feeling inspired to wear big gaudy rings.
- *Note to self* be careful with the blue eyeshadow as it can go to a Mimi from The Drew Carey Show real quick.
