Having spent my early childhood amidst the wonderful 1980s satanic and punk panic hysterias, and hitting puberty just as “Smells Like Teen Spirit” cracked the music world open, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for movies about weirdos, freaks, and all manner of anti-establishment provocateurs. With the help of the oddballs and devil worshipers I saw in countless ‘80s movies, I found the freedom to be myself — and I’ve never looked back. To this end, Kier-La Janisse’s wonderful documentary Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched feels very much like it was tailor-made for those of us who have willfully rejected conformity in favor of intelligent, inclusive, and politically-aware lifestyles.
As a primer on the Folk Horror film movement, Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched is an exhaustive and entertaining resource that’s sure to pique the interests of even the most timid genre movie fans. Beginning with what is generally considered the Folk Horror holy trinity (1968’s Witchfinder General, 1971’s Blood on Satan’s Claw, and 1973’s The Wicker Man), this thoroughly researched and lovingly made documentary moves seamlessly through themes and subgenres, covering more films than seems possible. (There are a lot more Folk Horror movies out there than you might think).
Admittedly, at over three hours, its runtime may scare some viewers off, but for those of us who love films steeped in political, historical, and cultural allegory (not to mention lots of cool imagery and imaginative cinematography), Woodlands Dark and Days Bewitched is a must-see. Believe me, your watchlist will thank you.
May I offer a sequel idea? Chaos Nights and Days of Anarchy: A History of Punk Panic Films. You can have that one for free. I just want to be interviewed for it.
Originally published by ASHEVILLE MOVIES.
James is a writer, record collector, wrestling nerd, and tabletop gamer living with his family in Asheville, North Carolina. He is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the North Carolina Film Critics Association, and contributes to The Daily Orca, Razorcake Magazine, Mountain Xpress, and Asheville Movies.