A Review of ‘If I Go Missing the Witches Did It’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say that the witch genre of storytelling, has grown a tad stale in the modern era. For these tales tend to be mired in formula through and through and tend to present themselves to audiences by way of three types of stories. Such as a coming-of-age tale where the allure of power is hotly debated or through a lighthearted romp that makes magic whimsical. Or the story is set long ago, when witchcraft was deemed to be a horrible act against God and atrocities were committed in the Lord’s name. Which are formulas that audiences do indeed flock to since they are tried and true and familiar. But alas, that does a disservice to fans of this genre since stagnancy allows for a genre to be forgotten or left behind.

But thankfully, there are some creative minds out there, working to revitalize the genre and find a new way forward for the witch in an era where we simply no longer believe in magic in the slightest. And one way that this is happening, is in the world of Podcasts. For Realm is now host to a new podcast series by acclaimed writer Pia Wilson entitled, If I Go Missing the Witches Did It, and this one is of note, simply because it is a revolutionary story, one that truly updates the witch genre for the 21st Century. A feat that this podcast accomplishes by way of several key storytelling elements, one of which, is by offering up a witch story that doesn’t use any of the aforementioned formulas in the slightest. Instead, this particular story is set in present day, and it introduces us to some everyday folks just trying to get by in the world, which is a stroke of genius.

Because that puts the listener at ease and allows them to immerse themselves into a world that they are quite curious about. For Jenna Clayton’s decision to spend her summer in Westchester, NY with her boyfriend, brings about all kinds of fascinating moments and observations, which we will get to in a minute. Because what matters more here, is that these moments with Jenna, allow for us to get to know her inside and out. Which in turn attaches us to her, to the point where we are fascinated with her hopes and dreams in life and that… allows for the witchcraft element of the story to outright blindside the listener. Because just like that, it is there, and it is haunting, and you simply must know what comes next because of its arrival and that really is an original twist. Since it presents witchcraft in an organic and palatable manner, and it plays upon our fears of the unknown and the wonder of this podcast, doesn’t end with this unique spin on the genre.

For this is also, a supremely cerebral story. One that harkens back to classic horror stories of the 1970s by using Jenna’s situation to offer up a bevy of social commentary on modern society. Because Jenna’s character is African American and by plunging her into Westchester for the summer, the story is able to explore what race relations look like in modern America and the nature of privilege, alongside some thoughts on class and capitalism and its pratfalls. Which are elements that give the audience a lot to chew upon since Pia’s commentary and observations on the matter are unfettered and raw and truly call out some of the major problems of our time that we continue to brush aside in the hopes that they will either go away or that someone else will fix them. Which makes this a poignant and powerful horror story, one that is sold by way of a stellar cast.

Because Gabourey Sidibe simply immerses herself into the role of Jenna and she plays her with a zest and zeal that sells every single moment. Lending a powerful sense of realism to this tale and she is complimented nicely by Sarah Natochenny, who brings a unique innocence to her character Elise, an acting decision that allows for more commentary to take place. What kind exactly... well… we won’t spoil that here, in fact, you’ve likely noticed that we’ve said very little about the details of this podcast and with good reason. Because this is the kind of brilliant and engaging story that you need to experience for yourself. So, if you’re looking for a dynamic reinvention of the witch genre of storytelling (or just a great story in general) swing by Realm, and give this fascinating and delightful story a listen. You’ll be glad you did.

---