Watch the Witch is a 2015 horror film directed by Robert Eggers. The movie is set in 1630s New England and follows a Puritan family who are banished from their community and forced to live on the edge of a sinister forest. The story revolves around the family's descent into paranoia and supernatural occurrences as they face the possibility that their daughter may be possessed by a witch. The cinematography of the film is dark and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the bleakness of the Puritan setting. The use of natural light and minimalistic sets adds to the authenticity and realism of the movie. One of the standout performances in the film is Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Thomasin, the teenage daughter of the family.
The Witch will also be making its way off Netflix next month, exiting on September 16.
A colonial family leaves plantation life and attempts to reap their harvest on a fledgling farm at the edge of an imposing ancient New England forest. From the instant Thomasin played with exemplary restraint by the beautiful Anya Taylor-Joy and her kin are banished from the plantation, the spectre of misfortune and corruption hangs over the film, as thick as a fog, assuredly palpable in its existence.
One of the standout performances in the film is Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Thomasin, the teenage daughter of the family. Taylor-Joy delivers a captivating performance, showcasing both vulnerability and strength as her character grapples with the uncertainty of her own fate. The dialogue in the film is primarily in 17th-century English, adding to the authenticity and immersion of the story.
The Witch (2015)
Winner of the Directing Award at Sundance 2015 for first-timer Robert Eggers, this atmospheric thriller follows a devout family living in the wilderness of 1630 New England (60 years before the Salem witch trials) who fall victim to paranoia and superstition. Stars Anya Taylor-Joy (Split, Thoroughbreds).
"A colonial family leaves plantation life and attempts to reap their harvest on a fledgling farm at the edge of an imposing ancient New England forest. Soon, superstition and dread set in as food grows scarce, a family member goes missing, and the children's play takes on a frenzied and menacing undercurrent. As they begin to turn on one another, the malevolent machinations of an ethereal presence from within the woods exacerbate the growing corruption of their own natures." (Sundance Film Festival)
The script is well-written, with subtle hints and foreshadowing throughout the film that keep the audience engaged. The Witch is more than just a typical horror film – it explores themes of religious fanaticism, superstition, and the fear of the unknown. The movie delves into the psychological and emotional toll that isolation and fear can have on individuals and families. Overall, Watch the Witch is a haunting and atmospheric horror film that explores the darker aspects of human nature and belief systems. With its superb performances and unique storytelling, the movie has gained critical acclaim and has become a favorite among horror enthusiasts..
Reviews for "The Influence of Folklore in 'The Witch' (2015)"
- John - 1 star - I was really disappointed with "The Witch" 2015. I had heard so many great things about it and was excited to watch it, but it ended up being one of the most boring and confusing movies I have ever seen. The slow pace and lack of any real plot made it feel like a chore to sit through. Plus, the ending was so vague and left me with more questions than answers. Overall, I just didn't understand the hype surrounding this film.
- Lisa - 2 stars - "The Witch" 2015 was just not my cup of tea. I found the dialogue to be difficult to understand with the heavy accents and old English language used. It made it hard for me to fully grasp what was going on and connect with the characters. Additionally, I was expecting more scares and horror elements, but instead, it relied too heavily on atmospheric tension, which didn't always work for me. I can see why some people may appreciate the film for its artistry, but it just wasn't for me.
- Ryan - 2 stars - I really wanted to like "The Witch" 2015, but ultimately, I found it to be pretentious and unengaging. The slow pace and lack of any real scares or thrills left me feeling bored and unsatisfied. I appreciate the atmospheric cinematography and the attention to historical accuracy, but those aspects alone couldn't save the film for me. The characters also felt one-dimensional and difficult to connect with, which made it hard for me to care about their plight. Overall, I was disappointed with this highly praised film.