The Spell 1977

Rita Matchett is a shy, overweight 15-year-old who endures relentless teasing at school. In a gym class, the girls take turns on the rope and Rita struggles to climb. The scene centers on a snooty classmate, and as Rita fixates on the rival, a tragic accident unfolds: Jackie Segall reaches the top, performs a reckless spin, and abruptly slips, breaking her neck. The incident marks the beginning of a chilling sequence of events that hint at something dangerous simmering beneath Rita’s quiet exterior.

Back home, Rita comes from a wealthy family but her household is unhappy. Marion Matchett tries to keep balance with her husband Glenn and her younger sister Kristina Matchett, who see Rita as fat and unattractive and routinely criticize her appearance. The mother does her best to mediate, yet the tension deepens as Rita’s attitude shifts and she begins to exhibit unsettling behavior, including chanting after an argument.

It becomes clear that Rita is dabbling in something dangerous as a string of “accidents” escalates: Glenn is nearly killed in a hit-and-run, Marion’s friend Kathleen dies from spontaneous combustion, and Kristina nearly drowns in a swimming pool. Marion is initially skeptical, but Kristina reveals that Rita has been visiting the gym teacher and they chant together. Rita even threatens Kristina to keep quiet about it.

Glenn informs Rita that she will be leaving for a private school in London, which she resents, and Marion grows more concerned. Marion sends Glenn and Kristina away for the night so she can focus on Rita, and that evening she follows Rita to Jo Standish’s house to observe the two discussing the recent incidents and their shared chants. From this, Marion learns that Jo has helped channel Rita’s power and that their plan could spread to a new community.

Rita becomes anxious about sharing her power and losing what makes her unique. In a tense confrontation, Jo’s influence is exercised in front of Rita as they chant, and Rita’s strength overpowers Jo, forcing her to the ground. Back home, Marion confronts Rita and joins the chant, revealing that she also wields power. The two battle through the night until Marion overpowers Rita, ending the immediate danger. In the quiet aftermath, Marion comforts a shaken Rita, telling her that it is over.