The Witch

The Witch, stylized as The VVitch, and subtitled A New-England Folktale, is a gripping horror movie that debuted in 2015. It was both written and directed by Robert Eggers, marking his first feature film. The cast features Anya Taylor-Joy in her first major role, along with Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, and Lucas Dawson. The film is set in the 1630s and revolves around a Puritan family that faces dark forces lurking in the woods surrounding their farm.

The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on 27 January 2015 and had its wide release in the United States on 19 February 2016, thanks to A24. It was both a critical and commercial success, earning around $40 million at the box office on a budget of $4 million. Many consider it one of the standout horror films of the 2010s.

In the movie, a Puritan settler named William and his family are expelled from their community due to a religious disagreement. They establish a farm near a dense, isolated forest. Soon after, the family faces tragedy when their youngest child, Samuel, mysteriously vanishes while in the care of his older sister, Thomasin. It becomes clear that a witch is responsible for his disappearance, having used his body for her dark rituals.

As the family grapples with the loss of Samuel, tension builds. William takes his son Caleb hunting, but things take a dark turn. Caleb is drawn into the woods and encounters the witch, who appears as a beguiling young woman. This encounter leads to a series of alarming events, including Caleb's return home in a state of delirium, culminating in a tragic and violent climax.

The film's atmosphere is effectively created through its use of natural lighting and authentic historical details, with Eggers aiming for accuracy in costumes and set design. The score, composed by Mark Korven, employs unique instruments, contributing to the film's unsettling ambiance.

The Witch explores themes of isolation, faith, and the conflicts between nature and civilization. The characters, particularly Thomasin, represent the struggle against the strictures of their repressive society, leading to a dramatic conclusion where she ultimately seeks empowerment amongst the witches.

Critics have praised the film for its haunting aesthetic and deep psychological complexities. It has received an impressive 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an average score of 84 on Metacritic, indicating widespread acclaim. While some viewers found the film's slow pace challenging, it is this very approach that many others found refreshingly immersive.

Notable reviews include Justin Chang from Variety, who remarked on the film's overwhelming atmosphere and historical detail. The film's impact is not just derived from jump scares but from a profound sense of dread and existential fear that lingers long after viewing.

In conclusion, The Witch is a unique addition to the horror genre that combines historical authenticity with eerie storytelling, making it a must-watch for fans of horror and psychological thrillers alike.