The Witch

From the get go, an evil presence is set loose on this family, and for the duration of this film, we will see that evil have its way with them. Their faith will be tested, by way of deception, seduction, demonic possession, and violence. There really is a witch in the wood. This isn’t just some surface level exploration of paranoia and religious fanaticism in simpler times. It’s a serious meditation on true wickedness.

Eggers gets everything right in his feature debut. Four years of research went into this film, and it shows. Every detail is perfect. We haven’t seen a more honest and true portrayal of witchcraft since Benjamin Christensen’s 1929 silent film, “Häxan”—a film that I would recommend you watch in preparation for this one. As many other reviewers have said, the film is similar in tone to Kubrick’s “The Shining.”

I’d even compare it to the work of Ingmar Bergman and Roman Polanksi. This is a deliberately paced experience—something that many mainstream audiences have already taken issue with—but this reviewer wouldn’t have it any other way. You can find cheap thrills in the theatre on a weekly basis, and if that’s what you are looking for, skip “The Witch” altogether. This is a different animal, one that burrows its way under the skin.

Also, worthy of mention is the films score by composer, Mark Korven. The music is a masterpiece in its own right, sharing similarities to Penderecki’s post-modern religious works, “Utrenja” and “Magnificat.” The choir screams, hisses, and chants against a horrific backdrop of shrieking string instruments. The music is as much a character in the film as the family at the center of the action.

With his first feature, Eggers has thankfully given us a purely cinematic, uncompromising work that you won’t soon forget. The entire cast of unknowns does fantastic work here, reading from a script that is entirely made up of Old English dialogue. Anya Taylor Joy, Ralph Ineson, Kate Dickie, and Harvey Scrimshaw all stand out in superb performances, and should all be praised. Eggers is one to watch. Do yourself a favor—don’t miss “The Witch.”

I don’t believe the movie ever portrays faith to be the problem for the family, but the paranoia of ultimate damnation, especially for the children, from the stories about the devil and witches being anywhere, without them knowing it creates a dark rift between them. I can’t explain each scenario (there are just too many to explain here), but try watching this movie while keeping in mind that these are very hungry, very scared and possibly suffering from sickness, probably food poisoning, and see their own nightmares as God sent punishment.

And to those who complain that this doesn’t have a happy ending, why should it? This isn’t for good feels. It’s a story of a man whose plan and hopes of a better life just didn’t work from lack of knowledge of how to raise a big family outside civilization and in unknown territory. Which is totally a warning tale of the ages. Remember the Donner Party? Things unfortunate as this DO happen in desperate situations, even when the persons have absolute faith in God.