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Horror thriller

The Witch Files (2018): Cast & Ratings

The Witch Files (2018) movie poster

The Witch Files is a 2018 horror thriller directed by Kyle Rankin, starring Stephanie Atkinson as Jules' Foster Mom, Greg Finley and Paget Brewster. It runs 1 hour 27 minutes and was made on a reported $1 million budget. Its Echo Score is 41/100.

Echo Score
41
budget
$1M
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The Witch Files (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 27m (87 min)
Director
Kyle Rankin
Genres
Horror , Thriller
Original language
English
Budget
$1M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Witch Files About?

The premise of The Witch Files without spoilers.

A group of young women, each possessing extraordinary powers and burdened by difficult pasts, find they can make their wishes a reality. However, their newfound abilities come with an unexpected price, and they soon realize they may not be as powerful or in control as they initially believed. As they navigate the consequences of their wishes, they uncover a dangerous truth about their abilities and the forces at play.

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Cast & crew

The Witch Files Cast & Characters

Stephanie Atkinson leads the cast as Jules' Foster Mom, with Greg Finley as Mr. Dwyer and Paget Brewster as Strauss. Directed by Kyle Rankin; 18 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Kyle Rankin

More films directed by Kyle Rankin, best-rated first: Run Hide Fight, The Battle of Shaker Heights, Night of the Living Deb and Infestation.

Full filmography
Ratings

The Witch Files Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 41/100, strongest in rewatch factor (55) and weakest in sensory experience (30).

41 /100

The Witch Files Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, The Witch Files delivers a modestly engaging premise but struggles to sustain its appeal across key dimensions. The film's limited budget and uneven execution result in a mixed reception, with younger viewers finding occasional charm while others cite persistent technical and narrative flaws. The cumulative effect is a movie that may entertain niche audiences but fails to achieve broader resonance, positioning it firmly in the lower mid‑range of quality assessments.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 35

    In terms of art and craft, the film exhibits several shortcomings. Reviewers repeatedly mention cheap framing, grainy handheld footage, and low‑budget visual effects that detract from immersion. While one comment praises the direction as “perfect,” the consensus points to subpar cinematography and editing that feel more like a school project than a professional production. Consequently, the artistic execution is judged weak overall.

  • Character & Emotion 40

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are widely regarded as uneven. Many critics describe the acting as worse than a middle‑school class, with line delivery and depth lacking. A few note occasional chemistry among the teenage cast and appreciate Paget Brewster's involvement, yet the predominant view is that the characters fail to engage or elicit empathy. The overall character work is thus modest at best.

  • Story & Flow 45

    Story and flow receive mixed feedback. The plot is labeled unoriginal, borrowing heavily from The Craft and Blair Witch, and several reviewers find the pacing slow and the ending predictable. Nonetheless, some point to surprising moments, a compelling historical premise, and thoughtful dialogue that add occasional intrigue. The narrative therefore sits in a middle ground, offering occasional merit but overall lacking cohesive strength.

  • Sensory Experience 30

    Sensory experience is largely criticized. The found‑footage format is described as a “cheap framing device,” with blurry CGI, poor sound design, and low‑budget effects that disrupt immersion. Positive remarks are scarce, and the dominant sentiment is that audiovisual elements do not support the story effectively, resulting in a weak sensory impact.

  • Rewatch Factor 55

    Rewatch factor shows the most variability among aspects. Some viewers express willingness to revisit the film for its niche witchy themes or potential cult status, while others deem it unworthy of repeat viewings. The presence of a modestly entertaining premise and occasional fan‑service contributes to a moderate replay value, especially for younger audiences seeking light, feel‑good fare.

Videos

The Witch Files Trailers & Videos

The trailer of The Witch Files.

Official Trailer
Cars

Cars in The Witch Files

18 cars on screen, including the 1978 Ford Fairmont and the 2014 BMW 428i F32.

All 18 cars
  • 1978 Ford Fairmont in The Witch Files 1978 Ford Fairmont Important role
  • 2014 BMW 428i F32 in The Witch Files 2014 BMW 428i F32 Minor role
  • 2010 E-One Typhoon Tradition in The Witch Files 2010 E-One Typhoon Tradition Minor role
  • 2004 Ford E-150 in The Witch Files 2004 Ford E-150 Minor role
Details

The Witch Files Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “Досье ведьмы” and “Der Hexenzirkel”.

Also known as
  • Досье ведьмы
  • Der Hexenzirkel
  • Досиетата на вещиците
  • The Witch Files - Der Hexenzirkel
  • 女巫档案
  • Jovens Feiticeiras

Seen The Witch Files?

FAQ

The Witch Files FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget and post-credit scenes of The Witch Files, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Witch Files?

The Witch Files runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).

When was The Witch Files released?

The Witch Files was released on May 27, 2018.

Who directed The Witch Files?

The Witch Files was directed by Kyle Rankin.

More films by Kyle Rankin

Who is in the cast of The Witch Files?

The Witch Files stars Stephanie Atkinson as Jules' Foster Mom, Greg Finley as Mr. Dwyer and Paget Brewster as Strauss, among 18 credited actors.

What was the budget of The Witch Files?

The Witch Files had a reported budget of $1 million.

Does The Witch Files have a post-credit scene?

No. The Witch Files has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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