02/15/2026
KING JUDITH receives 6 full moons out 7 from Pagan Witch Movie Review
"I think if you're interested in esoterics, and want to watch a movie that is itself a mystical experience, then this is for you, but it doesn't really conform to the rules of generic entertainment. The cadence of this film is like when you've taken a mood altering substance, and are trying to hold on to the consistency of thought."
Very grateful to have this attention. And you can watch KING JUDITH on Prime, Tubi, Hoopla, and other fine platforms.
King Judith
Tropic Pictures
This is possibly the most arcane offering from Tropic Pictures. Where other movies in the catalogue might be tailoring the narrative to a linear thought process, this film is not only unapologetic, but nearly oblivious to the realm of the mundane.
As we approach the film, we are entering the temple of The High Priestess, who is veiled, not for modesty, but for mystery, and the expectation of the conscious mind is for things to become clearer, as the veils are gradually lifted, but the experiences is almost one of vertigo, as the bewildering complexity keeps unraveling.
The film does refer to itself wryly, about this process, and offers explanations, which are themselves functioning as fairy lights in the woods at night, drawing the traveller further and further away from the paths; at least, the paths trodden by human feet.
The primary archetype being referenced in the film is The Lady of the Lake. I can go on forever about this archetype, it being the most compelling element of the Arthurian myths which drew me in as a child, and also it being a type of fae, considered by folklorists to be uniquely Welsh.
It should not be confused with the archetype of the Rasulka, from Slavonic traditions which is distinctly malevolent, usually a spirit of vengeance, and has parallels in east Asia also, although the film does pick up symbolism from these archetypes as well.
While these archetypes are both symbolic of the subconscious and intuitive wisdom, one symbolises knowledge and guidance, and the other, madness. If one is too linear, too rational, (like a detective) and attempts to approach watery archetype of The High Priestess or the Lady of the lake, one may find oneself courting The Moon, the eighteenth trump which can indicate madness or a compromised mental state.
Still, it is possible to receive insight from a compromised state, and turn the injury into an asset or a talent, as the film asserts. "The floating motes at the periphery of vision, can capture the wayward lights."
I'm not exactly sure what is behind the title of the film. I know that there is a "Book of Judith" which is regarded by some Christian scholars as apocrypha. It is a part of Catholic and orthodox scripture, but does not appear in the Hebrew bible, or the protestant bible. I didn't quite catch the connection between Judith and The Lady of the Lake archetypes. Judith is often referenced as a biblical figure who symbolises feminine agency. Biblical literature usually condemns the power of seduction, but in the case of Judith, her actions are lauded as an act of faith and devotion. Judith is also a name associated with royalty, and may mean something like "queen" or "king".
The archetype of "Sister Woman" is also particularly significant in this story. The word "sister" has a different root in English, than "brother", "mother", and "father". While the latter three words have a connotation of familiarity, "sister" is different. In Celtic tribes, the sister of the king was often the queen, rather than his wife, and in many Hindu scriptures, stories about antagonistic kingdoms, referenced the sister of the king as having supernatural powers, and she was often approached for aid in a conflict.
I won't go into the origins of the festival of Holi or relate the entire history of the Irish Queen Greanne here, but for further reading...
This is primarily a detective story, and centres on the search for the elusive Sister Woman, who seems to have vanished. There are a lot of interviews as the detective attempts to piece together what happened, and gradually becomes more and more confused, and I admit, I got lost with her, which was perhaps the point.
Sometimes the point is not to come up with an answer, but to become so lost, that you meet yourself.
I think if you're interested in esoterics, and want to watch a movie that is itself a mystical experience, then this is for you, but it doesn't really conform to the rules of generic entertainment. The cadence of this film is like when you've taken a mood altering substance, and are trying to hold on to the consistency of thought.
Fans of tropic pictures may recognise actors from both Ship of Human Skin and Howler as everyone seemed to come together on this project, and there were delightful animated sequences like in The Dark Sisters.
Are hiccups oracular? The film seems to be saying yes.
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