Review by Kevin ·
Synopsis
In 1630s New England, a puritan family is banished from their community and settles at the edge of a sinister forest. When the family's newborn baby mysteriously disappears, paranoia and suspicion begin devouring the family from within, while dark forces lurk among the trees.
Analysis
The Witch was Robert Eggers' debut and marked the start of 'elevated horror.' The pace is slow, deliberate, almost hypnotic. Eggers rebuilds 17th-century English with obsessive precision that fully immerses you in the era. The natural-light cinematography is hypnotic — every shot looks like a period painting. What's most fascinating is the ambiguity: is it really witchcraft, or the collective madness of a family destroyed by religious fanaticism?
Performances
Anya Taylor-Joy made her debut here and you could already tell she was a force of nature. Her Thomasin is vulnerable, confused, and ultimately liberated. Ralph Ineson as father William conveys that blind faith cracking apart. Kate Dickie as mother Katherine oozes resentment and fear. And Black Phillip became a modern horror icon for a reason.
Final Verdict
4 skulls — it's missing a bit of punch in the second act, but the ending is perfect. Whether the answer to 'is it witchcraft or madness?' matters less than the experience of watching it. A film that isn't for everyone, and that's part of what makes it special.
Final score
4/5 skulls
