Season of the Witch

Season of the Witch is currently streaming in the US on Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, and in the UK on Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels, and it earns its premise rather than just borrowing genre trappings. A tight runtime that never overstays its welcome. With 2,678 viewer ratings on TMDB, this is not a title flying under the radar. Nicolas Cage leads a cast that never lets the concept overwhelm the characters. Put it on tonight on Amazon Prime Video and see for yourself.

Season of the Witch is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. The world-building is meticulous, but it is the characters who carry Season of the Witch through its more ambitious moments. A 14th century Crusader returns with his comrade to a homeland devastated by the Black Plague. The Church commands the two knights to transport a witch to a remote abbey, where monks will perform a ritual in hopes of ending the pestilence. Nicolas Cage and Ron Perlman lead a cast that makes the ambitious moments land. It was released in 2011. What separates Season of the Witch from lesser genre entertainment is a willingness to let the concept cost the characters something. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Season of the Witch fits the bill. It rewards viewers regardless of what else is in their watch history. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Nicolas Cage's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.