When one considers America in the 1600s, the first thought that comes to mind is the devastating witch hunts conducted by puritanical Christians. I remember learning in middle school about the Salem Witch Trials, an awful chapter of our American history. When we look back as these horrible trials and the subsequent murder of those who just didn’t fit in, we take it for granted that it was mass hysteria and a fear-based persecution of others. And yet, what if it wasn’t mass hysteria? What if there really were witches, bent on cursing good folk with Satanic cruelties and hexes? What if your sins could truly made you vulnerable to evil? I invite you to step into the gorgeously stark, and spine-tingling world of The Witch, a phenomenal horror period piece by director, Robert Eggers.
As this is Eggers first full-length feature film, I am impressed. All the basic aspects of solid filmmaking are present and fully accounted for. It’s tight and intimate, efficient and effective, the kind of film that reminds you that you don’t need 100 million dollars to create spine-tingling excitement. The pacing is expertly conducted to keep the tension rising, and as a period piece it holds fast to authenticity.
This movie centers itself around, Thomasin, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, the eldest child and daughter of a troubled but loving family. They are cast out from their community for reasons unknown but related to the prideful nature of the father, William, performed by Ralph Ineson. Along with his pregnant wife, Katherine, played by GoT’s Kate Dickie, their eldest son, Caleb, and fraternal twins, Mercy & Jonas, they strike out and settle down to farm in a small patch of land against an ominous wood. From here, things start to get super creepy and I will say no more about the plot so that you may experience this story first hand.
My favorite aspect of this film is the writing. It’s such a joy to see a movie that actually uses the vocabulary of the era it which tells its story. I am often disappointed when a movie “moderns up” the writing in order to be more accessible to the public. Luckily, this film does no such thing, and you will hear beautiful dialogue true to the 1600s. One particular conversation between father and son on an illicit hunting trip is achingly poetic and Ralph Ineson, delivers the prose with such natural energy, that he became my favorite character upon my second viewing.
To be honest, every cast member pulls through beautifully with a surprisingly intense performance by child actor, Harvey Scrimshaw. He offers nuance and power, a talent so rare in performers of his age that during his big scene, you might find your stomach in knots. Dickie is great, as usual, and her commitment is admirable. Taylor-Joy is wonderful as the central character and carries the movie well.
Adding to the brilliant performances, is the stark and eerie location and set design. The movie takes place mainly outdoors, either within the woods near the family’s farm or inside the family’s humble cabin. The maddening dullness of everyday life for these settlers is only made vibrant by the acts and temptations of evil and the film does a great job of playing with this subtle aspect of storytelling. Wardrobe design is true to the era, as well as the cabin’s furnishings and other such details that add depth to the period piece.
How the film plays with suspense is not anything new, but it’s refreshing to see atmosphere and horror dished up simply and without CGI or a ton of practical effects to force a scare out the audience. The Witch is a scary movie because the intellectual concept of that is happening to the outcast family is terrifying. One is constantly doubting which character to trust even when we know that there is something more sinister at hand. And, the payoff…well, it’s sinfully good, so even if the family drama that frames the horror story doesn’t compel you, hang on! You won’t be disappointed.
As a first time accomplishment by a director, this film is exquisite, and even without taking that into consideration, the movie is just good all around. It doesn’t rely on gags or cheap thrills. This is psychological terror in a beautiful and poetic presentation. Make it a point to check out The Witch when it comes to a theater in your neighborhood, and remember to repent you sins immediately.
Thanks for reading.
Diva Del Mar
