Valentina Véliz, Daniel Antivilo, Sebastian Hülk, Daniel Muñoz
A young girl discovers a talent for witchcraft in Christopher Murray’s (The Blind Christ, Manuel de Ribera) darkly atmospheric new film, an enthralling fable of anti-colonial revenge and self-discovery steeped in ancient folklore.
On the remote South Pacific island of Chiloé in the late 19th century, Indigenous girl Rosa (Valentina Véliz) lives and works with her father on a farm run by German colonisers. When the foreman turns on Rosa’s father in an act of staggering brutality, she is full of righteous fury and the desire for justice. Returning to her spiritual roots, she embraces a path of resistance, seeking help from a powerful organisation of sorcerers.
Murray’s fascinating drama draws on real events that took place on Chiloé Island, but adds elements of magical realism, folk horror and fairytale (as well as scenes of graphic violence), backed by a script co-written with Chilean writer Pablo Paredes that’s suffused with an authentic connection to the material. With a subtle, graceful performance by lead actor Valentina Véliz, Sorcery casts a cinematic spell.
