The Covenant (2006 film)

Plot

In Ipswich, Massachusetts, four high school boys—Caleb Danvers, Pogue Parry, Reid Garwin, and Tyler Simms, known as the Sons of Ipswich—inherit magical abilities from their colonial witch ancestors. Magic manifests at age 13 and strengthens until a witch ascends at 18, but overuse can cause accelerated aging, insanity, and death. At a bonfire party, the Sons meet new students Sarah Wenham and Chase Collins; Caleb and Sarah become romantically involved.

After a student is found dead and paranormal events target Sarah and Pogue's girlfriend Kate Tunney, Caleb suspects Reid, but Chase is revealed to be using magic. Caleb learns Chase is the descendant of a fifth witch family thought extinct. Chase, unaware of the cost of his powers, became addicted and seeks to force other ascended witches to transfer their power to him. Caleb confronts Chase, who kidnaps Sarah to demand Caleb's powers.

On Caleb's 18th birthday, he duels Chase but is outmatched until his father William sacrifices his life, transferring his powers to Caleb. Caleb strikes Chase with a final blow that engulfs him. Sarah, Kate, and Pogue recover, and Caleb and Sarah drive off together.

Cast

Steven Strait portrays Caleb Danvers, the oldest and most responsible of the Sons of Ipswich, who is cautious about using power due to its effect on his father. Sebastian Stan plays Chase Collins, a new student who befriends the Sons. Laura Ramsey appears as Sarah Wenham, Caleb's love interest and a new student from a Boston public school. Taylor Kitsch is Pogue Parry, Caleb's best friend and Kate's boyfriend.

Jessica Lucas plays Kate Tunney, Sarah's roommate and Pogue's girlfriend. Toby Hemingway portrays Reid Garwin, the most reckless of the Sons. Chace Crawford plays Tyler Simms, the youngest Son who often sides with Reid. Kyle Schmid appears as Aaron Abbot, a pompous student.

Sarah Smyth plays Kira Snider, Aaron's girlfriend. Wendy Crewson portrays Evelyn Danvers, Caleb's alcoholic mother.

Stephen McHattie plays William Danvers III, Caleb's father. Kenneth Welsh appears as Provost Higgins, head of Spenser Academy. Jon McLaren plays Bordy Becklin.

Reception

The film is ranked 89th on a website's list of the 100 Worst Movies of All Time. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave it an average grade of B−. The Covenant has been considered a cult film, with critics noting its unintentional queer-coded subtext and homoerotic appeal. It opened atop the U.S. box office with $8.9 million on a weak weekend, and earned $23.3 million domestically and $13.9 million internationally, totaling $37.3 million worldwide against a $20 million production budget.