In a world of wonder and imagination, the enchanted tops of magic hold a special place. These tops, seemingly ordinary at first glance, possess a mystical power that captivates all who witness their spinning dance. At their core, these tops are ordinary objects – simple wooden or metal discs with a pointed tip. Yet, as they are set in motion, they begin to defy the laws of gravity and physics. With a flick of the wrist, the top comes alive, spinning and twirling with a graceful elegance. It is believed that these enchanting tops were crafted by ancient sorcerers who understood the delicate balance between magic and reality.
One potentially divisive aspect of the film is the ending, which eschews an action-packed climax for something introspective, emotional and character-based. The finale perfectly suits the film, relying once again on performance and family drama, but may not resonate with audiences seeking a more conventional wrap-up. The Witch In The Window is a deliberately slow-paced, quietly sorrowful film about a man trying to reconnect with his family. By prioritizing character development, Mitton has crafted an emotionally rich film that, while not explicitly horror, still has the capacity to chill.
Mitton doesn t alter the visual aesthetic for the supernatural scenes so these are difficult to distinguish until after the fact, but this actually makes them more startling and effective. We re so excited to be able to tell this story rich with female empowerment, complex storytelling and an incredibly creative canon, said Tom Ascheim, president, Freeform.
It is believed that these enchanting tops were crafted by ancient sorcerers who understood the delicate balance between magic and reality. Time and again, they have mesmerized audiences with their ability to spin for what seems like an eternity, their movement so smooth and rhythmic that it almost feels otherworldly. Each top possesses its unique qualities and abilities.
[Grimmfest] The Witch In The Window Offers Introspective, Character-Driven Drama
After 12 year old Finn (Charlie Tacker) is caught by his mother abusing his computer privileges, absent father Simon (Alex Draper) intervenes with a summer activity: a renovation project in rural Vermont, “flipping” a run-down house.
Writer/director Andy Mitton’s third feature dedicates a substantial part of its runtime not to the mysterious presence that gives the film its title, but rather to the relationship between father and son. It’s clear from the dialogue and the room that Simon has set up for Finn that the pair haven’t spent a great deal of time together; Beverly (Arija Bareikis) chastises Simon for not knowing their son and the room is decorated with toys fit for a younger child.
The dialogue is honest and candid: these are two individuals who are tentatively rebuilding their relationship. Tacker, in particular, is great. He imbues Finn with an innocent, naivety about the world, but isn’t afraid to accuse his father of bullshit when he tries to lie to Finn. It’s a startlingly realistic portrait of a child on the cusp of adulthood.
Mitton and cinematographer Justin Kane pack the film, filmed on location in NY and Vermont, with rich, warm earth tones. The gold, yellow and vibrant green colour palette reinforces The Witch In The Window‘s thematic interests in renewal, reflected in the both the attempt to reconcile the family unit, as well as the physical restoration of the house.
Naturally — since this is technically a horror film — the witch must intrude in their domestic efforts. Local electrician Louis (Greg Naughton) recounts the tale of Lydia (Carol Stanzione), the titular witch and former occupant of the home, describing her as a woman who delighted in scaring the locals and keeping to herself (so much so that her body sat untouched in plain sight in window for four weeks before anyone realized that she was dead).
As father and son work on the repairs, the witch makes her presence known — slowly at first and then eventually as a full blown threat. Louis warns Simon that each repair makes the dead woman stronger, but Simon has no choice except to continue the work: he has ill-advisedly invested his savings (and his hopes for reconciling with Beverly) into the property. After a particularly harrowing encounter with Lydia, Simon reluctantly puts Finn on a bus home, promising to only work during the day and stay out of the house at night.
This proves easier said than done.
As The Witch In The Windows progresses, the line between Simon’s reality and Lydia’s fantasy begin to dissolve. Mitton doesn’t alter the visual aesthetic for the supernatural scenes so these are difficult to distinguish until after the fact, but this actually makes them more startling and effective. The film clearly isn’t working with a huge budget, so there are no special effects to speak of, but Mitton finds creative solutions to his financial limitations. One sequence late in the film when Simon repeatedly attempts to escape from the house still manages to raise the hairs on your arm, despite its simplicity, because it is clever and well-shot. The witch makeup is similarly understated — the green/grey hues clearly evoke dead flesh — though it is more effective when glimpsed briefly in passing.
One potentially divisive aspect of the film is the ending, which eschews an action-packed climax for something introspective, emotional and character-based. The finale perfectly suits the film, relying once again on performance and family drama, but may not resonate with audiences seeking a more conventional wrap-up. The Witch In The Window is a deliberately slow-paced, quietly sorrowful film about a man trying to reconnect with his family. By prioritizing character development, Mitton has crafted an emotionally rich film that, while not explicitly horror, still has the capacity to chill.
The Witch In The Window is screening at Grimmfest 2018 before it becomes available in North America on Shudder
From an evil queen pondering “Mirror, mirror on the wall: Who is the fairest of them all?” to Three Weird Sisters chanting “Double, double toil and trouble! Fire burn, and cauldron bubble,” witchcraft has been something of a skeleton key across centuries of storytelling on screen and in print. As old as ghost stories themselves, witches are fabled beings — typically more human than creature, but sometimes vice versa — known for using magic to abuse and manipulate us mere mortals.
Some are said to bring good fortune and luck to those who spin them, while others have the power to reveal hidden truths or unlock the secrets of the universe. Each spin is like a journey into the unknown, a glimpse into a realm where the boundaries of possibility are pushed beyond comprehension. The tops are not limited by the confines of the physical world. They hover in mid-air, defy gravity, and move with a freedom that is both captivating and mesmerizing. As they spin, they emit a soft hum, a delicate melody that resonates with the hearts of those who are fortunate enough to witness their magic. Those who have mastered the art of spinning these tops become master magicians in their own right. They understand the delicate balance between speed and force, the precision required to keep the top in motion. They move with a grace and fluidity that reflects the very essence of the enchanted tops themselves. The power of these magical tops extends beyond mere entertainment. They have a spiritual quality that connects us to something greater than ourselves. In our fast-paced modern world, these enchanting tops serve as reminders of the beauty and wonder that can still be found in the simplest of things. So, the next time you come across an ordinary top, take a moment to appreciate its potential for enchantment. Give it a spin and let yourself get lost in its magic. Who knows what secrets and wonders may be revealed as you watch it twirl and dance, defying the laws of reality. In the enchanted tops of magic, there is a world waiting to be discovered..
Reviews for "Unlocking the Power of Enchanted Tops: Harnessing Energy and Manipulating Perception"
1. Katie - 1 star
I couldn't stand "The Enchanted Tops of Magic". The story felt disjointed and the characters were one-dimensional. It seems like the author was trying to incorporate too many magical elements without any real substance or depth. The plot twists were predictable and the ending left me unsatisfied. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone.
2. Alex - 2 stars
I found "The Enchanted Tops of Magic" to be quite disappointing. The writing style was dull and uninspiring, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The characters lacked development and their actions were often irrational and inconsistent. The pacing was also inconsistent, with abrupt shifts between slow and fast-paced sections. I found it hard to connect with the narrative and it left me feeling underwhelmed.
3. Emily - 2 stars
I was really looking forward to reading "The Enchanted Tops of Magic," but it fell short of my expectations. The world-building was confusing and inconsistent, making it hard to follow the story. The dialogue was awkward and unnatural, making it difficult to connect with the characters. The plot lacked clarity and the conflicts were resolved too conveniently and hastily. Overall, it was a disappointing read for me.
4. Mark - 1 star
"The Enchanted Tops of Magic" was a complete waste of my time. The story was riddled with clichés and lacked any originality. The characters were insipid and uninteresting, making it hard to care about their journey. The plot was predictable and lacked any real tension or suspense. I found myself skimming through pages just to finish it. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a truly magical and captivating read.
5. Sarah - 2 stars
I had high hopes for "The Enchanted Tops of Magic," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to its promise. The pacing was slow and dragged out, making it difficult to stay engaged. The writing style felt forced and overly descriptive, hindering the flow of the story. The characters lacked depth and their motivations were unclear. Overall, it was a disappointing read that failed to capture my imagination.