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Spell is a gripping supernatural horror film that plunges into the unsettling world of dark rituals and ancient folklore. Directed by Mark Tonderai, the story follows Marquis T. Woods (Omari Hardwick), a successful lawyer who must confront his past and his own survival instincts when a plane crash leaves him stranded in rural Appalachia. The film explores themes of trauma, control, and the haunting power of voodoo practices.

Marquis, an affluent man who has distanced himself from his impoverished and troubled upbringing, decides to fly his family to his father’s funeral in a private plane. However, tragedy strikes when a violent storm causes the plane to crash in a remote Appalachian region. Separated from his family, Marquis awakens injured and disoriented in the attic of Eloise (Loretta Devine), a seemingly kind but deeply unsettling healer who claims she is nursing him back to health.

As Marquis regains consciousness, he begins to notice strange occurrences and eerie rituals. Eloise and her husband, Earl (John Beasley), appear to be practitioners of Hoodoo, a spiritual tradition deeply rooted in African American culture and Southern folklore. Marquis soon discovers that he is a captive and part of a sinister plan, as Eloise uses a “Boogity” doll—a Hoodoo effigy—to control his physical movements and mental state.

Trapped and powerless, Marquis must rely on his ingenuity and resourcefulness to break free from Eloise’s control. As he delves deeper into the mysteries of the rituals and the occult forces at play, he learns that Eloise’s intentions are tied to a Harvest Moon ceremony, and his survival is inextricably linked to completing her dark ritual.

The tension escalates as Marquis uncovers shocking truths about Eloise’s practices and the community’s involvement in the macabre ceremony. His struggle to outwit his captors and reconnect with his family becomes a harrowing journey of resilience and redemption. The film masterfully weaves atmospheric dread with moments of visceral horror, immersing the audience in a claustrophobic and menacing environment.

Loretta Devine delivers a chilling performance as Eloise, balancing a façade of grandmotherly warmth with an undercurrent of sinister intent. Omari Hardwick shines as Marquis, portraying a man forced to confront both external threats and his inner demons. The dynamic between the two leads drives much of the film’s suspense and emotional depth.

Spell is both a terrifying survival story and a psychological exploration of how cultural legacies and personal history can shape—and haunt—an individual. With its rural Appalachian setting and its focus on Hoodoo traditions, the film provides a unique perspective within the horror genre, blending folklore with psychological tension.

While it may draw comparisons to other films like Misery or Get Out, Spell carves its own identity through its exploration of voodoo and its atmospheric storytelling. It’s a chilling reminder of the power of belief and the lengths people will go to maintain control, making it a haunting and thought-provoking experience.