Watch The Pendle Witch Child

The Pendle Witch Child is a 2011 drama film directed by Jonathan Boakes and starring Simon Armitage. The movie is based on the true events that took place in Pendle Hill, Lancashire, England in 1612 where ten people were accused of witchcraft. The story follows the life of a 9-year-old girl named Jennet Device who was the key witness in the trial against her mother, brother, and several other individuals charged with witchcraft. Jennet's testimony was the main evidence used against the accused, leading to their conviction and eventual execution.

Throughout the movie, the audience gets to see the events unfold through the eyes of young Jennet. The girl is shown struggling to cope with the harsh reality of the 17th century England, where the slightest accusation of witchcraft could lead to a gruesome death. Jennet was forced to rely on her wits as she navigated through the dangerous waters of the justice system, trying to save her family and herself from the firing squad.

As the trial progresses, Jennet starts to realize the full extent of the situation she finds herself in. She is powerless to stop the authorities from condemning her family members and friends to death, and the weight of the guilt of bearing witness against them becomes a heavy burden on her shoulders. To make matters worse, Jennet is accused of being a witch herself, and she faces the same fate as her loved ones.

The film does an excellent job of portraying the harsh realities of the Witchcraft trials in 17th century England. The audience gets to see the gruesome methods used to extract confessions from the accused, the harsh living conditions that the common folk were subjected to, and the lowly status of women in society. The visuals and sound effects used in the film further bring the audience closer to the events that took place in this tumultuous period of England's history.

Simon Armitage, who plays the part of the magistrate, is exceptional in the film. His portrayal of the callous and unyielding magistrate who looks down upon the accused with contempt and disdain is spot on. Armitage's performance brings a sense of gravitas to the role and makes the audience despise the character for his cruelty and arrogance.

The Pendle Witch Child is a movie that is powerful, gripping and thought-provoking. It showcases the dark underbelly of England's history and shows how easily superstition and fear can drive a society to commit unspeakable atrocities. The film is a cautionary tale that serves as a reminder of the importance of justice, compassion, and empathy in our modern-day world.

In conclusion, The Pendle Witch Child is a must-watch movie for anyone interested in history, drama, and suspense. The film is expertly crafted and uses its powerful story to deliver a hard-hitting message. Jonathan Boakes has done an excellent job of bringing the historical events to life, and the cast has put in their best performances to make this film a piece of art.