Latest news with #witchcraft
Geek Tyrant
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Review: BRING HER BACK Is a Brutal and Devestating Descent into Hell — GeekTyrant
Bring Her Back isn't just another dark horror film, it's a pit of despair with no rope to climb out. Directed by Danny and Michael Philippou, this is a horror experience that doesn't entertain so much as it assaults. From the first uneasy moments to its soul-splintering finale, it drags you by the hand into absolute darkness and never once pretends there's light at the end. I walked out of this movie feeling devastated and sad, like I needed therapy and a very long shower. The story centers on a brother and sister who are placed in foster care and move into a remote home, only to discover their new guardian, played with chilling brilliance by Sally Hawkins, is out of her goddamn mind. She's involved in some seriously evil witchcraft and what unfolds is a nightmare about grief and the horrific cost of trying to undo death as she is going through a twisted process to bring her dead daughter back to life, and what follows is so grotesque and hopeless. Let's be clear, this movie is well-crafted. The Philippou brothers have a sharp eye and a knack for tension and telling horror stories. This one was seriously suffocating, it was too damn bleak, and unnecessarily soul crushing for me. There are moments that felt mean-spirited and cruel, and it was just just so hard to get through. Hawkins gives a masterclass performance in quiet, maternal dread. She's terrifying not because she rages, but because she calmly, lovingly leads children into hellish ruin. It's the kind of performance that makes your stomach knot. The film is effective in every technical sense, but that's also what makes it so hard to endure. There's no humor, no relief, no levity no hope. Nothing to ease the horrific madness of it all. It just gets darker and darker as it drags you deeper and deeper into hell. The body horror is shocking, but not just because of the visuals. It's the fact that the violence is inflicted on children. One in particular is only ten years old! And not in a cheap shock-value way, this is slow, methodical, and cruel. It doesn't feel like horror for catharsis; it feels like horror for punishment. Watching Bring Her Back didn't feel like entertainment. It's not that I was scared, it's that it was comeletely devestating. I've seen countless horror films, and I usually love getting my mind messed with, but this one didn't just mess with me, it made me feel sick. If you've ever lost someone close to you, there are scenes in this film that will gut you in ways you're not prepared for, and once it starts tearing into you, it doesn't stop. Maybe that's the point. Maybe the movie is meant to be this nihilistic. Maybe it's making a statement about grief, trauma, and how trying to reverse death can make monsters out of the well-meaning. But just because something is effective doesn't mean it's enjoyable. This is a very well made film. It is also joyless, cruel, and hollow. It's a well-executed punch to the soul that punches you from beginning to end. This movie beat the hell out of me! I won't call Bring Her Back a bad film. It's not. It's one of the most extreme examinations of loss and suffering I've seen in horror. But I wouldn't recommend it to anyone I know because I want to keep my friends and a movie like this would destroy many of them. Bring Her Back is a slow burial that is insanely jacked up and there is no redeeming value to the story. If that sounds like your kind of horror, good luck!
BBC News
28-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Politics driving interest in witches and witch-hunts
Increased interest in the history of witchcraft and witch-hunts is connected to rising political intolerance and polarisation, according to a story of women persecuted by Matthew Hopkins, who proclaimed himself "Witchfinder General" in the 17th Century, is being told on ghost trails and heritage plaques in towns across the East of Marion Gibson of Exeter University, an expert in the history of witchcraft, said there had been a spike in interest in the subject, which she connected to contemporary events."People have an interest in histories of persecution because we do live in times where accusations are being thrown about," she said. "Things are very polarised. Some politicians have even started using the word 'witch-hunt' - we hear that quite a lot in the media - and I think that's all pushed up interest in real-life witch-hunts of the past."Prof Gibson said Hopkins, who was born at Great Wenham, Suffolk, and later died at his home in Manningtree, Essex, was "a fascinating creature". "From 1645 to 1647, when he died, this quite young man, in his mid-20s, rampaged across Essex, East Anglia and into the Midlands, accusing people of witchcraft," she said."By the time he is finished, about 200 people across that region have been executed."Hundreds more have been accused and had their lives ruined, and [were] thrown into prison." Ghost tours featuring stories of witches run in towns and cities including Norwich, Colchester, Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, Proctor is host of The Original King's Lynn Ghost Tour, which covers the Norfolk port's ghost stories, myths and legends in 26 the weekly tours, devised during the Covid-19 pandemic lock-down, she typically welcomes between 10-20 people keen to know more about the darker side of the town."People say, 'I wasn't going to come because ghosts aren't really my thing' but they they are really glad they did because there is just so much history on the tour as well," she stop on her tour is the "heart house" on Tuesday Market Place, where the story of Mary Smith is told. According to Ms Proctor, Mrs Smith was the wife of a glovemaker who was always in awe of the other women who seemed to do so much better than her selling their goods at market. "One day the devil appeared in front of her, promising that if she renounced God she would be given power by the devil," she said."She would be able to curse people. This she did by cursing a sailor who had hit her son. His fingers began to rot and had to be amputated."Another alleged victim was a widow who Mary accused of stealing a hen, she said."The woman had to be taken to taken to her bed through illness and neighbours claimed to have seen her levitate from the bed. "Mary was condemned as a witch. She was burned at the stake and at the point of death her heart leapt from her chest and to lie under the spot where mysterious forces carved a heart within a diamond upon the wall." Prof Gibson said: "You have to think about why people are telling these stories, and it may be that this woman and others did think actually think she has the power to curse her neighbours."So I think in some cases we're dealing with people who have strong magical beliefs and might have thought had the capacity to curse."In other cases, we're probably just dealing with very innocent, ordinary people who have been accused because they are said to have looked at somebody funny, or the community just didn't like them." Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Free Malaysia Today
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Court sets July 8 for decision in Rosmah's defamation suit
Rosmah Mansor, the wife of former prime minister Najib Razak, was accused of engaging in satanic practices, witchcraft, and syirik. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The High Court has fixed July 8 to deliver its decision on the assessment of damages in a defamation suit filed by Rosmah Mansor against a TikTok user who accused her of involvement in satanic practices and witchcraft. The suit stems from a video posted by Ku Muhammad Hilmie Ku Din – the owner of TikTok account 'CEO Hilmie Fighter' – which Rosmah claims contained false and defamatory content. The video, published on March 22, 2023, allegedly portrayed her as committing sinful acts, engaging in witchcraft, and practising syirik (idolatry). Rosmah, the wife of former leader Najib Razak, filed the suit on Sept 19, 2023, arguing that the video had tarnished her reputation as both the wife of a former prime minister and a patron of charitable causes. She claimed the statements led to public ridicule and caused lasting harm to her standing as a public figure. Justice Ahmad Shahrir Salleh set the date during a virtual court session today after a no-show by the defendant. The court also raised a legal point, prompting Rosmah's lead counsel, Baharudeen Ariff, to request a short adjournment to file a brief submission in response. Rosmah was also represented by lawyers Abu Bakar Isa Ramat and Sureshmurti Ramani.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Sober Witchcraft Retreat Comes to New Orleans, Seeking Local Sponsors for Spiritual Recovery Event
The Awakening Hope Retreat calls on local businesses and organizations to partner in creating a public ritual focused on healing from addiction. 'I created this retreat to honor recovery as sacred. I'm seeking partners who love New Orleans and believe in healing through community, ritual, and magick.'— Sunshine Witchski - Host of Retreat NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES, May 23, 2025 / / -- In March 2026, a unique and powerful event will take place in New Orleans, bringing together recovery and ritual in a way only this city could hold. The Awakening Hope Retreat, hosted by the creators of The Sober Witch Life and the Recovery Coven, is calling on local businesses, spiritual leaders, wellness advocates, and organizations to partner in creating a transformative public ritual focused on healing from addiction through witchcraft. The retreat, part of a broader movement that integrates witchcraft and sobriety, will culminate in a free community ritual open to the public. Organizers are currently seeking sponsors for venue space, food, and giveaways, and partners to help promote the event locally and invite the community into this magickal and meaningful experience. WHY THIS MATTERS NOW According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, nearly 50 million Americans struggle with substance use disorders. In Louisiana alone, over 700,000 residents are impacted by addiction, with countless families and communities feeling the ripple effects. Traditional recovery approaches often leave out those whose healing is deeply spiritual or alternative in nature. The Awakening Hope Retreat offers something different. By blending spiritual recovery programs with ancestral ritual, intuitive tools, and shadow work, it creates space for individuals who identify as witches, seekers, or healers to reclaim recovery on their own terms. This event not only provides a pathway for personal transformation but also invites the larger New Orleans community to participate in a public act of healing. Partners and sponsors will be recognized in all promotional materials and honored with blessings of gratitude and abundance during the ritual itself. WHAT THE EVENT INCLUDES The public ritual will take place during the retreat weekend and is expected to draw attendees from both the local area and across the country. The event will feature a spiritually grounded, non-denominational community ritual that is open to the public. Local vendors and spiritual businesses will have opportunities to participate, and the experience will include live music, altar building, and a guided ceremony invoking healing from addiction. Witch's recovery tools, such as spellwork, ancestral offerings, and sacred circle practices, will be integrated into the experience. This event honors the spirit of New Orleans and aims to incorporate its rich cultural history of ritual, mysticism, and community healing. It is also designed to be inclusive, welcoming not just witches but anyone impacted by addiction who desires to witness or participate in a spiritually led path to hope and wholeness. WHO IS SUNSHINE? Sunshine is the founder of The Sober Witch Life, a global movement centered on addiction recovery for witches. She is a Reiki Master Teacher, psychic medium, and spiritual mentor with over 5.5 years of sobriety. Through her work in the Recovery Coven and the Sober Witch Mobile App, Sunshine has helped hundreds of witches in recovery access magickal recovery tools, find community, and reclaim their power. She is also the author of Sober Witch Life: A Magickal Guide to Recovery, and has led dozens of workshops and rituals that blend witchcraft, spiritual education, and real recovery practices. 'New Orleans is my second favorite place to call home,' Sunshine shared. 'My love for this city runs deep, and I hope to spend many days loving and honoring it. This retreat is only the beginning of a long relationship between my work and this incredible place.' A PATH THAT FEELS LIKE HOME Unlike traditional 12-step programs or clinical rehab, The Sober Witch Life framework integrates witchcraft practices like divination, full moon rituals, candle magick, energy healing, and spiritual shadow work. It meets people where they are, especially those who have felt excluded or misunderstood by mainstream recovery options. Dani, a Recovery Coven member, shared her story: 'It wasn't until I lit a candle and called on my ancestors that I felt something real shift in me. I'd done therapy, tried AA, but I still felt lost. This path gave me my power back.' The Awakening Hope Retreat channels this power into an in-person experience, allowing both participants and the local community to witness the sacred act of choosing recovery through spiritual connection. WHAT PARTNERS AND SPONSORS WILL GAIN Sunshine and her team are seeking support to ensure the event is as impactful and accessible as possible. Partnering organizations will receive recognition in all print and digital promotional materials. They will be acknowledged during the community ritual, receive a ritual blessing of gratitude and abundance on behalf of the Recovery Coven, and be included in a follow-up blog feature and social media campaign. Supporting this event also offers a unique opportunity to advocate for witchcraft and sobriety as a legitimate and effective path to healing. Ideal partners include businesses or organizations with ties to New Orleans, a love for spiritual healing, or a history of supporting recovery initiatives. Potential supporters may include wellness centers, independent bookstores, food and drink vendors, spiritual shops, performance groups, and recovery-friendly organizations. A CALL TO NEW ORLEANS New Orleans is no stranger to ritual. Its reputation as a spiritual city—rooted in African diasporic traditions, Catholicism, voodoo, and folk magick—makes it the perfect setting for this new kind of recovery retreat. Sunshine's team is committed to creating something that uplifts both the national sober witch community and the spirit of New Orleans itself. They are particularly interested in working with venue partners who can provide space for the public ritual gathering, food and beverage sponsors who can help nourish the attendees, organizations or individuals who can donate items for giveaways or ritual use (such as crystals, incense, candles, or journals), and media or promotion partners who can help share the word within New Orleans. 'We know that healing happens faster and deeper when it happens in community,' Sunshine said. 'This retreat is about more than just sobriety. It's about awakening joy, reclaiming power, and weaving hope back into the fabric of our lives. And New Orleans is the perfect place to begin that work.' HOW TO GET INVOLVED The retreat is scheduled for March 2026, with the public ritual taking place during that weekend. Anyone interested in partnership, sponsorship, or participation is encouraged to reach out now while planning is still underway. For details on how to support The Awakening Hope Retreat please email [email protected] ABOUT THE SOBER WITCH LIFE The Sober Witch Life is a spiritual recovery movement offering sober witches and seekers an aligned path to healing. Through the Sober Witch Mobile App, the Recovery Coven, and guided tools for shadow work in recovery, Sunshine has empowered a growing global community of witches in recovery. Her work is redefining what sobriety can look and feel like—and proving that witch-friendly recovery programs can be both effective and joyful. Sunshine Witchski Illuminate: The Unschool of Sober Witchcraft +1 313-595-4148 email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Geek Tyrant
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
New Trailer For A24's New Horror Film BRING HER BACK Teases Some Genuine Terror — GeekTyrant
A24 has released a new trailer for it's twisted new horror thriller Bring Her Back , which comes from the directors of Talk to Me, Danny and Michael Philippou. I don't know about you, but to me the trailer seems to be giving off some serious Pet Sematary vibes. In the footage, Sally Hawkins welcomes two new foster children into her home after their parents die. When one of the kids asks how she coped with the loss of her daughter Kathy, she replies, "I didn't." This leads to Hawkins' character diving into some dark witchcraft in an effort to bring Kathy back from the dead, and as we all know, that never turns out very well for anyone. I'm ready for the unsettling and nightmarish ride that this movie is going to take us on. The directors talked about the film at a preview event, saying: 'It was more anxiety ridden because you have A24 to let down. You have Sally Hawkins to let down. Everything that you do, there was an extra pressure to it. So, everything just goes out the window, and it feels like you've never made anything. 'And then you're in the deep again, and you feel like you're drowning again. And you're like, 'Oh, why the f*ck did we put ourselves through this again?' And then, at the end of it, you come out. It's always a painful process, but a rewarding one.' The movie stars Sally Hawkins ( The Shape Of Water ), Billy Barratt, and Jonah Wren Phillips, and it looks like it's doing to deliver a twisted and jacked-up story. Bring Her Back is set to be released on May 30th.
