The core issue with this movie lies within its story; it begins with a flawed foundation that ultimately leads to its downfall. There are films one struggles to appreciate, regardless of their best efforts, and this is certainly one of them. It’s largely let down by a poorly conceived plot that disregards logic in an attempt to create a narrative lacking substance. I usually discuss the technical aspects of a film later on, but I'll address them first here because they are where the movie seems most competent. Despite what appears to be a limited budget, the visual effects and CGI work well enough to appear convincing. The settings aren’t problematic either, given that it takes place in contemporary times and an unspecified location somewhere in the American Midwest. The editing is standard, the pacing is agreeable, and the music serves its purpose effectively. The cast is predominantly female, with Elizabeth Mitchell and Gideon Adlon delivering the strongest performances. Other actresses attempt to do their best, but the youth of the ensemble and the film’s overall tone don't really call for significant dramatic intensity. However, what truly undermines this film is its plot: it attempts to recreate a witch hunt similar to those that occurred periodically in parts of Christendom between the 15th and 17th centuries. This phenomenon has even older roots; condemnation of witchcraft has been part of Christian doctrine, and laws against witches existed in numerous ancient societies, extending back to the Roman Empire. The last woman officially executed for witchcraft in Europe was in 1782, and some modern countries, particularly those with Islamic legal systems, still formally condemn witchcraft in their criminal codes. It simply doesn’t work to try and replicate a witch hunt within a country like the United States, which is openly democratic and champions individual freedoms. Even if one assumes magic exists and witchcraft is real—and there are people who believe this today—it's hard to imagine a democracy banning magical practices, even for harmful purposes. It’s akin to forbidding someone from using profanity; as objectionable as it may be, that’s a right no one can legitimately take away if they aren’t harming anyone else. The idea of the US Congress passing a constitutional amendment outlawing witchcraft seems implausible and undermines everything that follows in the film. Ultimately, it just doesn't hold up. The problem with this film is in the plot: starting from a wrong premise, the whole plot ends up going wrong.

Source on TMDB