The Trailer for 'Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale' Promises a Supernatural Murder Mystery

Witch hunts, whether literal or figurative, are based on generally fear. Fear of the other, of the non-Christian, fear of anything that's too different or strange. And, historically, whether we're talking about 14th century Europe or 17th century America, they're almost always about women. And whether it's about punishing women deemed too different for society's liking, stripping them of their property (it's not an accident so many widows have been accused of occult activity), blaming them for inexplicable acts of God like bad crops or sick livestock, or settling scores with neighbors, witch hunts have never really gone out of style. (Just look at any woman with a long enough political career.)B

But what if we lived in a world where that wasn't the case? Such is the question at the heart of Sundance Now's upcoming series Sanctuary: A Witch's Tale, which imagines a world where witchcraft specifically, and the the idea of female power more generally isn't just something that's accepted. It's celebrated, and those who possess it are venerated members of their communities. At least, until they aren't.

Set in a contemporary world where witchcraft is real Sanctuary takes place in a quiet English town where witches have been free to live and practice their craft peacefully for hundreds of years. But even the most idyllic settings and well-meaning hearts can hide dark impulses and humanity is always one tragic accident away from reverting to its worst instincts and deciding every woman with power is a threat. (Or, as Taylor Swift once put it, they're burning all the witches, if even you aren't one.)