The Witch

The Witch

In 1630, a farmer relocates his family to a remote plot of land on the edge of a forest where strange, unsettling things happen. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, each family member's faith, loyalty and love are tested in shocking ways.

  • Released: 2015-01-27
  • Runtime: 92 minutes
  • Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
  • Stars: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson, Bathsheba Garnett , Sarah Stephens, Julian Richings, Daniel Malik, Axtun Henry Dube, Athan Conrad Dube, Vivien Moore, Karen Kaeja, Brandy Leary, R. Hope Terry, Carrie Eklund, Madlen Sopadzhiyan, Paul Kenworthy, Mark Millmna, Andy Volpe, Phillip Wynne, Annawon Weeden, Michael O’Hare, Chris Messier, Ron Young, Nora Messier, Bill Rudder, Grace Duffy, Sophie Bermudez, Corrine Manning, Heather Fisher
  • Director: Robert Eggers
 Comments
  • random0banana - 28 May 2024
    Into the Shadows: 'The Witch' Conjures a Haunting Tale of Puritanical Terror and Familial Descent
    In the realm of horror, few films dare to tread the path of the slow burn with as much conviction as "The Witch." This is a film that understands the genre's roots are not in the shock of the moment, but in the creeping dread that lingers long after the credits roll. It is a testament to the power of atmosphere, a meticulously crafted piece that eschews jump scares for a pervasive sense of unease.

    Set in the 1630s, "The Witch" transports us to a New England suffused with the paranoia and piety of early Puritan settlers. The film follows a family exiled from their community to the edge of an ominous forest. What ensues is a chilling unraveling of their familial bonds, a descent into madness and despair that is as compelling as it is harrowing.

    Director Robert Eggers exhibits a masterful control of tone, crafting scenes that are as beautiful as they are haunting. The authenticity of the setting is one of the film's greatest strengths; every detail, from the archaic dialogue to the rustic homestead, feels painstakingly researched and realized. This commitment to historical accuracy does more than just sell the setting - it immerses the viewer in a world where the supernatural seems not just possible, but inevitable.

    The performances, particularly by Anya Taylor-Joy as the eldest daughter Thomasin, are remarkable. Taylor-Joy conveys a complex mix of innocence, fear, and burgeoning independence, anchoring the film as it spirals into darkness. The rest of the cast follows suit, delivering performances that feel genuinely of the time, adding to the film's eerie verisimilitude.

    "The Witch" also excels in its sound design. The score is a sparse, dissonant affair that gets under your skin, while the natural sounds of the wilderness are amplified to an almost unbearable intensity. It's a film that understands the power of silence, using it to build tension in a way that is almost unbearable.

    However, the film's dedication to its aesthetic and tone comes at a cost. The pacing is deliberate, which, while effective in building atmosphere, may test the patience of viewers accustomed to a more conventional horror tempo. Additionally, the film's commitment to period dialogue, though admirable, can occasionally render the speech difficult to decipher, potentially alienating those not fully attuned to its rhythms.

    Furthermore, while "The Witch" is undeniably atmospheric, it is not without its flaws. The narrative, for all its intrigue, sometimes meanders, losing itself in its own moodiness. There are moments where the film's subtlety can feel like obfuscation, leaving certain plot points frustratingly opaque.

    "The Witch" is a film that demands attention and respect. It is a bold, unflinching piece that redefines what a horror film can be. It may not cater to all tastes, and its slow reveal of horror may not satisfy those seeking immediate gratification. Yet, for those willing to embrace its deliberate pace and absorb its oppressive atmosphere, "The Witch" offers a deeply unsettling and thought-provoking experience that lingers like a shadow long after the final frame.
  • localh-46797 - 4 February 2024
    Cannot believe the high rating for this..
    One of the most boring horror movies I have seen in a while. Great acting to be sure, but I almost fell asleep twice watching it. I decided to watch it because of the hype I have read about it, but its not worth it. Nothing worthwhile happens until at least halfway through the movie and by then it's like let's just get this over with. Great actors. Costume design is great, cinematography is good if that's what you're looking for. Not worth the watch if you're looking for a horror psychological movie. Do not waste your time watching this if you think its on the same level as hereditary or vivarium.
  • Amthermandes - 2 November 2023
    So unnerving, so devoid of hope, this movie rocked me. And I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    I love this movie, and I hate this movie for making me love it.

    This is a movie, among the best in the folk-horror genre, about a poor, Puritan family looking for a place to settle, to call home. Creepy stuff happens, kids get creepy, animals get creepier, and the parents of said family begin to feel cursed, and they let the audience feel it too.

    It's a beautifully shot movie. This is THEE movie that put the A24 distribution and production company on the horror map, before Hereditary, before Midsommar.

    This is a movie with no good feelings. It's full of dread, constantly getting stronger with each scene. Very well done.
  • amybourque - 25 October 2022
    It should have been a 3 but
    The costume and prop department did a fantastic job. It really looked like a family from that time. However the story was horrible. There was not enough background. There was too much of is it really a witch or are they crazy. Too much bashing of Thomisin without knowing why, too much about the crazy witch in the woods without her background story. And I have heard the devil referred to as Ole Nick but never Black Phillip. Background on that would have helped. It's almost like I was taken to the movies but I arrived in the middle of the show.

    And the end was stupid. She just starts flying out of nowhere?

    You wanted to give credit to historical records and beliefs. Religious sects may have believed that's how witches behaved but witches don't believe in the devil. Witches didn't really fly. They got off on their brooms which they doused with hallucinations so they may have felt like they were floating.

    Instead of making it a guessing game, you should have either gave background as to how the family went crazy and left the deaths of the family as shock value or you should have given background to Black Phillip and the mystery witch in the woods and made it a true horror fantasy film.
  • sunnyn-58680 - 6 October 2022
    One of the greatest horror films of recent time
    The Witch is a slow burn. Do not expect this to be exciting right away. The film starts right away with a tense and dark tone. It also offers great insight into the oppressive nature of puritan christianity and gender roles during this time period. There is some genuinely disturbing and artistic imagery here of the actual witch. The acting is top notch as well. Anya Taylor Joy is captivating to behold as the audience witnesses her transformation from puritan Christian to full blown witch. Her journey to becoming a witch is the most amazing part of the film - a girl who is accused by her family again and again as a witch, only to become the very thing that they've accused her of.