This obscure, low-budget witchcraft story is slow moving and occasionally confusing, but an effectively creepy atmosphere and a good performance by Shelby Leverington provides a demented diversion for horror fans. The constant flashbacks to Lise's judgement and immolation at the hands of Dutch villagers are feverish (despite a few anachronisms, such as Aaron Phillips wearing what appears to be a sweatshirt in 1671), and the brooding pace of the modern scenes makes up for some lapses in logic, as well as a pointless subplot regarding Peter Vroot trying to recruit Jake into his real estate business. The occasional flashes of gore are cheap but bloody, and this is one film that doesn't hold back from including young children in the bodycount, something most horror films usually shy away from. Death By Invitation is no classic, but a weird little picture that is worth a look for the devoted terror aficionado.
by Fred Beldin
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