Official synopsis: A cautionary tale about the perils of modern society that cleverly intertwines themes of social media pitfalls, religious extremism, and unregulated black market activities, Hood Witch follows single mother Nour (Glshifteh Farahani) and her son (Amine Zariouhi as Amine). Nour makes a living from smuggling exotic animals and illicit products (birds of prey, venom, rare roots, etc.). Wishing to get her son out of the city and offer him a better future, she designs and develops a mobile app that connects clients and marabouts. It’s a success, but a patient’s consultation turns into a tragedy and Nour has to face a wave of violence that could cost her and her son their lives.
Whether you’re watching director Saïd Belktibia’s French chiller Hood Witch for its surface-level horror story or for its deeper explorations of social themes, the film works superbly in both ways. Belktibia cowrote the screenplay with Louis Penicaut, and the story delivers an only slightly exaggerated version of how quickly groupthink against The Other can spread dangerously and viciously. Farahani is terrific as a woman accused of being a witch after the death of someone she was trying to help, and as someone trying to leave an abusive relationship and help her son have a better life. She conveys every emotion and physical action asked of her wonderfully, leading an always impressive cast.
Belktibia paces Hood Witch solidly, with plenty of action seeing Nour on the run from a savage mob, along with her ex-husband’s associates. Discomfiting elements of the supernatural — including those who believe in it and those who take advantage of believers — are plentiful, and traditional religion is not safe from Belktibia and Penicaut’s sights, either.
Hood Witch, from Dark Sky Films, was released in theaters and on digital platforms on March 21, 2025.
