This story of a woman besieged with misfortune includes a vein of magical realism. In The Widowed Witch, Er Hao has lost three husbands, leading people to believe she is cursed. She struggles to find a new place for herself. But when she starts using her powers to help people, she is labeled a witch with important gifts. Some see her as a person bringing healing and blessings, and others see her as putting dangerous curses on them. But every act has consequences, sometimes what seems like a positive outcome is actually harmful, and vice versa. The snowy, frozen landscape of rural China sets a bleak tone, but the movie has some delightful visual elements and an intriguing feminist story.
The Widowed Witch screens tonight at the 44th annual Seattle International Film Festival, which is happening now through June 10. More recommended SIFF films here; and all SIFF films here.