A Dark Song (2016)

Hi all,

In terms of accuracy and authenticity, what is the general consensus on the film A Dark Song?

Personally, I very much enjoyed the film and I've watched it twice now. I've never seen a film that really tries to get it right like this and I very much appreciated the writer-director making a film on ritualistic magic that, at least to me, feels authentic. But as someone who is not as well versed on the subject matter, I cannot attest to its accuracy (ie. the various ritual elements). In the film they mention the ritual as being from Abramelin the mage (Qabalah) and Gnosticism, although the male character claims it is more Gnosticism than Qabalah.

What do others think about the film? Did the writer-director get it right? Where do you feel it took creative liberty too far?

I liked the film's approach to ritual magic, even if it strayed from the Abremelin (Chinese characters!?). You don't really see a lot of movies really committing to ritual as a story telling device, and that was enough for me to appreciate it. Although, it did have that thing a lot of explicitly occult movies have, in that it loves preening itself for the accuracy of its ritual. Which is a thing I enjoy, granted! But looking at the film as a narrative for a general audience, I feel like I gotta admit: anyone who's really enjoying all the ritual scenes are probably people who already understands its references.

I'd love a film to use their realistic, grounded approach to ritual (i.e., no special effects till spoiler) but play around with the editing more. Like, quick rapid shots between ritual objects to represent wrestling the distractable consciousness towards the intent. More musical stings. Something.

The film certainly captured what it looks like to be an occultist--but did it capture how it feels?[/spoiler]