Acera, or the Witches' Dance (1972): cast, story & where to watch
1972 · Film · ★ 6.2
Released in 1972, Acera, or the Witches' Dance is a notable film directed by Jean Painlevé.
What it’s about. In mud flats along the coast of Brittany we watch acera, small ball-shaped mollusks that are about two inches in diameter. They rest in mud; then, in water, they dance, their skirt-like hood spreading like a dervish's cassock. They spin and spin. The film adds musical accompaniment. We watch them mate and secrete eggs: acera are both male and female, and can form chains with other acera in which they simultaneously mate as a male and as a female. The eggs hatch, and the cycle begins again.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.2/10, Acera, or the Witches' Dance has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Acera, or the Witches' Dance page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Acera, or the Witches' Dance (1972)?
- In US, Acera, or the Witches' Dance is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is Acera, or the Witches' Dance worth watching?
- Acera, or the Witches' Dance holds an audience score of 6.2 out of 10. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- When was Acera, or the Witches' Dance released?
- Acera, or the Witches' Dance was released in 1972.