Capsule reviews for Feb. 19

Embrace of the Serpent

It’s appropriate that this black-and-white drama feels as hypnotic and surreal as a voyage into the Amazon rainforest. That’s where it takes place, chronicling the relationship between an indigenous tribal shaman and two Western explorers who visited 30 years apart in search of a sacred plant. The intertwined narrative strands in the script by Colombian director Ciro Guerra — based on a true-life memoir — become a little confusing, although the specifics aren’t as important as the greater overall impact. With dazzling linguistic dexterity and an evocative jungle setting, it’s a stylish and consistently compelling examination of the impact of colonialism and man’s relationship with nature. (Not rated, 125 minutes).

Forsaken

The casting is the most noteworthy element of this otherwise formulaic low-budget Western, which pairs Donald and Kiefer Sutherland as on-screen father and son for the first time. Kiefer plays a gunslinger who returns home to Wyoming to reconcile with his estranged father, a grieving widower who’s also the town preacher. But other elements of his past get in the way, including an old flame (Demi Moore) who’s now married and a ruthless outlaw (Brian Cox) trying to steal their land. The brooding film conveys a gritty style and features solid performances, but most of the characters and themes seem recycled from its genre predecessors. (Rated R, 90 minutes).

Rolling Papers

Once the smoke clears, there’s not much substance to this breezy documentary that chronicles the effects of marijuana legalization in Colorado in 2014. Its conduit is Ricardo Baca, an editor at the fledgling Denver Post newspaper in charge of launching its website The Cannabist to capitalize on the craze. As Baca tackles stories about political ramifications and health issues, the film also follows his eccentric collection of “pot critics” and feature writers. There is some amusing and provocative material as a result, yet the approach is unfocused and strange. It feels as though the filmmakers are either promoting the website or riding its coattails. (Not rated, 79 minutes).

The Witch

Although the themes are familiar, the approach feels fresh in this unsettling horror film about paranoia and spirituality run amok. It follows a 17th century New England farmer (Ralph Ineson) who is banished from the local church, causing him to relocate his wife and four children to a cabin in the wilderness. That’s where witchcraft and evil spirits — especially involving his teenage daughter (Anya Taylor-Joy) — begin to tear the family apart. The character eccentricities are carefully modulated, and the script by rookie director Robert Eggers consistently builds tension within its intimate setting. Austere and haunting, the film’s low-key twists and creepy imagery resonate afterward. (Rated R, 92 minutes).