The Spell

The Spell

Year: 1977

Runtime: 86 mins

Language: English

Director: Lee Phillips

HorrorTV MovieHorror the undead and monster classicsTerrifying haunted and supernatural horrorGory gruesome and slasher horror

An overweight teen, constantly bullied, discovers she can unleash a mysterious power that turns ordinary mishaps into deadly accidents aimed at her tormentors. Her desperate mother struggles to understand and protect her embittered daughter, fearing the destructive force she now wields.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Spell (1977)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Spell (1977). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events unfold in a contemporary setting with modern schools and family homes, reflecting everyday teen life and middle-class dynamics. The social pressures—bullying, family tension, and striving for status—anchor the drama in a familiar late-20th-century milieu. The action moves between school, home, and a London private school, emphasizing a present-day context rather than a specific historical period.

Location

High School Gym, Jo Standish's House, Marion Matchett's Home, London Private School

Most of the action centers in a modern suburban setting beginning in a high school gym where Rita is teased. The story expands to Jo Standish's house, a place tied to the occult rituals that fuel Rita's powers. Later, Rita is sent to a private school in London, shifting the setting to a more formal educational environment while the conflict intensifies.

🏫 School gym 🏠 Family home 🏛️ London Private School

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:32

Main Characters – The Spell (1977)

Meet the key characters of The Spell (1977), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Rita Matchett (Susan Myers)

A shy, overweight 15-year-old who is mocked by peers and family. Her isolation intensifies as she begins to exhibit dangerous powers after partnering in secret with Jo Standish. As her abilities grow, she becomes aggressive toward her father and sister, revealing a volatile strain beneath her fragile exterior.

😶 Shy ⚡ Power 💢 Aggression 👧 Teen

Marion Matchett (Lee Grant)

Rita’s mother, trying to hold the family together amid resentment and rivalry. She is deeply concerned by Rita’s behavior and ultimately discovers her own capacity for power. Marion confronts Rita and Jo, using force and resolve to end the danger and restore family balance.

👩 Family 🪄 Power 🤫 Secrets

Kristina Matchett (Helen Hunt)

Rita’s younger sister who resents the attention Rita receives and becomes a crucial witness to the escalating danger. She confirms Rita’s interactions with Jo Standish and helps propel the family toward confronting the truth. Kristina’s perspective highlights the collateral damage of Rita’s actions.

👧 Sister 🔍 Suspicion 🧭 Loyalty

Jo Standish (Lelia Goldoni)

The gym teacher who becomes a conduit for the powers Rita taps into. Jo plays a key role in initiating the chant-driven dynamic that fuels Rita’s abilities and the ensuing chaos. By the end, Jo is implicated in the cycle of manipulation and the supernatural conflict is brought into the open.

🏫 Authority 🪄 Influence 🤝 Manipulation

Glenn Matchett (James Olson)

Rita’s father, who is emotionally distant and threatened by the family strife. He is targeted by Rita and becomes part of the tension that drives the plot. His relationship with Rita frames much of the family’s attempts at stability amid escalating danger.

👨 Father 💥 Threat 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Family ties

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:32

Major Themes – The Spell (1977)

Explore the central themes of The Spell (1977), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪄 Power

The story centers on Rita's discovery and use of dangerous powers that allow control over others. As her abilities grow, relationships—especially with family and Jo Standish—become strained and volatile. The film examines how power can corrupt, isolate, and eventually be wielded as a weapon against those who stand in the way.

👪 Family

Family dynamics drive the plot: rivalry between Rita and Kristina, the mother’s struggle to maintain harmony, and the protective yet complicated bond that develops as secrets are unearthed. The matriarchal portrayal shows both nurture and coercion in equal measure. The climax hinges on family loyalty and the limits of parental power.

🔮 Supernatural

Chanting and occult rituals fuse with teenage turmoil, giving Rita and Jo Standish a dangerous, otherworldly influence. The powers manifest as violent accidents and shifts in control, gradually revealing the true scope of the threats. The resolution uncovers that the supernatural force extends beyond one individual, culminating in a battle of wills between mother and daughter.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:32

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Unlock the Full Story of The Spell

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Spell in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Spell is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Spell Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Spell, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Spell Summary

The Spell Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Spell with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Spell Timeline

More About The Spell

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Spell: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Spell

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