Il sesso della strega (1973)

"Il sesso della strega" (1973), directed by Angelo Pannacciò, is a film that combines elements of horror, mystery, and thriller with a heavy dose of erotica.


The film is set in a secluded mansion where the Hilton family gathers after the patriarch's death. The plot revolves around the mysterious murders of the heirs to the Hilton fortune, orchestrated by a mysterious woman with supernatural powers. However, contrary to some descriptions, the film does not involve an archaeology student or a medallion but focuses on a witch named Ingrid who uses potions to cast spells. One of these spells leads to a young man becoming her tool for revenge against the Hilton family.



Erotic Elements: The film is notorious for its erotic content, with ample nudity and sexual situations that are central to its appeal for fans of Eurotrash cinema. The portrayal of sex and nudity is often linked to the narrative of supernatural revenge and family secrets.
Supernatural and Giallo Elements: It borrows heavily from the giallo genre with its murder mystery set within a gothic atmosphere, but adds a layer of the supernatural which isn't always coherently integrated into the plot. The nonsensical supernatural storyline is paired with hallucinatory sequences, often underscored by what's described as "bad early 70's rock music."
Visuals and Atmosphere: The film's mood is set with moodily lit baroque settings, contributing to a distinct odor of perversity. The visual style includes vibrant color tinting in some scenes, although the cinematography and direction are often criticized for their lack of innovation or depth.


Cast and Performance
The cast includes notable figures like Camille Keaton, who, despite her role, seems disengaged. Other actors like Gianni Dei and Franco Garofalo are described with mixed reviews, often noted for their peculiar performances or the outlandish makeup and wardrobe choices, such as Annamaria Tornello's eye-catching makeup.