The genre television landscape has seen a surge in popularity and acclaim, with shows like Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead dominating the 2010s. While numerous series have been promoted as "prestige TV," not all They have met the expectations that accompany said label. AMC+, however, stands out for its ability to hone the intersection between genre and prestige, exemplified by the successful adaptations of Interview with the Vampire and The Dark Winds. The streaming service seems to be an excellent platform for creating engaging shows in this genre.
The exploration of witches in genre television has been attempted over the centuries, with classics like Charmed and newer projects like A Discovery of Witches. However, depicting witches appears to be a challenging feat for modern creators, unlike the success achieved with themes such as zombies. Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale, announced by AMC+, raised hopes for a solid story about witchcraft. Unfortunately, despite the streaming giant's track record, this new series doesn't reach the heights achieved by its counterparts.
Stars: Elish Liburd, Elaine Cassidy, Amy De Bhrún
Sanctuary follows Sarah Fenn (Elaine Cassidy), a registered witch residing in the sleepy English town of Sanctuary. Revered by the community for her magical abilities, Sarah becomes a sought-after figure for resolving physical ailments and personal problems. With the support of her “coven,” a group of friends who rely on her powers, Sarah's close relationship with Abigail Whithall (Amy De Bhrún) and her children, Harper (Hazel Doupe) and Dan (Max Lohan), adds to the picturesque charm of the city.
However, the idyllic setting is shattered when Dan dies in a fire, initially considered an accident but later rumored to be witchcraft. Harper, despite lacking her mother's magical abilities, becomes the focus of suspicion. As their position in society is in jeopardy, Sarah and Harper must fight not only to prove their innocence but also to safeguard their lives.
What begins as a genre show gradually transforms into a standard domestic drama, struggling to fully integrate these elements. The magical aspects of the characters' lives often lack the weight expected from a supernatural series. From the beginning, it seems that the urban drama was developed more extensively than the fantasy elements, and these magical elements become increasingly scarce as the series progresses. While magic serves as a means for women to connect in the small town, the show does not fully explore this concept.
Harper, a main protagonist, receives insufficient development, and her arc that addresses themes of shame, sexual assault, and female empowerment feels undermined by the show's bloated narrative. Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale, laden with multiple plots, doesn't give these women enough time to connect, resulting in forgotten relationships and abandoned stories.
The deficiency extends to the magical elements, a crucial aspect for a series that bears the title “witch.” Instead of delving into Sanctuary's roots as a magical haven for witches, the series hastily discusses these ideas. The world-building is minimal, leaving mentions of dark magic and magical laws unexplored. Consequently, the magical aspects emerge as the show's weakest elements, a departure from other AMC+ genre projects known for their expansive, immersive world-building.
Despite a fascinating performance from Amy De Bhrún as Abigail, who deftly navigates the complex spectrum of good and evil, Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale falls short on multiple fronts. The central mystery begins to snowball, reminiscent of a middling version of HBO's Big Little Lies. However, due to the disjointed development of events, the series fails to find its wings. In the end, it becomes a run-of-the-mill genre show, thankfully limited to a miniseries format, sparing viewers the pressure of an unlikely second season.
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