A Definitive Spell: Why That Very Witch Is Essential Reading for Horror Fans and Feminists Alike

That Very Witch: Fear, Feminism, and the American Witch Film by Payton McCarty-Simas  is a vital, thought-provoking, and exhilarating read that successfully argues for the witch’s place at the heart of the American zeitgeist. By demonstrating how this iconic figure has been burned, summoned, and sold again and again, McCarty-Simas provides an indispensable framework for understanding not just horror cinema, but the cultural forces that shape it. This book is a gift to horror fans, film scholars, feminists, and witch connoisseurs, a definitive text that is sure to be referenced and revered for years to come.

In the burgeoning landscape of genre academia, where horror fiction often dominates the shelves, a work of nonfiction emerges that is both intellectually rigorous and profoundly captivating. Payton McCarty-Simas’s That Very Witch: Fear, Feminism, and the American Witch Film is a monumental achievement, a book that crackles with urgency and scholarly passion.

Researched over seven years, this deep dive does more than analyse movies; it compellingly argues that the cinematic witch is a direct reflection of America’s ever-shifting relationship with feminism, making it nothing short of required reading for anyone interested in the intersection of politics, fear, and pop culture.

The central premise of That Very Witch is as elegant, as it portrays witches in American horror cinema in direct response to the status of feminist movements. McCarty-Simas masterfully traces this symbiotic relationship across decades, demonstrating that in eras of significant feminist activism, such as the 1960s and the 2010s, the witch becomes a more prominent and terrifying figure on screen. Conversely, during periods of conservative backlash, the witch’s image might be defanged or commodified.

The book’s scope is vast, connecting the dots from the Second Wave of feminism to the Moral Majority, from the Satanic Panic to the #MeToo movement and the 2024 election. This is not merely a filmography but a cultural history that uses the witch as a lens to examine America’s deepest anxieties about female agency, power, and bodily autonomy. The analysis of films like Rosemary’s Baby within the context of the battle for abortion rights is particularly wrenching and insightful, showing how horror holds a mirror to societal fears.

What makes That Very Witch exceptional is its ability to balance deep academic rigour with a writing style that is accessible, immediate, and even witty. McCarty-Simas spent hundreds of hours watching over three hundred hours of film for this project, and the depth of research is apparent on every page. The book is densely packed with information and citations, likely to send readers to their favourite streaming services with a vastly expanded watchlist that includes both classics like The Witch (2015) and undersung gems like Herschell Gordon Lewis’s Something Weird (1967).

Yet, this is far from a dry textbook. Blending intellect with intimacy to create a narrative that feels alive and urgent. Chapter titles such as “The Bitchification of the Witch” hint at the author’s sharp sense of humour and ability to make complex academic concepts engaging.

That Very Witch navigates several critical themes across different eras of film history. The table below summarises some of the key connections explored in the book:

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its refusal to offer easy answers. McCarty-Simas boldly lets the inherent contradictions of the witch figure clash on the page: she is simultaneously a scapegoat, a survivor, a queer symbol, a feminist rallying cry, and a consumer commodity. The book poses the question of whether reclaiming the witch is an act of empowerment or exploitation, leaving the reader to grapple with this compelling ambiguity.

That Very Witch: Fear, Feminism, and the American Witch Film is a vital, thought-provoking, and exhilarating read that successfully argues for the witch’s place at the heart of the American zeitgeist. By demonstrating how this iconic figure has been burned, summoned, and sold again and again, McCarty-Simas provides an indispensable framework for understanding not just horror cinema, but the cultural forces that shape it. This book is a gift to horror fans, film scholars, feminists, and witch connoisseurs, a definitive text that is sure to be referenced and revered for years to come.

That Very Witch: Fear, Feminism, and the American Witch Film by Payton McCarty-Simas 

That Very Witch explores the cyclical rise and fall of the cinematic witch in American culture and her relationship to feminist movements over time.

Through historical analysis and dozens of case studies, Payton McCarty-Simas demonstrates how the cinematic witch’s evolution across decades reflects major shifts in how feminism is perceived politically and interpreted (counter-)culturally in America. From Mia Farrow to the Moral Majority, from the Satanic Panic to Riot Grrrl, from #MeToo to the 2024 election, the witch can be found at the heart of the zeitgeist. What can we learn from her presence?

Horror Book Reviews on Ginger Nuts of Horror

For fans of horror literature, The Ginger Nuts of Horror website is an essential destination that should not be overlooked. This platform offers a dedicated horror book review section that caters specifically to the needs of horror enthusiasts. With its unique blend of insightful critiques, expert recommendations, and a vibrant community, the site serves as a treasure trove for anyone seeking their next spine-chilling read.

One of the standout features of the horror book review section is its diversity. Readers can discover everything from classic horror novels to contemporary indie gems, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Each review is thoughtfully penned, providing not just a summary but also a deep dive into the themes, writing style, and overall atmosphere of the works. This allows readers to gauge whether a particular book aligns with their preferences.

For those passionate about horror literature, checking out this section is a must!