‘Camp’ Review: Guilt Is the Villain in a Transfixing, Grief-Stricken Tale of Sisterhood and Witchcraft

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‘Camp’ Review: Guilt Is the Villain in a Transfixing, Grief-Stricken Tale of Sisterhood and Witchcraft

Variety · 15 hours ago

Emily carries deep guilt following two fatal incidents at a party—one a confessed accident, the other occurring under her watch. She arrives at a summer camp hired as a counselor for troubled youth, seeking to support others whilst grappling with her own trauma. There she encounters a close-knit group of girls, particularly the outgoing Rosie and the quietly commanding Clara, who have created a community grounded in shared darkness and mutual understanding.

Director Avalon Fast constructs a tonally complex narrative weaving supernatural and occult elements into an indie coming-of-age story, using distinctive visual language to blur the boundary between reality and dream. The film emphasises female solidarity and personal autonomy expressed through magical practice, with Zola Grimmer's calibrated performance capturing Emily's emotional journey from despair through acceptance to empowerment. The narrative deliberately concentrates on bonds between the women at its centre, marginalising both the younger camp residents and male characters.

  • Emily, burdened by guilt from two fatal incidents at a party, takes a counseling role at a summer camp and finds self-empowerment through witchcraft and sisterhood
  • Director Avalon Fast creates a visually inventive narrative celebrating female solidarity and autonomy whilst sidelining male characters and younger campers
  • Zola Grimmer delivers a nuanced performance portraying Emily's arc from trauma and despair to personal empowerment

Art Culture

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