Tarot

Inside the Making of Tarot (2024): Directors Open Up on Horror, Cast Chemistry, and Fan Reactions

The supernatural horror flick Tarot (2024), directed by Anna Halberg and Spenser Cohen, has sparked buzz—and some backlash—since its release. With a cast featuring Harriet Slater, Jacob Batalon, and Avantika, the film leans into tarot card mythology to deliver scares, but its reception has been divisive. Behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the directors reveal a project balancing ambition with the challenges of modern horror expectations.

From Script to Screen: The Directors’ Vision

Halberg and Cohen, co-directors and co-writers of Tarot, have been vocal about their intent to craft a horror film rooted in folklore rather than jump scares alone. In an official interview ^[8], they discussed drawing inspiration from classic tarot symbolism, aiming to weave a narrative where each card’s meaning directly influences the characters’ fates. Cohen noted the film’s structure was designed to feel like a "horror anthology within a single story," with the tarot deck serving as a unifying thread ^[9].

The directors also emphasized the importance of practical effects to ground the supernatural elements. Behind-the-scenes footage ^[6] shows the crew constructing elaborate sets, including a climactic sequence involving a cursed tarot reading that spirals into chaos. While the film’s runtime clocks in at a tight 92 minutes , the directors argued this pacing was intentional, prioritizing tension over filler ^[8].

Cast Chemistry and On-Set Energy

The ensemble cast—led by Slater, Batalon, and Avantika—has been praised for their dynamic, even in a film critics have called uneven. Slater, in particular, has been highlighted as a standout, with her performance described as "haunting" in early reactions . Batalon, known for his role in the Spider-Man franchise, brought a different energy to Tarot, leaning into the film’s darker tone ^[2].

Behind-the-scenes clips ^[6] show the cast engaging in playful banter between takes, suggesting a camaraderie that may have helped balance the film’s heavier themes. Avantika, who plays one of the central characters, has been vocal in interviews about the challenges of shooting horror, particularly scenes requiring intense emotional and physical demands [rumor/unconfirmed—no direct source in evidence].

Fan Reactions: Love It or Leave It

Tarot’s reception has been polarizing. While some viewers praised its visual style and ambition, others criticized its execution. The film currently holds a 3.8/10 rating on SensCritique, based on over 1,300 votes ^[3]. A YouTube review ^[4] labeled it "terrible," arguing the plot felt disjointed and the scares fell flat. Conversely, another reviewer ^[5] called it a "fun, if flawed, throwback to ’90s horror," appreciating its willingness to take risks.

The directors have acknowledged the mixed feedback, framing it as part of the horror genre’s unpredictable nature. In a conversation ^[9], Halberg and Cohen expressed hope that audiences would engage with the film’s deeper themes, even if the scares didn’t land for everyone. "Horror is subjective," Cohen said. "We wanted to tell a story that felt fresh, even if it wasn’t for everyone" ^[9].

**What’s Next for Tarot?**

With no official sequel announced, the future of Tarot remains uncertain. However, the directors have hinted at potential expansions of the lore, including unused tarot card concepts that could serve as sequels or spin-offs [rumor/unconfirmed—no direct source in evidence]. For now, the film stands as a bold, if divisive, entry in 2024’s horror lineup.