Review #15 - The Witch (2016)
Living deliciously nearly ten years on
Total Score: 18/23.
When I first rated The VVitch (2016) it received a score of 1 in the ‘Big in Horror Circles’ category. In the time since it’s rocketed up to 3 – an essential film, up there with The Exorcist (1973). Some would call the movie a modern Horror staple, and I’m inclined to agree.
This was my first Eggers film, and I loved it. If you were to ask me now, I’d say The Lighthouse (2019) might be better, but regardless, it was The VVitch that started me on my journey. It’s one of the better modern folk horrors out there and definitely holds up on a rewatch.
The scripting and casting are brilliant. Eggers is famed for his authenticity and keen eye for detail. I’d love to read some academic articles on the dialogue and fashion to see just how well done it is, because it certainly feels thoroughly researched. Anya-Taylor Joy is perfect as Thomasin, whom you feel simultaneously angry and sad for. She’s a compelling protagonist. Everyone delivers a strong performance, but I particularly enjoy the grim demeanour of Ralph Ineson, who is to blame for a lot of the disasters that take place throughout the narrative. The twins are obviously horrible, which is great, and the eponymous Witch (although, it could be argued the title is referencing Thomasin) is wonderfully repulsive. Her pasting the baby is gut-churning stuff.
Speaking of guts, the FX are really quite good. The goring and the aforementioned stuff with the baby are super effective snippets of horror. There are also plenty of chilling moments with no violence at all. The possession stands out, as do the various scenes with Black Philip (who honestly is the least exciting element of the film, which tells you a lot about how solid the rest of it is). The film’s final scenes, while apparently divisive, are truly splendid. It is a fun and satisfying ending to an otherwise grim and bleak film and leaves you feeling sated.
Thematically and cinematographically the film is interesting and feels like it was made by and for nerds. The limited setpieces stand out, generating unease and paranoia that eats away at the viewer.
In summary, The Witch (2016) is fun and easy watching, and a thoroughly creative and at times pretty nasty horror to boot. It has some rich themes and narratives to dive into, and some stellar performances.
Anyway, as ever, thanks for reading,
Until next time,
H.E.
Totally agreed with you, The Witch is great, but The Lighthouse has since become a favorite. Eggers does so much with so little: slow-burn, a single setting, or limited settings, austere story elements, few cast members. And leaving you to fill in blanks is a brilliant tactic from old-school horror films. Don't show us the devil: make him eclectic in style, dress, voice, like a reject from the 3 Musketeers with bells on his shoes and a seductive whisper
Such parity in reactions when this came out. I frigging love it. Cool commentary here, Harry.