If you’re like me and have a growing curiosity about the magical, you’re in the right place. Grave Intentions is an anthology following five people who could use some magic, but fall victim to the mysterious ways of the occult. Master of the magical arts, Madame Josephine, talks us through different types of magic she uses, giving warnings to the people in the five stories she tells and how to be cautious of the “grave intentions” leading to their demises.
As with any anthology, the wrap-around is a vital part of the movie. Most of the time, we get some kind of “horror presenter” introducing segments on a TV program (nothing wrong with that, we just see it a lot). Grave Intentions was creative and gave us the character Madame Josephine, enchantress and expert in hexes, vexes, candle work, root work, charms, and more. As she packs boxes for the “customers” in her stories, she explains a type of magic that might benefit them, so long as their intentions are pure — because karma is a thing and that bad juju could very well come right back to you!
The Bridge Partner
A meek older lady becomes bridge partners with a mysterious woman from Europe and soon finds herself in a game for her life. There’s a bit of mystery here because we don’t know the European woman’s backstory or what her actual intentions are, but we can imagine something terrible. The ending definitely leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more.
The Disappearance of Willie Bingham
In a world where victims of crimes can opt to remove body parts from the criminals at will, Willie Bingham becomes a literal shell of his old self. Honestly, I feel nothing for Mr. Willie; he got what was coming to him. It is morbid to think about, and begs to ask the question “what is too far in terms of revenge?”
Violent Florence
“Don’t Fuck with Cats,” unless they fuck with you first. This one felt a bit like an ABCs of Death entry. It’s wild and crazy and a bit funny. I’ll just leave it at that!
The Son, The Father
A son kills his domineering mother and the father helps cover it up. Whoa, there’s some trauma going on here! The making of a serial killer, and feels like a dramatization of a true crime killer’s backstory.
Marian
Abused Marian receives much-needed help from her dead mother. We have a ghost story! If you don’t like child abuse (who does?), this one might be hard to watch. The ghost in question is decrepit and ghoulish, and exactly right for this story!
Each entry in Grave Intentions mirrors perfectly a lesson Madame Josephine tries to tell. Is she the root of this magical madness? Or is she truly helping those in need? Who knows, but she surely is one hell of a storyteller. Grave Intentions is a fantastic anthology built on a creative premise that I really enjoyed watching. Quick stories with just the right timing, great effects, and endings that make you wish there was more to see.
What did you think of Grave Intentions? Let us know in the comments!
Grave Intentions is currently available to stream on Screambox.
