Nearly every post I write about short films begins the same way: what makes a good short film? For me, they have to strike that oh-so-difficult balance between being intriguing and satisfactory. All too rarely writers only nail one and not the other.

Venefica is one of most successful at managing to do both…in under 8 minutes.

A young witch in the mountains of New York spends her day chopping wood and keeping an eye on a boy tied up in the nearby cabin. The day is particularly important to her, as the Fates will decide whether her magic will be used for light or darkness. It’s her witch’s coming-of-age, and she must do it on her own (with insistence from mom).

It’s certainly a simple premise, but loaded with fantastic stuff. Writer, director and star Mara Wilson has got a good touch. Within just these short few minutes, she conveys magic and realism at the same time. Little touches like her argument with her mother on the phone are just perfect.

Venefica manages to be so beautiful, interesting and intriguing in less than 8 minutes. It’s some seriously good work. I might have liked a little more context and world-building, I was intruged by her references to Roman and Greek witches. But on the other hand, I’m glad the story is shrouded in its mystery.

I’ll be sure to keep an eye and ear our for Wilson’s future work. She’s got my full attention.

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/177479424″>Venefica Trailer</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/mariawilson”>Maria Wilson</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>