Hello everyone! Today, I will be sharing my thoughts on the 2016 film The Love Witch. While many have praised the film for its feminist take on spirituality and gender roles, I disagree. While aesthetically stunning, the film is quite regressive in its message. I prefer to interpret it as an unintentional critique of modern "divine femininity" teachings and as an example of the pervasiveness of the male gaze. Warning! There are spoilers in this review.
Here's a quick synopsis:
Elaine (Samantha Robinson), a beautiful young witch, is determined to find a man to love her. In her gothic Victorian apartment she makes spells and potions, then picks up men and seduces them. However, her spells work too well, and she ends up with a string of hapless victims. When she at last meets the man of her dreams, her desperation to be loved drives her to the brink of insanity and murder.
First, let's dive into our main character: Elaine Parks. After the death of her husband, she relocated to Arcata, California. When we are introduced to her, she is a proud witch who appears to be confident in her power and womanhood. Even though witchcraft is portrayed as pro-woman, it still only serves as a way to appeal to the men. Elaine spends the film searching for "the perfect man". She is not empowered. She still depends on the "love" and validation of men. All of her spells, rituals, and fantasies center around finding the perfect man as defined by Western patriarchal and heterosexual standards. She is put off by her first two lovers Wayne and Richard as they become highly emotional. She even comments that his display of emotion made him a “baby” and a “pussy”. (If I'm not mistaken, this sound has gone viral on TikTok). In any regard, Elaine desires the perfect "masculine" man. Someone who's protective, a leader, and somewhat stoic. We live in a capitalist society that prioritizes and values what an individual can produce as opposed to their personhood.
Personally, I believe that romance exists outside of the confines of our patriarchal society. However, because of the structure of our society, there is no way to escape the way romance has been corrupted. Our modern romance coerces women to center men. Romantic relationships with men are made paramount. It has become one of the most effective tools of the patriarchy. While it may reduce men to just wallets, that doesn't really compare to the effects it has on women.
Even Elaine's coven reinforces this patriarchal ideology. Instead of the docile and passive femininity of traditional patriarchy, her coven embraces the “wild woman” archetype but only through the lens of tempting men . What is empowering about molding yourself for a man? We see this best contrasted with her neighbor Trish. In one of their first in-depth conversations, Elaine talks about how men are simple creatures and how you must give them what they want. Well...no. Even Trish comments that her beliefs are anti-feminist and regressive.
Contrary to popular belief, feminism is not simply "women making their own choices". It is the liberation of women from the patriarchy and male dominance. None of our actions are made in a vacuum. If a woman dedicates her life to being a stay at home mother and wife with no income of her own, sure that's her choice but how much of that choice is actually hers and not programming from our patriarchal society?
Now, this could either be genius satire on Biller's part or simply a symptom of living in a patriarchal society. Unfortunately, it just proves what we all know. Nothing is untouched by the male gaze.
On a more positive note, the design is fabulous. Oh my stars! The ode to campy 60s horror movies is just lovely. The hazy atmosphere of the film and technicolor transport you to another era. Everything is so vibrant and full of color. And Elaine? Her outfits are everything!
I mean, look at her! The blue eyeshadow is a LOOK! And the pink hat and dress? Stunning.
And this tea room, my god.
While the movie may drop the ball with its central message, it certainly nails the aesthetic of 1960s Technicolor. I gotta give tens where tens are due.
Now, could I be making a mountain out of a mole hill? Is it possible that this is just a silly little movie satirizing our obsession with love? Maybe. But I tuned in to this film because it was touted as feminist. And what I got was nothing of the sort. If you like the film, fantastic! Personally, it just rubs me the wrong way that it's talked up as a feminist movie.
Overall, The Love Witch is a clumsy attempt at critiquing gender roles at best and a concerning affirmation of the male gaze at worst. The gorgeous set and costume design are this film's saving grace. It was fun visual watch, but not for much else. If you like vibrant, vintage whimsigoth interior design, you'll enjoy this film. Heck, if you like analyzing how the male gaze still infiltrates seemingly "feminist" or "pro-woman" spaces, you might enjoy it as well.
Until next time my pretties!
XOXO, Michaela
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