Virgin Witch

Virgin Witch is a quintessential horror film from the early 1970s, blending elements of the supernatural and the erotic in an enticing blend that typified much of the genre during that era. Directed by Ray Austin, the film attempts to weave a provocative, though macabre, tale of an innocent’s descent into the depths of the occult.

The movie takes place in Britain and revolves around the lives of two main female characters, Christine (played by Ann Michelle) and Betty (played by Vicki Michelle). Christine and Betty are sisters and are shown to have a strong, but complex, bond. The character arc for Christine is particularly noteworthy as she goes from a determined, but naive, ingenue to an active participant in the film's occult themes. Betty, on the other hand, is more reserved, serving as a counterbalance to Christine’s adventurous persona.

The plot kicks off when Christine, a model by profession, lands a job at a secluded country estate. However, this isn’t your everyday modeling gig - it is a mission for her to get into one of the premier modeling agencies led by the suave, charming, but enigmatic Sybil Waite (Patricia Haines). Sybil, who, unbeknownst to Christine initially, is a high priestess of a coven of witches. The estate also serves as a gathering place for this secret society where they conduct eerie rituals.

Initially lured by the promise of advancing her career, Christine soon finds herself drawn into this unique world of arcane arts against her better judgment. Betty, despite her reservations, also gets entangled in this labyrinth of mystical activities, mainly due to her sister's newfound obsession. Keith Buckley, playing Peter, a kind-hearted and charismatic photographer, add more layers to this tale, being tied to both Christine's professional and mystical worlds. His character's trajectory creates intriguing subplots that boost the movie’s intensity level, providing an additional dynamic to the ominous elements in the story.

For a film set in the early 1970s, Virgin Witch is quite intrepid in its portrayal of nudity and sexual themes. The film boldly depicts scenes of erotic rituals, thus making it a controversial piece in its time. And while the main narrative arc explores a tale of witchcraft, there's an undercurrent of sexual liberation that reflects the changing social mores of the era. This undercurrent is particularly pronounced in the intricacies of Christine's character, which provides a subtle feminist statement about female sexual empowerment amidst the backdrop of a male-dominant society.

The film effortlessly embodies the gritty rawness representative of British horror films from this period. While Virgin Witch may not focus on outright shocks or gore, it derives its horror from the looming sense of dread that pervades the story, especially as Christine goes deeper into the world of witchcraft.

Moreover, Virgin Witch heavily relies on a palpable sense of tension and suspense, further amplified by the atmospheric settings—a remote, eerie mansion, hidden within the sprawling British countryside. The film aims to keep audiences on their toes, with numerous plot twists that keep the story from becoming predictable, all the while maintaining a steady undercurrent of unease and disquiet.

A standout aspect of Virgin Witch is its stellar performances. Ann Michelle and Vicki Michelle share tangible chemistry on-screen, effectively playing off each other's performances. Ann Michelle, in particular, displays a captivating performance as Christine, nailing the transition from the wide-eyed ingenue to the seduced apprentice.

At its core, Virgin Witch is a distinct addition to the horror genre that shines a unique light on the themes of witchcraft, sisterly bonds, sexual exploration, and the allure of power. While the movie could be considered risqué - it is not merely about shock value. Instead, it takes audiences on a nuanced journey into the complexities of human desire and the limits one would go to attain their aspirations.

With its blend of erotica, the supernatural, and an engaging plot, Virgin Witch delivers a viewing experience that is both thrilling and unsettling. For fans of early 70s horror, this film is a must-see that contributes significantly to the genre's rich historical tapestry.