KANDISHA

Directed By: Jerome Cohen-Olivar

Review By Kim Jindra

KANDISHA attempts to weave 14th century Moroccan legend with a suspenseful tale about a lady lawyer, Nyla, who is lured into defending Mona, a woman imprisoned for decapitating her husband.

The authorities think Mona had motive. She husband kept her locked up away and used her as a punching bag.   Mona claims the killer was Kandisha, a spirit who protects women from the brutalities of men.

At first, Nyla is skeptical but the more she digs into the case the more confused she becomes.  The fact she recently lost her own child makes her more open to the spirit world.

The best thing about this movie was learning about Moroccan culture.  But, I don't like movies where the characters behave stupidly.  I had a hard time accepting that Nyla would put herself in compromising positions.  She is supposed to be a highly respected criminal defense lawyer.  I just don't think she would enter buildings alone with no protection or go gallivanting about the Moroccan countryside on her own.  I also had a hard time with the faith she placed in the "Cabalist" her spiritual teacher.  I thought many of the performances were overwrought.  At times, I expected Nyla to say "I see dead people" but fortunately she never did.