The Spell

The Spell is a riveting horror film released in 1977, directed by Lee Philips and features an electrifying cast with the likes of Lee Grant, Susan Myers and Lelia Goldoni. This supernatural thriller capitalizes on the inexplicable mysteries of life, uncanny manifestations of the unknown, and the indomitable force of feminine power.

Set against the backdrop of a seemingly placid suburban landscape, The Spell revolves around the lives of the Bryant family, steeped in an atmospheric ambiance of unassuming menace and eerie forebodings. Riveting from the get-go, the film unfolds around the life of young, introvert, and chubby Rita Bryant, played by the outstanding Susan Myers. Despite being a part of a lively American family, Rita is plagued by feelings of isolation and abandonment, fueled by the physical superiority of her elder sister, portrayed excellently by Helen Hunt.

Lee Grant plays the profound role of Marilyn Bryant, Rita's mother. Despite her adeptness in handling a bustling household and bustling professional life, Marilyn struggles to bridge the emotional distance setting in between her and her younger daughter. Grant's character is a relatable, contemporary woman who grapples with striking a balance between love, responsibility, and inevitable existential dread.

Lelia Goldoni does justice to her role as Kristina, the family's loyal housekeeper. She brings an uncanny aura to her character, which adds another intriguing layer to the story.

The film takes a turn for the unconventional when Rita discovers her latent abilities to harness occult powers, catapulting her from the life of an ordinary schoolgirl to that of a notorious but misunderstood teenager. The young girl uses her newfound power to take on her high-school tormentors, setting in motion a series of events that spiral out of control.

Meanwhile, Rita attempts to dominate her family with her supernatural capabilities. The clever interplay of power dynamics ensue, heightened by the stark realization that it's not a conventional monster that they fear, but one of their own. It is intriguing to see how the suspicions of Marilyn concerning her daughter's newfound demeanour, lead to a slow-burning suspense that holds the audience in its grip until the last frame.

In true horror film fashion, The Spell skillfully incorporates elements of mystic rituals, enthralling enchantments, and the sinister power games that build a growing sense of dread and unease throughout the film. The film also excels in creating atmospheric intensity, beginning subtly and ramping up the suspense and chills as the plot unfolds. The movie does well to not give away too much too soon, thereby keeping viewers hooked until the explosive showdown.

The Spell is not all dark and gloomy though. It subtly addresses issues such as body shaming and bullying in schools, shedding light on the effect it has on a young individual’s self-esteem. Through Rita's character, the film offers an intriguing exploration of how exclusion and a constant feeling of being judged fuels the dark forces within her.

Additionally, the Spell adds another fascinating degree of complexity with its nuanced depiction of mother-daughter dynamics, along with the burden of social and familial expectations. Though it's rooted firmly in the horror genre, the film touches quite thoughtfully on these very human, very relatable themes.

Credit must be given to the strong performances by Lee Grant, Susan Myers, and Lelia Goldoni. They bring a sense of realism into the eerie narrative, grounding it with emotion and depth. Susan Myers, especially, deserves praise for seamlessly transitioning from a shy, overweight girl to a dark, ominous figure.

While the film might not fall into the category of jump-scare filled horror, it encapsulates a different kind of terror – the terror of the unknown that lurks within us, the terror of the unseen. The Spell, with its slow-burning suspense and atmospheric dread, coupled with strong performances, course correction drama, and chilling climax, makes for a spine-chilling viewing that lingers long after the credits roll.