Guilt Is the Villain in a Transfixing, Grief-Stricken Tale of Sisterhood and Witchcraft

Avalon Fast’s “Camp” is a transfixing tale of sisterhood and witchcraft, but beneath its dreamlike surface lies a searing commentary on the pressures of girlhood and the limits of female bonding. The film’s protagonist, Emily, arrives at a summer camp for troubled children with her own secrets weighing heavily on her shoulders.

As she begins to form connections with her peers, particularly the vivacious Rosie and Clara, it becomes clear that these girls are not just seeking support from one another, but also a way to transcend their trauma. The film makes no concessions to the male characters, instead opting for a narrative that prioritizes female relationships above all else.

This emphasis on sisterhood is nuanced, however – while admirable in its commitment to an appreciation of supportive girlhood, it risks perpetuating a familiar trope of feminist cinema: the exclusion of men as a means of emphasizing female solidarity. But “Camp” is more than just a tale of girl power; it’s also a thoughtful exploration of how girls are socialized to prioritize their relationships above all else.

The film’s portrayal of Emily and her friends as they engage in “practical magic,” a euphemism for their dabbling with the occult, is a powerful commentary on the societal expectations placed upon young women. In its use of witchcraft as a metaphor for female empowerment, “Camp” joins a long line of feminist texts that have sought to reclaim and recontextualize the magical and the supernatural.

From Jane Schoenbrun’s “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma” to the work of feminist theorists like Clarissa Pinkola Estés, there is a rich tradition of using myth and magic to explore the experiences of women. But what sets “Camp” apart from its predecessors is its willingness to tackle the complexities of female relationships head-on.

Fast’s portrayal of Emily and her friends as they navigate their emotions and desires is both tender and unflinching, refusing to shy away from the messy realities of girlhood. As the film hurtles towards its climax, it becomes clear that “Camp” is not just a story about girls finding empowerment through witchcraft – it’s also a story about the fragility of female bonds.

Emily’s relationships with her peers are fraught and fragile, prone to collapse at any moment. And yet, despite this uncertainty, the film ultimately suggests that these connections can be a source of strength and resilience. In its final moments, “Camp” presents us with a vision of female solidarity that is both beautiful and terrifying – acknowledging the complexities and fragilities of girlhood even as it celebrates the transformative power of female relationships.

As the credits roll, we’re left to ponder the implications of this witching hour – what does it mean for girls to find strength in one another? And what are the consequences of prioritizing female bonds above all else? The answers, much like the film itself, remain elusive and enigmatic. But one thing is clear: “Camp” is a film that will stay with us long after the credits roll, its haunting portrayal of girlhood lingering in our minds like a whispered secret shared around the campfire.