Author Anne Rice is best known for her vampire stories. But in addition to her Vampire Chronicles book series, Rice also penned a trilogy about witchcraft. After the successful reception to the television adaptation of Interview with the Vampire, this witchy source material forms the basis for Mayfair Witches, which is out now on digital and Blu-ray.
Mayfair Witches stars Alexandra Daddario in the lead role of Rowan, a young doctor who discovers that she is the descendant of a very powerful New Orleans coven of witches. As she begins to explore her newfound powers, she uncovers the truth to a bloodline curse involving the devious Lasher (Jack Huston).
The biggest string in Mayfair Witches’ bow is Daddario in the lead. The star has long been in need of a project that allows her the time to show her talents and as Rowan she is a compelling lead character. Rowan is feisty and flawed, intelligent and courageous, all perfect attributes for its female audience members to get behind. Rowan is not the shy and retiring type and it is great that a story of this kind finally has a character who is strong from the outset. Supporting Daddario are a fantastic Beth Grant as Rowan’s long-lost grandmother, Tongayi Chirisa as love interest Cip, and Jack Huston is dashingly evil as Lasher.
It is clear that this is the first chapter of a bigger story, but it does still round off season one in a satisfying way. The ending is akin to the first series of True Blood, one major plot thread is tied up, but there are plenty of tendrils left loose to unravel in future outings. Its modern day setting helps Mayfair Witches stand aside from its vampire predecessor. This being a story about lineage, there are some glimpses into the past, but these are kept few and fleetingly, planting the story in the somewhat timelessness of modern New Orleans.
A wicked cocktail of True Blood and The Originals, Mayfair Witches has a very intriguing first season. At only eight episodes, it is just shy of the new industry standard of ten and one can’t help but feel it needs those extra two episodes. Only being eight episodes means that some of the plot points are glossed over and raced through, which makes it a little tricky for those that aren’t familiar with the source material to fully piece events together. That being said, the show never drags or becomes too confusing or alienating. The even better news is that a second season has already been commissioned; fingers crossed audiences will get to experience the full set of books.
Mayfair Witches
Summary
Alexandra Daddario finally gets a rich role to sink her teeth into and helps make Mayfair Witches strong enough to stand aside Anne Rice’s other popular works of fiction.
Mayfair Witches is out on Digital and Blu-ray now.
