Motherwitch – Movie Review | Fantasia (3/5)

MOTHERWITCH is a horror-fantasy movie with a heartbreaking story. It begins with a truly tragic accident and escalates in wild ways. The movie had its North American premiere at Fantasia 2026. Read our full Motherwitch movie review here!

MOTHERWITCH is a new genre hybrid made as a co-production between Macedonia, the USA, and Cyprus. The story is set in a small village in Cyprus, but both Greek and French are spoken, since the main character was recently in France.

Obviously, her having been in a foreign country and having different experiences and ideas already sets her apart from the rest. Also, she’s a painter and a skilled artist who lives alone with her three children. Yeah, she’s different. And when tragedy strikes, they will learn just how different she is!

Continue reading our Motherwitch movie review below.

Eleni is a force of nature… and witchcraft

Motherwitch is the story of Eleni (Margarita Zachariou), who lives a calm life with her three children. She’s a painter, and while she is part of the wider community, she does lead a fairly isolated life. Her children are allowed to roam freely while being taught about nature and art.

All is well in Eleni’s life until the day when tragedy strikes; She loses all three of her children in a senseless accident. Not being able to deal with this loss, she is consumed by grief. In an act of pure desperation, she calls upon greater powers to help bring them back.

Of course, we all know this isn’t really possible, so what returns is not what she lost. Now the entire village is in danger – and not just because they’ve already started going after Eleni and accusing her of witchcraft before she’s even done anything.

The power and danger of grief

I know that “trauma horror” and grief-based horror stories have long dominated genre productions. While some may have tired of it, I have not. I recognize the power and danger of grief, which Motherwitch is yet another example of.

In the press material, Motherwitch is compared to such iconic horror plots as Pet Sematary, The Babadook (2014), and Hereditary (2019). Personally, I would also include the amazing Mother of Flies, not least due to the witch aspect of the plot.

To be honest (and fair), Motherwitch isn’t nearly as strong as any of those movies. However, those are also setting the highest of bars. This 2026 movie still does an excellent job of dealing with grief in a way that feels almost mythological.

Check out Motherwitch when you can

Motherwitch comes from director Minos Papas, and while it is too long for me at 104 minutes, the movie is still worth watching. The story comes from writers Euripides Dikaios, Nikolas Kouroumtzis, and director Minos Papas. Shot on location in an abandoned settlement in Cyprus makes for the perfect setting.

Whether you want to approach Motherwitch as a horror-fantasy, a folk horror, or a story about colonial violence in English-occupied Cyprus, this movie delivers on all three

Motherwitch enjoyed its North American premiere at Fantasia 2026. Alongside movies such as No Rest for the Wicked and Someone’s Daughter, this deals with loss and the power of love (and sometimes revenge). Check it out when you get the chance, but know that it does run a little too long.

Motherwitch is reviewed as part of our Fantasia 2026 coverage.

Details

Director: Minos Papas
Writers: Euripides Dikaios, Nikolas Kouroumtzis, Minos Papas
Cast: Athos Antoniou, Jason Hughes, Danai Katsameni, Marina Makris, Margarita Zachariou, Miltos Yerolemou