Retro Blood 228: Witchboard (1986)

Join James Kline and J.H. Alison as Retro Blood kicks off a brand-new theme for March Madness — our first-ever Evil Spirit Horror Month. And what better way to start than by lighting some candles, placing your fingers on the planchette, and diving into Witchboard? We open with quick first thoughts, with James showing love for writer/director Kevin Tenney and his ability to turn a simple Ouija-board concept into a slow-burn supernatural thriller. Then it’s time for our Weekly History Segment, rewinding to March 1987 around the film’s release window. James walks us through the electric buildup to WrestleMania III, as the WWF was exploding into mainstream pop culture. Meanwhile, Alison dives into the hard rock scene of the time, spotlighting Whitesnake during their massive breakout era and the spotlight on Tawny Kitaen, whose music video fame and high-profile relationships made her a pop culture staple when Witchboard hit. From there, we get deep into the making of the film — how Tenney conceived the idea after researching Ouija board lore, the film’s modest budget, and how this project unexpectedly launched his horror career, leading to Night of the Demons. We talk casting, including Kitaen’s role as Linda and the on-set dynamics, as well as Todd Allen landing the role of Jim and how the love triangle dynamic drives much of the tension. Finally, we deliver a full scene-by-scene breakdown of the movie — from the party séance gone wrong to the escalating paranormal activity, the creeping possession elements, and the unforgettable glass-shattering finale. We discuss the film’s pacing, practical effects, spirit mythology, and whether Witchboard stands as one of the more underrated supernatural gems of the mid-’80s. It’s Ouija boards. It’s jealous spirits. It’s ’80s paranoia at its finest. And March Madness has officially begun. 👻🩸