Elizabeth Sankey's deeply personal and essayistic film manages to strike a remarkable balance. It is both moving without being mawkish and raw while also being surgically precise. The film's scope is quite free-ranging, essentially exploring how witches and their history intersect with postpartum depression on one hand and psychosis on the other, all filtered through Sankey's own experience.

A Powerful Exploration of Witches, Mental Health and Personal Struggle

How Sankey's Experience Shaped the Film

Looking directly into the camera, Sankey shares how she was engulfed by anxiety and depression after the birth of her son in 2020 during the Covid pandemic. After multiple trips to A&E and crisis moments, she found herself in a special psychiatric ward for mothers and children. This personal journey became the core of the film, as she delves deep into the emotions and challenges she faced.It is through this lens that Sankey weaves together a tapestry of stories and experiences. She made it through with the help of therapy and support from other patients, a process she likens to the formation of covens in witchcraft lore. This unique perspective adds a layer of depth and meaning to the film.

The Mosaic of Footage and Editing Technique

Sankey's editing skills are truly remarkable. She deftly creates a mosaic of footage, culling tiny snippets from various films about witches, new mothers and women enduring mental health crises. Cuts are taken from classics like Häxan (1922), Witchfinder General (1968), Rosemary's Baby (1968) and The Witch (2015). She also weaves in bits from Girl, Interrupted (1999), The Snake Pit (1948) and Jane Eyre (1943) to enhance the themes of mental health.This bricolage-like editing technique relies heavily on exploiting copyright laws around fair use to create a prismatic and provocative style of cinema that is very much of the 21st century. It brings together different elements and perspectives to tell a powerful story.

The Impact and Significance

The film not only records Sankey's story but also that of her friends and professionals. From those who started support groups to the actor Sophia di Martino (from TV's Loki), and even a female doctor specialising in perinatal care who struggled to be believed, each story contributes to a greater understanding of the complex issues at hand.It serves as a reminder of the Kafkaesque echo chamber of paranoia and patriarchal oppression that many women face when dealing with mental health issues. Sankey's film shines a light on these issues and offers a unique perspective that is both thought-provoking and inspiring.