Witch Hunt 2021

In contemporary New England, a teenage girl named Fiona and her younger sister Shae witness a horrifying scene as the Bureau of Witchcraft Investigation agent, Hawthorne, ruthlessly burns their mother, Esther, at the stake— a cruel punishment for witchcraft, which is prohibited under the 11th amendment. Fast forward three months to Southern California, where Martha Goode, now a widow, operates an underground station for fleeing witches from the confines of her home, where she resides with her teenage daughter Claire and her younger sons, Corey and George.

While Martha’s clandestine operations are vital for the witches seeking refuge, they also thrust Claire into a moral quagmire. Struggling to maintain friendships while keeping this secret, Claire finds herself torn between communal prejudices against witchcraft and loyalty to her mother’s cause. Complicating matters, a coyote named Jacob arrives to help a witch named Gina escape to Mexico for asylum, only to be apprehended by Hawthorne. In a harrowing turn, Hawthorne torches Jacob’s vehicle with Gina trapped inside, elevating the tension in an already precarious situation.

As Claire navigates the complexities of her family’s hidden life, she becomes increasingly distressed, which intensifies when Martha shelters the troubled sisters. Claire is haunted by dreams of Esther’s execution, while Shae is plagued by ominous visions of a burnt witch hidden within the walls of their home. One day, Claire and her friends spot the BWI agents apprehending witches at school, which leads to an unexpected asthma attack for Claire amid chaos when a witch is shot trying to flee.

In her efforts to engage with the world while harboring her secrets, Claire writes a paper addressing the 11th amendment and Prop 6, which would oppress the rights of those with witch ancestry. As rumors circulate about witch transporters, Claire tries to maintain a normal life but struggles with fears regarding her family’s safety. The plot thickens with a pivotal moment at a movie theater where Claire observes her classmate Kelly, disqualified from a film screening due to her witch ancestry, leading to another asthma crisis for Claire when the situation escalates.

The bond between Claire and Fiona deepens as they explore the nuances of their lives. In a spirited escape to a local tavern, Claire introduces Fiona to the world of “Thelma and Louise,” depicting the uncertainty surrounding their outcomes as they bond over laughter and dreams, until things take a mystical turn when their shared magic inadvertently halts reality momentarily.

However, the situation becomes dire as Detective Hawthorne pays an uninvited visit to Martha’s home, suspecting witchcraft. He manages to sense magic lingering within the walls, leading to a threatening confrontation where Hawthorne accuses Claire of witchcraft and presents dire consequences. As the tension suffocates the home, the atmosphere is laden with despair when Cynthia, a nagging neighbor, threatens the fragile balance they’ve established.

In a dream-like state, Claire envisions herself reaching the border wall while her family remains on the other side. The consequences of the witches’ plight come to a head when Claire witnesses the BWI conducting a swimming pool test for witches, where a classmate tragically succumbs, further deepening her emotional turmoil.

After a harrowing day and an agonizing search for her mother and brothers, Claire learns from Fiona that Hawthorne has taken them for “questioning.” Fuelled by desperation, Claire musters the strength of her ancestry as she confronts Hawthorne, who threatens everything she holds dear. The chaos that ensues leads to a fire in their home, triggering Claire’s witch magic during an asthma attack, ultimately resulting in an explosive clash against the oppressive forces surrounding them.

In the aftermath, Martha reveals the hidden truth about Claire’s heritage and the desperate measures taken to keep her safe. With a heart heavy yet resolute, Claire speeds toward the border with Fiona and Shae, racing against time, forever altering the course of their lives just as the frame freezes, capturing the precarious moment on the brink of escape.