Writer: Robert Eggers (Screenplay)
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, Harvey Scrimshaw, Ellie Grainger, Lucas Dawson, Bathsheba Garnett, Sarah Stephens, Julian Richings
Plot: A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Creepy Thriller
Story: The Witch starts as we see William (Ineson) & Katherine (Dickie) along with their five children Thomasin (Taylor-Joy) Caleb (Scrimshaw), Mercy, Jonas and baby Samuel clash with the town leaving them alone on their farmhouse next to woods. With Winter approaching the family is struggling with the harvest while Thomasin is seeing strange things happening around the farm after baby Sam disappears.
As the family continues with their conflict between whether leaving was right or wrong we see how Thomasin is entering early stages of womanhood as the story of a witch in the woods haunts the family.
The Witch is a horror film I have heard plenty of things about mostly good but I couldn’t help but find myself feeling slightly disappointed with the final story. I am not too keen on this style of sub-genre of horror which doesn’t help myself but as a solo experience it did grab my attention throughout. My problem is that is that this just doesn’t reach the level of potential I could see it get too. The authentic style works to keep everything having a real belief in what is happening but for a final outcome I do feel this needed a final punch.
Actor Review
Anya Taylor-Joy: Thomasin is the eldest daughter of the family, she has to take more responsibility on the farm after Samuel disappears as we see her take her first steps into womanhood. She is strong when it comes to controlling her younger siblings but will have to fight the witch to save her family. Anya is good in this role showing she could be a star in the future.
Ralph Ineson: William is the father of the household, he has made the decision to move his family away from the village and continues to fight to keep them safe against any evil forces. Ralph is good in this role throughout.
Kate Dickie: Katherine is the mother of the family who never really wanted to leave the village, she ends up starting to lose her mind after Samuel is taken questioning all the faith William has put upon the family. Kate does well in this role through the film.
Harvey Scrimshaw: Caleb is the eldest son that is learning to help out around the farm with his father, he finds himself trying to do too much and finding himself at the mercy of the witch in the woods. Harvey is good in this supporting role.
Support Cast: The Witch only has a small supporting cast which is mostly the rest of the family which all do their job well.
Director Review: Robert Eggers – Robert delivers in atmosphere, and tension building which is what the film is aiming for but for actual scares falls slightly short.
Horror: The Witch is mostly atmospheric horror without enough scares happening.
Mystery: The Witch does offer us a mystery as to what is happening to our family.
Settings: The Witch uses the authentic settings to make us feel like we are part of the film.
Special Effects: The Witch has great effects when needed without going overboard with them.
Suggestion: The Witch is one for all the horror fans to try, it is a slow film and if you want just mindless horror this won’t be for you. (Horror Fans Try It)
Best Part: Tension being built up.
Worst Part: Final Outcome.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Budget: $3.5 Million
Runtime: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Tagline: A New-England Folktale
Overall: Good horror that has plenty of good things going for it but not enough for my personal preference.
Rating