The Witch is a 2015 horror drama written and directed by Robert Eggers. It’s the twenty-fifth movie on our 2021 October challenge. The movie is sitting at 90% on Rotten Tomatoes and I’ve heard good things about it. With it being from the same director as The Lighthouse I’m not sure what to expect.
The Witch stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Katie Dickie, Julian Richings and Harvey Scrimshaw.
It tells the story of a Puritan family in the 17th Century who sets up a farm by the edge of a mostly abandoned forest. However, in true horror fashion, the family realise they’re possibly not alone. Sinister forces are wreaking havoc, proving there are things that go bump in the night.
Rather than being an all-out scare-fest, The Witch focuses on the unseen. Jump scares are scarce if any. Moreover, it’s in the slow-building tension where the fear lies.
Religion and fear are the central themes. Considering where it’s set, there’s no surprise it has religious connections. The fear comes from the family, all blaming each other for the strange events going on around them
I don’t know what I think of the movie. It’s not bad, not by a long shot, but it isn’t what we know about horror. It focuses more on the unsettling nature of cinematography, lighting and sound. I can’t see me watching it again, but I’m also glad that I did. At least, for the experience.
As always, Anya Taylor-Joy is great. It’s through her character, Thomasin, we mostly see everything unfold. Her arc is the most interesting part of it. She’s constantly at odds with her family who blame her of witchcraft. Meanwhile, she’s suspecting them instead.
Even though it’s correct, it can be grating listening to the dialogue. Robert Eggers takes the dialogue straight from the old text. Therefore, I can’t fault the accuracy.
All in all, The Witch isn’t for me but it doesn’t make it a bad movie. It’s a critically acclaimed movie and I can understand why others like it. It’s different from other horrors, and that’s what makes it a special movie to watch.
