Director – Nathaniel Paull (Rock Bottom, Straight Jacket)
Starring – Kirstie Drew (Allow Access, Reluctant Blues), Tiffany Michelle Foster, and Casey Jane (Rennie)
Release Date – 2025
Rating – 3.5/5
I’ve been writing reviews for a long time now and most of you may know my stance on found footage and mockumentaries. I know a lot of people enjoy these sub-genres but I just can’t get into them. Sure, there has been a few of each that I’ve found over the years that I enjoyed but most of them are damn near unwatchable for me. As much as I dislike them, I always find myself agreeing to review them when asked to check them out.
A week or so back I was contacted by Nathaniel Paull to check out his movie Heathens. I quickly agreed with no knowledge about the film. I did so because the poster sold me on it. It’s easily one of the best film posters I’ve seen in the last several years. I wasn’t able to get to the film right away but after a few days I was able to finally check it out. I want to thank Nathaniel for sending this one over for review!
**Spoiler Alert** The film follows a group filming a documentary about a small group of witches in a small town. This group consists of witches from various backgrounds and disciplines as they come together to protect themselves while growing as witches. However, drama seems to follow one of the members creating a dangerous situation for the rest of the coven. **Spoiler Alert**
Have you ever wanted to see a film that is equal parts This is Spinal Tap and The Craft? What about a movie that feels like episodes of The Office mixed with What We Do in the Shadow? Well look no further. I went into Heathens completely blind which is my preferred way to watch a movie I’m going to review. All I knew about the movie came from what could be seen from the poster. I had no idea that it was a mockumentary but that didn’t matter. The movie itself surprised me and I found myself really getting into it.
The acting in this one makes the film for me. The characters are very well written which gives the cast a lot to work with. Some of the cast has very little, if any, on screen experience which does show in a few scenes. However, they do a wonderful job and make the film as fun as it is. In fact, I will actively be seeking out other films these young ladies appear in and hope they appear in future films.
The story for this one is pretty fucking clever in regards mockumentaries. We follow a coven of witches in a small town where every member has their own background and different view on what it means to be a witch. We then have some drama added to the mix which works and doesn’t feel too outlandish. With that being said, I felt the film tried to be funny but didn’t really find it’s mark with the humor. I don’t know if I’m the target audience for the jokes but its clear that the film wanted to be a comedy. In fact, it wasn’t really a horror film either. More like a dramedy centered around witches.
Finally, don’t expect a bloodbath with this one. The film itself is a character driven piece that works but doesn’t have a lot of the red stuff that many of us genre fans are looking for. Overall, Heathens is not going to be for everyone but god damn did I enjoy it. I love the characters, the cast, and how everything unfolded but I would have loved some horror elements added to it. Honestly, I really enjoyed and highly recommend it. Check it out.
