Witchboard 2024 Review: A Supernatural Misfire With Few Redeeming Qualities

The return of The Blob and A Nightmare on Elm Street 3 director Chuck Russell to horror after 25 years sparked excitement—until his Witchboard remake landed. Early reviews reveal a messy, formulaic supernatural thriller that squanders its potential despite a talented cast and eerie New Orleans backdrop.

Is the Witchboard Remake Worth Your Time?

Critics agree: skip it. Russell’s reimagining abandons the 1986 original’s charm for a clichéd possession plot buried under restaurant subplots and a forgettable villain. Madison Iseman (Jumanji) stars as Emily, whose discovery of an occult board unleashes chaos. While Iseman commits to her role, Emily’s frustrating ignorance of the board’s power—and her friends’ baffling loyalty—makes empathy impossible. Aaron Dominguez (Only Murders in the Building) adds little depth as her devoted boyfriend. The sole bright spot? Jamie Campbell Bower (Stranger Things) as the demonic Alexander Babtiste, though his screen time is criminally short.

Visual Flaws and Forgettable Kills

The film’s reliance on CGI bloodshed undermines any tension. Practical effects shine in moments like a visceral throat slash, but Russell defaults to digital gore even when simple solutions existed. Kills lack creativity, prioritizing shock over substance—a far cry from Final Destination’s ingenuity. New Orleans’ witch-history backdrop feels underutilized, reduced to set dressing rather than a narrative driver. The redesigned Witchboard itself (likely for copyright reasons) offers aesthetic intrigue but can’t salvage the weak script.

Who Might Enjoy This Film?

Die-hard horror completists seeking unchallenging, crowd-pleasing schlock may tolerate Witchboard. Charlie Tahan’s (Ozark) brief turn as the voice of reason provides rare relatability, and Bower’s chilling voice work hints at what could have been. Yet with cardboard characters and a paint-by-numbers plot, it’s a shelf-warming sequel bait at best.

Ultimately, Witchboard (2024) fails its legacy. Despite Russell’s pedigree and Bower’s menacing presence, the film drowns in generic tropes and overdone CGI. Forgettable kills and illogical characters make this a skip—revisit the 1986 original instead.

Must Know

Q: How does Witchboard (2024) compare to the 1986 original?
A: The remake discards the original’s suspenseful character dynamics for a generic possession story. New subplots (like a restaurant venture) add clutter, not depth, stripping away the eerie intimacy that defined the first film.

Q: Does Jamie Campbell Bower’s performance save the movie?
A: Bower’s Alexander Babtiste is a highlight, echoing his Stranger Things menace. However, his limited screen time and one-note evil persona can’t compensate for the film’s overall lack of tension or character development.

Q: Are the kills practical or CGI-heavy?
A: Heavily CGI-dependent. While a few practical effects (like a throat slash) stand out, excessive digital blood and uninspired death sequences undermine horror immersion.

Q: Is Witchboard (2024) suitable for casual horror fans?
A: Only if viewed as a “so bad it’s good” group watch. Formulaic scares and frustrating character decisions make it a tedious solo experience. Stick with Russell’s classics like The Blob instead.

Q: Why set the film in New Orleans?
A: The city’s rich witchcraft history offers atmospheric potential, but the script reduces it to superficial aesthetics rather than weaving folklore into the plot meaningfully.