Review of ‘Seventh Son’: A Deep Dive into Witchcraft, Folklore, and Cinematic Journey

Ever heard of a movie so epic, so full of lore, that you cannot resist grabbing a bucket of popcorn? Get ready. We are diving into "Seventh Son." This film immerses you in a world where witches are wicked. Mentors are grizzled. The number seven has more mystical weight than a sorcerer's staff.

Delving into 'Seventh Son': A Cinematic Brew of Witchcraft and Destiny

Let’s talk about Seventh Son. Imagine a time long ago, centuries back. Supernatural battles were normal. Enter Master Gregory, played by Jeff Bridges. He is not your average guy; he is a supernatural warrior. He stopped Mother Malkin, a witch so nasty she makes the Wicked Witch of the West look like a teacher. Julianne Moore plays Malkin with intense villainy, simmering with centuries of rage and thirst for revenge. Fast forward to the present, where Malkin escapes her magical prison. Chaos brews as she rallies her dark disciples. Trouble lurks for unsuspecting humanity, and the only bouncer is Master Gregory.

But Gregory is aging, and witch-hunting is young work. He takes on an apprentice, Tom Ward, portrayed by Ben Barnes. Now, Tom faces a ticking clock. Gregory has until the next full moon. Talk about pressure! He must cram years of dark magic defense into Tom’s brain. It’s like a magical crash course on triple espresso. This lays out the thrilling, condensed plot of Seventh Son. A classic battle of good versus evil mixed with prophecy and witchy mayhem.

Netflix and Chill with Witches? Where to Watch 'Seventh Son'

Want to witness this supernatural showdown? Good news! Seventh Son is available to stream on Netflix. If you seek fantasy, action, and Julianne Moore rocking impressive witch attire, Netflix has you covered. Just add popcorn and maybe a protective amulet just in case Malkin's magic seeps through.

Behind the Scenes: Wandering Through 'Seventh Son' Filming Locations

Ever wondered where the movie magic happened? Seventh Son filmed in the stunning locales of Alberta and British Columbia, Canada. These provinces boast breathtaking beauty and offer the perfect backdrop for this adventure. For geography fans, the film's opening shot was filmed in Drumheller’s dramatic terrain, according to Creative BC. Think dinosaur bones and witch battles – Alberta is unique! Next time you plan a Canadian trip, track the footsteps (or broomstick trails) of Seventh Son.

Sequel Status: Will There Be a 'Seventh Son' Part Two?

Sequel hopes dashed, people. Despite the magical premise and room for adventures, Seventh Son 2 Isn’t Happening. Tom Ward and Master Gregory's journey ends with the first film. This may disappoint fans eager for more witch-fighting action. Perhaps it’s best to view Seventh Son as a self-contained story. Some stories are best left as standalone legends.

Rating Rundown: Is 'Seventh Son' Family Friendly?

Thinking of watching Seventh Son with family? The film has a PG-13 rating. It might contain material unsuitable for kids under 13. Seventh Son [2015] [ PG-13 ] - 2.6 hints at some fantasy violence and scary images. Not R-rated horror, but gauge younger viewers' tolerance for wickedness before play.

Literary Roots: 'Seventh Son' and 'The Spook's Apprentice'

Seventh Son isn’t a pure Hollywood product; it’s based on a book. It is loosely adapted from The Spook's Apprentice (or The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch in the U.S.), the first book in Joseph Delaney's The Wardstone Chronicles. Directed by Sergei Bodrov, the film stars Ben Barnes, Jeff Bridges, and Julianne Moore. The movie does take liberties with the source material, as adaptations do, but the main idea endures—an apprentice learning to fight dark forces remains. Enjoyed the movie? The book series dives deeper into this lore.

Decoding the Finale: The Ending of 'Seventh Son' Explained

So, let's discuss endings – spoiler alert! In the climax, Gregory confronts Malkin in her lair. She's pretending to be near-death, classic witch strategy. Gregory hides a knife, but Malkin won't exit without a fight. Just when it seems grim for Gregory, Tom arrives, proving apprentices can be helpful. He throws a blade at Malkin, seemingly delivering the killing blow. But with witches, you can never be too sure; Tom finishes the job by torching her body. Double tap, witch style.

With Malkin vanquished (for now), Gregory brands Tom's hand, calling him a Falcon knight. Quite an initiation ceremony! Romance buzz! Alice navigates between witch and human; Tom's monster-hunting makes their relationship... complicated. They part ways but promise to meet again. Gregory wanders off to unknown lands, leaving Tom and Tusk to uphold the monster-fighting legacy. Not without cryptic mentor wisdom: "Don't follow the rules." The ending blends triumph, bittersweet goodbyes, and hints at future adventures. The witch is gone, long live the witch hunter with his rogue approach to hunting monsters.

Critical Verdict: 'Seventh Son' - A Diamond in the Rough or Just Rough Around the Edges?

How did the world receive Seventh Son? Opinions varied like monster truck rallies – loud and muddy. The general consensus? Seventh Son - Rotten Tomatoes shows mixed reviews. Some critics were less enchanted, yet there’s a silver lining. One review states, "for pretty much everyone else, Seventh Son is fun, with some good ideas and great moments." Not aiming for cinematic excellence but delivers popcorn entertainment.

Is 'Seventh Son' a Good Movie? The Million-Dollar Question

The ultimate question: is it good? If you seek highbrow cinema, Seventh Son might disappoint. But if you want an enjoyable fantasy flick with witches, monsters, and Jeff Bridges in magical mayhem, yes! You will find it a fun ride. It’s termed an "entertaining film with good ideas and enjoyable moments." Think of it as comfort food cinema – not gourmet, but satisfying when craving fantastical action without too much brainwork. Given its troubled production history, ensuring it’s not dreadful is miraculous. Sometimes pure entertainment is a victory.

The Mystique of the Seventh Son: Folklore and Superstition Unveiled

Let’s unveil the folklore giving Seventh Son its intriguing title. The "seventh son" concept is not mere movie magic; it's steeped in centuries of seventh son superstition and belief.

What's in a Number? The Meaning of the Seventh Son

From the 16th century, the seventh son(and rarely, the seventh daughter) was thought to possess special abilities. These were not just ordinary talents;

We discuss supernatural gifts. These powers usually appear as healing abilities. The seventh son often becomes a folk healer or wise man. Sometimes, gifts extend to dowsing for water and predicting the future. It's akin to winning the genetic lottery of the supernatural.

Power Up! The Abilities of a Seventh Son

Specifically, the seventh son of a seventh son had extra-special gifts, especially for healing. Picture generations of sons, each a seventh son, inheriting and amplifying mystical talents. It's like a superpower lineage.

The Ultimate Lineage: Seventh Son of a Seventh Son Explained

But there’s more! Folklore dives deeper. To qualify as the seventh son of a seventh son, one must not only be born seventh. It’s about lineage. The seventh son must descend from an unbroken line of seventh sons, with no daughters breaking the pattern. Each seventh son in the line must also be born to a seventh son. It’s a very specific, rare, and male-centric family tree in folklore.

Prophecy and Luck: The Seventh Son's Destiny

In Europe and the United States, the belief held firm: a seventh son has inherent luck or blessed powers. The crème de la crème, the seventh son of a seventh son, was nearly guaranteed healing skills. These beliefs are woven into folk tales, asserting some are born extraordinary.

Reality Check: Seventh Sons in the Real World?

Has this ever happened? Has there been a true "7th son of a 7th son"? Surprisingly, yes. Statistically, it’s rare, akin to spotting a unicorn riding a bike. But over time, it likely has occurred many times. While you may not meet one at a grocery store, history suggests they have existed, whether or not they had mystical powers.

Meet the Players: Characters of 'Seventh Son'

Let's meet key characters in our Seventh Son saga.

Mother Malkin: The Witchy Wild Card

Mother Malkin, hauntingly portrayed by Julianne Moore, is the main antagonist. Centuries ago, Master Gregory defeated her, yet witches have strong escape clauses. She returns, furious and ready to create chaos. Malkin is the embodiment of a classic wicked witch, fueled by centuries of resentment.

Master Gregory: The Gruff Guardian

Jeff Bridges brings grainy charm to Master Gregory, the seasoned monster hunter and Malkin's former enemy. He serves as the grizzled mentor, weighed down by history, reluctantly accepting a new apprentice. Gregory is the weary hero returning for one last fight against darkness.

Tom Ward: The Reluctant Recruit

Ben Barnes plays Tom Ward, the seventh son and Gregory’s new apprentice. He’s thrust into a world of magic and monsters with little prep, needing to learn quickly amid supernatural trials. Tom embodies the reluctant hero discovering unexpected courage.

Elyon Brown: Princess...of Meridian? Wait, Wrong Story.

Hold on...Elyon Brown? Mentioned in some lists tied to "seventh son," she belongs to another world – from W.I.T.C.H., where she's a princess of Meridian. There seems to be character confusion online. In Seventh Son, Elyon does not belong. Did she wander in from another dimension?

Folklore in Action: 'Seventh Son' and Real-World Beliefs

The film Seventh Son draws from rich folklore, reflecting beliefs about seventh sons and their purported powers.

The Cure and the Charm: Seventh Son Beliefs in History

The seventh son of a seventh son, with innate healing skills, forms part of the cultural phenomenon known as "the cure" or "the charm." This includes folk traditions where specific people, typically those born as seventh sons, are seen as having special abilities like healing powers. These beliefs showcase human fascination with gifts and notions that some possess innate magic.

Real-Life Seventh Sons? Historical Examples

Believe it or not, history contains claims of actual individuals believed to be seventh sons of seventh sons with healing gifts. Historical cases include Abram George, a Mohawk healer from Akwesasne, often labeled a seventh son of a seventh son. Archille Noé Baillargeon from Tecumseh was also believed to possess powers due to his lineage. Whether they possessed supernatural skills is open for debate, illustrating the legend's enduring influence.

'Seventh Son' and Beyond: Connections to Other Media

Both the movie and concept of Seventh Son have spread outward, influencing popular culture.

From Page to Screen: The Book Series Inspiration

If you want to explore Tom Ward and Master Gregory's world further, remember Seventh Son is based on Joseph Delaney's The Wardstone Chronicles. Specifically, Book 1 and Book 2 lay the foundation for the film's narrative. Fans will find richer experiences in exploring these books.

Seventh Son in Song: Musical Echoes

The "seventh son" concept also features in music. Johnny Rivers created a song titled Johnny Rivers Seventh Son, discussing this figure's folklore mystique. Willie Dixon is noted as the lyricist for "Seventh Son," adding to its musical presence. Legends like Iron Maiden have an album titled Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. Sputnikmusic rated it 4 out of 5 for lyrical depth, considering it one of Maiden’s best against classics like Powerslave.

Literary Explorations: Sebastian Faulks' 'The Seventh Son'

The "seventh son" theme appears in contemporary fiction as well. Sebastian Faulks' novel The Seventh Son presents a modern ethical perspective. Set in the secretive Parn Institute, it examines a billionaire entrepreneur challenging ethics with experimental IVF treatments meant to "change the human race". Faulks employs the "seventh son" idea to tackle bioethics and consequences in science.

Related Realms: 'Seventh Son' in Context

To understand Seventh Son, explore related concepts and make cinematic comparisons.

Witchcraft and Warlocks: Defining the Magical Terms

In Seventh Son, witches pose significant threats. But what defines witches and warlocks? Current dictionaries describe witches as "persons (especially women) with malignant supernatural powers" or "practitioners of neo-pagan traditions." They can also refer colloquially to "mean old women" or "charming girls." The traditional view emphasizes malevolent magic, relevant to Seventh Son.

Warlocks are often seen as male witches. AI definitions refer to them as "male magic practitioners." While Seventh Son focuses on witches, understanding witchcraft and warlock lore enriches the film's magical context.

Cinematic Siblings? Comparing 'Seventh Son' to Other Films

While Seventh Son stands alone, it’s intriguing to draw comparisons with other films.

A look at Seven, often stylized as Se7en. This dark thriller diverges significantly...

Genre from Seventh Son plays with the number seven. The twist ending of Seven reveals the murder of Detective Mills' wife. This shocking moment fulfills the killer's twisted plan. Seven highlights the power of seven to evoke mystery in film.

The Son takes us into a different emotional realm. Audience reviews of The Son describe it as serious, tackling trauma, depression, and suicide. This starkly contrasts with Seventh Son. It emphasizes the diverse ways "son" themes can be explored in film.

Then there’s August: Osage County. This 2013 film, directed by John Wells, is a black comedy-drama. August: Osage County discusses family dynamics and dark humor. Though seemingly unrelated to Seventh Son, both films delve into family relationships and tensions, each in different genres and tones.

Biblical Echoes: The Seventh Son in Scripture

The concept of a seventh son echoes in biblical traditions.

Gad: A Seventh Son in the Bible

In the Bible, Gad is Jacob's seventh son. His mother was Zilpa, Leah's handmaid. Gad's birth is noted in Genesis 39, 11, pointing to Genesis 30:9-13, detailing his birth narrative.

Good Fortune and Luck: The Meaning of Gad

Gad means "good fortune" or "luck." This aligns with folk beliefs linking seventh sons to luck. While not directly magical, Gad offers a historical link to the positive connotations of the "seventh" title.

The Seventh Most Important Thing: Beyond the Supernatural

Let’s look at a different take on "seventh," shifting from supernatural to human. The Seventh Most Important Thing is a novel on redemption and connection.

Junk and Heaven: The Story of 'The Seventh Most Important Thing'

In The Seventh Most Important Thing, Arthur learns about James Hampton, the “Junk Man,” creating visions of heaven from discarded items. This creation from junk becomes the story's central metaphor.

The Human Spirit: A Seventh Essential

At the end of the novel, Arthur realizes there was a seventh most important thing the Junk Man overlooked: "the human spirit." This adds philosophy to "seven," showing that the most essential thing is the spirit that drives creativity and connection.

This explores Seventh Son, its cinematic twists, folklore, literature, and biblical ties. Whether you like witch battles or fun popcorn movies, Seventh Son blends fantasy with age-old beliefs. After reading this, you might check your lineage for a seventh son. You never know when you may need a gifted healer or someone to conquer a rough Monday.