The Witch (2016) | Movie Review

I hope you enjoyed my review of The Witch, written and directed by Robert Eggers, and starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, and Harvey Scrimshawr. Let me know what you think in the comments below, and don't forget to follow me elsewhere on the Internet (links below):

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[ScottGibbs]

Your statement about the family's religious faith contrasted with their lack of faith in each other was a really great observation. I hadn't thought of that!

[airixxxx]

Best horror movie of the last years, for me the dialect is not only a plus but it should be a mandatory thing in period pieces, I cringe seeing things like the Vikings tv show with their contemporary words and expressions, it feels like actors... acting... I can't dive in. This was fantastic, a triumph for the Horror genre!

[rickola]

Great review. I just want to say that no one seems to mention how disturbingly believable the witch is depicted in the film. It is true that this is not a gratuitous blood and gore horror. But boy, they certainly used it well with the witch character. Not only does the introduction of the witch set the tone for the rest of the movie, each of her presence comes like a jolt to the heart just when you are about to think that the pace is getting slow.

[rickytwan]

One of the better horror movies I've seen in a while!

[PaulStrtr]

Just watched this and I loved it. The shots were so beautiful and great acting from the kids. Obviously not everyone likes it but plenty of us do. Can't wait to see what this director does next.

[boolocklock]

This film is absolutely incredible. You're so spot on with how amazing the story and the look of this film is. I love movies like this that rely on tension and suspense to bring in the terror. This was one of my most anticipated as well because it was on my list of Sundance 2015 films I wanted to see coming out of the festival at that time. Robert Eggers really is a director to watch and I can't wait to see what he does next.

[MrUndersolo]

One of the best modern horror films I have seen in a while. Beautiful cinematography, great costumes, perfect music... This is going to be looked back on as a true classic.

[tobytj]

still to this day, one of my fav! Love your review, I totally agree. I'm so tired of cliche jump scares.. this is such an incredible movie.

[jameslyman]

I watched a documentary about the Salem Witch trials here on Youtube shortly before watching the movie, so there were a few things in there that reminded me of it.

[ZachariahTheWitch]

The deterioration of the family and the madness of being isolated from a community really gave the movie a stark and ominous vibe. I was so happy with this film. I haven't left a "scary" movie with a smile on my face in a very long time.

[charlizelugo]

SPOILERS ON THE GOAT
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The goat is satan

[theworldwithoutus]

The witch was a phenomenal piece of film making. Even The jacobean use of language is that little part that sets Robert eggers apart from most directors working today this is a man to watch out for. And saying that I'm hear because of the pure class of the lighthouse

[sam_robinsonk]

Love your perspective on this film, and how you pointed out the theme of faith. Something most reviewers missed, including myself!

[Tullaryx]

I recommend WITCHFINDER GENERAL by Michael Reeves and starring Vincent Price and THE DEVILS by Ken Russell. I just love the cinematography on THE WITCH and at times, the camera work by Jarin Blaschke rivals that of Lubezki's own natural lighting work on THE REVENANT.

[bobbyrebholz]

Most people who claim movies aren't scary either go to the theater and watch them with friends, or never watch them by themselves. The worst thing to do is see horror movies with friends that giggle. Most people giggle and make noise as a coping mechanism for actually being scared. That's why they laugh and make fun of the movie afterward but deep down, are glad they weren't alone.

[YTLawnGnome]

I cannot lie I am kind of terrified about seeing this film. I have no room for sleepless nights at this point.

[nightwalker]

I agree, I loved "The Witch" and noticed the strong acting as well. There's even a point in the film where the Father character is literally shivering, which is something I've only seen Natalie Portman be able to do. I was a little confused about the way the characters spoke as well but very quickly you understand that you don't have to understand every word the characters are saying to get what's going on in the scene so overall even that didn't bother me and the twins are little "scene-stealers!" Another film you might like is "The Lovely Molly." It's not a period-piece like this film, but it has similar tone. Great review!

[juancarlosgonzalez]

Great review! Super excited about this movie. It's (hopefully) coming next week to Mexico and i can't wait! I want to see more horror movies like The Babadook and It Follows, and this looks just as great.

[CravingBooks]

Yes! I watched this film last night and I adored it. I loved the portrayal of witches and how it was very close to myths and folklore at that time -- it was brilliantly done. The ending was wonderful and pretty true to folklore.

The audience at my showing didn't like it in the slightest, which was a pity. They were going on about how they 'wasted' their money and how it was awful. I believe it's due to our expectations in this new age of horror. We expect movies to be something like Paranormal Activity, or Mama, or any other crappy horror movie that I can't recall this insistent :P I loved the slowness, the build-up, and Black Phillip. It was a slow burn but overall LASTING, which is what really matters. I love horror, and I think the elements of horror were used to their fullest in this film. The film has a literary quality, which is why I think readers will love this film.

I have a big obsession with witches, especially the history, so there are so many books that I can recommend, but I'll contain myself haha. Witches, Midwives and Nurses by Barbara Ehrenreich, Witches: History of a Persecution by Nigel Cawthorne, Witchcraft: A Brief History of Demons, Folklore, and Superstition by Lois Martin, Witchcraft and Demonology by Francis X. King, and The History of Witchcraft and Demonology by Montague Summers. Good starting references and I think they're pretty easily attainable.
Great review!

[artridge]

I finally got around to watching this film after enjoying 'The Lighthouse' and 'Northman'. I definitely liked this one a lot and I would say its my second favorite next to The Lighthouse'. My only complaint is that Eggers gives us the opportunity to believe or not believe all the super natural elements are in the family's head... except the scene when Caleb has his run in with the witch. There is no real explanation for that scene not playing out exactly as it did--contrast that with the final scene which can be explained as at least possibly a dream. I think Eggers should have shown more of the Witches tactics... Anyway--nitpicking aside I liked 85- 90% of it.