The Witch is shaping up to be the best/scariest horror film of 2016, and to add to that anticipation the Satanist/satirical/humanist/political advocacy/Baphomet statue-placing organization known as the Satanic Temple has announced they'll be hosting a quartet of screenings around the country for the witchcraft-themed fright flick.
According to a press release, the screenings will include “interactive performances and ritualized pronouncements of a 'new Satanic era,'” so, good date material! Here's the full list of screenings, which are set to kick off Feb. 10 in New York City:
NYC PREMIERE + EVENT “Awaken” / Wednesday, February 10
LA PREMIERE + EVENT “Rebel” / Friday, February 12
AUSTIN PREMIERE + PUBLIC RITUAL “Convoke” / Tuesday, February 16
DETROIT PREMIERE “Ascend” / TBA
Additionally, the film has inspired the Temple-affiliated website satanic-revolution.com, described as “an online political tool for temple newcomers to join and/or support high-profile campaigns.” In a statement, Satanic Temple national spokesperson Jex Blackmore (which I'm assuming is not her Christian name) calls The Witch “more than a film; it is a transformative Satanic experience that, in its call to arms, becomes an act of spiritual sabotage and liberation from the oppressive traditions of our forefathers.”
Bravo to whichever marketing executive(s) brokered this unusual but very on-brand partnership. The positive buzz on this one continues to build, and this is just the kind of bizarre hype-generator that will keep people talking.
The Witch centers on a 17th century Puritan family that begins spiraling into madness following the disappearance of their infant son and an accusation of witchcraft against their teenage daughter. It's slated for release on February 19. You can read Drew's Sundance review here.