Critique of “The Mark of the Bell Witch” (2020): A Movie Review

John Bell, his wife Lucy, and their children arrived in Western Tennessee at the Red River Settlement early in the 19th century. In less than a decade their family was well respected in the church and leaders of their community. Strangely, though, the family begins to hear strange noises at night — scratch marks on the walls, knocks at the door, and sounds that sound like heavy chains are being dragged up the stairs and roof. Bell and his two sons rush outside to find the culprit, but they can’t. The disturbances become more frequent and stronger, and eventually they manifest as a voice that threatens John Bell and an entity that attacks Betsy, the youngest Bell child. Seth Breedlove’s (The Mothman Legacy) newest documentary The Mark of the Bell Witch tells the story of this local legend. It bases its details on the primary text of the Adams community — M.V. Ingram’s Authenticated History Of The Famous Bell Witch and explanations by various historians and paranormal researchers. Lauren Ashley Carter, “The mind’s eye“, narrates the film. It combines excerpts of Ingram’s book and interviews with experts along with dramatic reenactments. Breedlove is a master storyteller, and his style is well researched and engaging. Legends and interwoven interpretations cover the many angles of the tale. He is interested in the localized myth, but also the importance of oral tradition, community identity and how people often take pride in their local history. The documentary offers modern interpretations and historical theories about what may have caused the Bell Witch’s haunting. It was a demonic possession that befell Betsy Bell, the prepubescent daughter of a wealthy businessman (Amy Davies from “Momo, The Missouri Monster”)? Maybe the witch is the angry spirit of a woman who was ostracized by her community because she felt John Bell (Thomas Koosed), the father, had wronged her. Was this the result of Drewry Bell (Graydennance, “Momo”: The Missouri Monster) disturbing a Native American burial ground nearby? Breedlove’s organization presents us with one theory after another. His researchers and experts also share their thoughts and opinions on what might have happened in the area that is now Adams, TN. No stone is unturned but unfortunately no concrete answers were ever found. This story has been adapted for film, most notably in 2005’s “An American Haunting.” But this documentary avoids the sensationalized dramatizations and sticks to the conversations with experts — the basis of the classic oral tradition. Breedlove uses simple and straightforward characters and sets when he chooses to include reenactments. He is more interested in the narrations and less about the visuals. The Bell Witch’s story is told without the use of Hollywood CGI effects that are outlandish and cheesy. The Mark of the Bell Witch is a direct documentary that will appeal to fans of real hauntings. Breedlove has done extensive research into this American folklore chapter, bringing out the dark corners. This documentary, portrayed by Seth and Adrienne’s wife, will hopefully gain strength as more people learn about it and talk about it.