Oscilloscope Laboratories has announced the acquisition of worldwide rights to “The Love Witch,” the latest film written, produced, and directed by Anna Biller.
The film’s official synopsis reads: “Elaine, a beautiful young witch, is determined to find a man to love her. In her Gothic Victorian apartment she makes spells and potions, and 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 finally meets the man of her dreams, her desperation to be loved will drive her to the brink of insanity and murder. With a visual style that pays tribute to Technicolor thrillers of the ’60s, ‘The Love Witch’ explores female fantasy and the repercussions of pathological narcissism.”
The film stars Samantha Robinson as the titular witch. Biller’s interest in period styles of filmmaking is also evident in 2007’s “Viva,” which explored sex, drugs, and Bohemia in 1970’s Los Angeles and “The Hypnotists,” which is a tribute to old Hollywood Technicolor dramas.
“I am so excited to be working with Oscilloscope!” Biller said in a statement. “They have a phenomenal catalogue and are true cinephiles that really ‘get’ the film.”
“Holy shit, this movie is awesome,” added Oscilloscope’s Dan Berger. “Anna has deftly and masterfully made a film that completely defies classification. It will no doubt draw countless comparisons to predecessors, but it is wholly unique. Her remarkable eye for detail and witty feminist commentary make this a true pleasure to behold.”
“The Love Witch” marked its world premiere at the Rotterdam Film Festival and had its U.S. premiere at the Maryland Film Festival. Oscilloscope plans to screen it at more fests, including BAM Cinemafest, before releasing it theatrically on 35mm.
