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Fantasy thriller

Witch Hunt (2021): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Witch Hunt (2021) movie poster

Witch Hunt is a 2021 fantasy thriller directed by Elle Callahan, starring Abigail Cowen as Fiona, Echo Campbell and Elizabeth Mitchell. It runs 1 hour 38 minutes and earned $56,415 worldwide. Critics gave it 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10.

IMDb rating
4.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
63%
worldwide gross
$56.4K
Echo Score
69
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Witch Hunt (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 38m (98 min)
Director
Elle Callahan
Genres
Thriller , Fantasy , Horror
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Witch Hunt About?

The premise of Witch Hunt without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In a dystopian America where magic is forbidden, ruthless authorities relentlessly hunt witches. A teenage girl's life takes a dramatic turn when her family becomes involved in a dangerous mission to help young witches escape across the border. As the witch hunters draw nearer, long-held family secrets and hidden abilities emerge, jeopardizing their survival and forcing them to confront a terrifying truth.

Witch Hunt Themes & Keywords

· 15 tags
  • teenager
  • witch
  • witch hunt
  • dystopia
  • dystopian future
  • witchcraft
  • border crossing
  • u.s. mexico border
  • illegal border crossing
  • crossing the border
  • tied to a chair
  • bound and gagged
+3 more
  • tied to a stake
  • title directed by female
  • young
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Cast & crew

Witch Hunt Cast & Characters

Abigail Cowen leads the cast as Fiona, with Echo Campbell as Shae and Elizabeth Mitchell as Martha. Directed by Elle Callahan; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Elle Callahan

One more film directed by Elle Callahan: Head Count.

Full filmography
Ratings

Witch Hunt Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Witch Hunt 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 4.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 69/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

69 /100

Witch Hunt Echo Score Breakdown

Witch Hunt delivers a socially conscious narrative that resonates through its thematic ambition, but uneven execution tempers its impact. Critics and viewers acknowledge the film's strong premise and occasional visual flair, yet many note lapses in narrative cohesion and inconsistent tone. Performances, particularly from the lead cast, are frequently praised, while sound design and pacing draw mixed reactions. The result is a film that provokes thought and offers moments of potency, but struggles to sustain engagement throughout its runtime.

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

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of direction and visual composition, the film shows moments of strong craftsmanship, especially with its desert palette and special effects. Critics note the director’s purposeful framing, but some point to a lack of polish in overall execution. The production design is lauded for its atmospheric detail, while editing occasionally feels uneven, leading to a generally competent but not consistently polished artistic presentation.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character work, performances across the board are highlighted as a key strength. Viewers repeatedly commend the nuanced acting and the chemistry among the cast, particularly noting the lead’s compelling portrayal. The emotional resonance of the sisterhood dynamic is repeatedly praised, and few criticisms target the acting. Overall, the film succeeds in delivering believable and engaging character moments that elevate its thematic aims.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The story presents a bold metaphor that aligns contemporary social issues with a supernatural premise, earning praise for its originality. However, critics and audiences alike cite inconsistent pacing and unresolved plot threads, describing the narrative as at times muddled. While the premise remains compelling, the execution is seen as uneven, with some viewers feeling the plot never fully coalesces, resulting in a mixed assessment of narrative coherence.

  • Sensory Experience 68

    Sensory elements receive a split reception; visual style is frequently highlighted for its striking desert hues and effective special effects, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. Conversely, the soundtrack and sound design garner criticism for being underwhelming or overly muted, diminishing the intended horror impact. The combination of strong visuals and weaker auditory cues leads to a sensory experience that is engaging yet not wholly satisfying.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Rewatch potential is moderate, with many viewers indicating the film is thought‑provoking enough to merit a second look, especially for its thematic depth and strong performances. Nonetheless, criticisms of pacing and narrative gaps reduce its long‑term appeal. While some audiences express desire for a sequel or further exploration of its concepts, the overall mixed execution suggests the film may not sustain strong repeat viewings for all viewers.

Plot

Witch Hunt Plot Summary

What happens in Witch Hunt from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

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.

Full summary

The whole story of Witch Hunt, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Witch Hunt Box Office

Witch Hunt grossed $56,415 worldwide.

2021 box office

Worldwide gross

$56.4K

International
$56.4K
Videos

Witch Hunt Trailers & Videos

2 videos: 2 trailers.

WITCH HUNT | UK Trailer | 2021 | Thriller | Starring Elizabeth Mitchell, Gideon Adlon & Ashley Bell
  • Trailer WITCH HUNT | Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Witch Hunt?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What tragic event does the film open with?

Cars

Cars in Witch Hunt

8 cars on screen, including the 1985 Chevrolet C-Series and the 1992 Chevrolet Caprice.

All 8 cars
  • 1985 Chevrolet C-Series in Witch Hunt 1985 Chevrolet C-Series Important role
  • 1992 Chevrolet Caprice in Witch Hunt 1992 Chevrolet Caprice Important role
  • 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am in Witch Hunt 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Important role
  • International 9000-Series in Witch Hunt International 9000-Series Background role
Details

Witch Hunt Also Known As

17 alternative titles, including “当代猎巫行动” and “Witch Hunt: Hexenjagd”.

Also known as
  • 当代猎巫行动
  • Witch Hunt: Hexenjagd
  • Охота на ведьм
  • Охотник на ведьм
  • Boszorkányüldözés
  • Perseguição às Bruxas
  • Caceria de brujas
  • Lov na vještice
  • Polowanie na czarownice
  • Лов на вещици
  • Vânătoarea de vrăjitoare
  • 위치 헌트
+5 more
  • Hon na čarodějky
  • Caça às Bruxas
  • Witch Hunt - Hexenjagd
  • ザ・パージ 魔法少女狩り
  • 當代獵巫行動, ალქაჯის ნადირობა

Seen Witch Hunt?

FAQ

Witch Hunt FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings and post-credit scenes of Witch Hunt, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Witch Hunt?

Witch Hunt runs 1 hour 38 minutes (98 minutes).

When was Witch Hunt released?

Witch Hunt was released on October 1, 2021.

Who directed Witch Hunt?

Witch Hunt was directed by Elle Callahan.

More films by Elle Callahan

Who is in the cast of Witch Hunt?

Witch Hunt stars Abigail Cowen as Fiona, Echo Campbell as Shae and Elizabeth Mitchell as Martha, among 10 credited actors.

How much did Witch Hunt make at the box office?

Witch Hunt grossed $56,415 worldwide.

How is Witch Hunt rated?

Witch Hunt has 4.9/10 on IMDb, 63% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67% on TMDB and 2.5/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Witch Hunt have a post-credit scene?

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

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