A SPELL TO WAKE THE DEAD

After a spell goes awry, two Cape Cod girls find themselves connected to the spirit of a murdered woman.

Mazzy and Nora have practiced witchcraft for years with some success. But one day, during the off-season, everything changes. The friends have different approaches: Mazzy likes “to do things by the book (as in, literal spell books)” and Nora “believes the best magic comes from intuition.” When Nora suggests using a spell from the internet designed to uncover hidden things—she says it’ll bring clarity to their lives—Mazzy agrees, despite her misgivings. Under a full moon, they trek to the beach, where they find the mutilated remains of a woman. Nora feels compelled to discover her identity, but while scrying for answers, Mazzy has a vision of hooded figures conducting a ritual. Soon Nora hears the dead woman whispering to her, pushing her to hurry. The friends start to believe the woman’s death is linked to the Hand of Nephthys, a local cult known for human sacrifices and necromancy. As their investigation deepens, it becomes clear they’re in danger, and Nora’s connection to the dead woman becomes all-consuming, leaving Mazzy to chart her own risky path to the truth before more tragedy strikes. Though the plot is deftly woven with escalating danger, both white-presenting leads feel as if they exist only to propel the plot and never stand out as fully realized characters.

Spiked with spooky, menacing moments but lacking in depth.