The Witch

8

Clarky96Feb 28, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The Witch didn't exactly terrify me, but that's okay because I don't think that was the point. The film is marketed as an incredibly disturbing horror film set in the 1600s, which kind of misrepresents it to some degree. If you go into this film expecting the next Exorcist, you will be truly disappointed because it's not exactly like. The Witch feels more like a period piece that's a historical commentary on religious hysteria and the dark side of witchcraft.

In The Witch, a Puritan family is banished to the edge of a large forest which happens to be home to a repulsive witch (my apologies to the actress playing her) and supernatural things begin to happen which tear the family apart. Eventually, everyone bar the main character Thomasin dies and then Thomasin makes a pact with Satan and joins the witches. An ending which has mystified and, strangely, angered many movie-goers. The ending is representative of Thomasin's desperation. If she didn't make the pact, her options were to risk going back to the plantation on foot, a journey that would take her several days on foot in addition to her possibly being tried as a witch if she was to explain the events that transpired on the farm. Or she could stay on the farm and starve to death. If I was in her shoes, I'd do the same thing.

The film, however, does have it's roots firmly planted in the horror genre despite this fact through its usage of truly disturbing imagery. Samuel being turned into "flying ointment" at the very beginning sets the bleak tone of film incredibly. The family gradually tearing itself apart is a consistent theme that is executed excellently during the films tight one hour and thirty minute run-time. Other events such as Caleb's seduction and subsequent possession in addition to the creepy twins being, well, creepy twins helps the film fulfill it's promises of being a horror movie. The use of lighting to conceal the witch is a brilliant touch, we never see her face in broad daylight except for one scene where she assumes a younger (and FAR better looking form) simply to seduce Caleb. In a scene where the witch appears at nighttime in the stables to startle the twins and Thomasin, her face is concealed by the shadows of night. This shot preys on our fear of the unknown and elevates the film into its status of critically acclaimed.

I feel like The Witch's biggest flaw is just how radical it is. This is definitely a film that the common moviegoer will not understand, hence why many reviewers have given it a low score. In addition to this, the marketing portrays the film as more grandiose than it is, confusing any audience members (like me) who followed the marketing. Overall, the film is great for what it is, but as stated before, don't raise the bar too high.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

8

ScarlettMiNov 24, 2016

There are a lot of elements here that work towards making The VVitch deeply unsettling: The isolation and emptiness of the setting. The slight wrongness of the animals and the woods. The fantastic performances and dialog that feels likeThere are a lot of elements here that work towards making The VVitch deeply unsettling: The isolation and emptiness of the setting. The slight wrongness of the animals and the woods. The fantastic performances and dialog that feels like they're out of another time. I'm incredibly impressed that this was Robert Eggers' first feature film. He really creates an intense sense of dread and foreboding that lingers over the whole movie.

The movie didn't just work on the one level, however, and when it wasn't being an unsettling horror film, it was an engaging historical drama and a disturbing psychological thriller. This wasn't a movie that relied on simply scaring the audience with some jumps (or if it did, I've since forgotten them). Eggers let a long shot of a still wood or a close up of a goat worm its way into the audience's minds to create a lasting impression.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

DeanomiteJan 9, 2020

It is hard to put a finger on what makes this so good, maybe it is the natural lighting or the use of actual lore, period specific language helps-like Shakespeare but intelligible, that's what made the Wire so good-they spoke their ownIt is hard to put a finger on what makes this so good, maybe it is the natural lighting or the use of actual lore, period specific language helps-like Shakespeare but intelligible, that's what made the Wire so good-they spoke their own language and you have to translate internally . It feels like a Bergman film in the best possible way. Great directors have actors they gravitate towards, I have seen Ana Taylor Joy in other movies but never as effective as she is in this, these two need to work together more.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

drone41Feb 9, 2018

Maybe one of the best horror movies i've ever seen. Good actors, and really nice directing and atmosphere in whole movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

LegitSaltFeb 25, 2020

Touted by some critics as the best horror film of the decade (I disagree, Robert Eggers’ debut film manages to accomplish exactly what it seeks to do, i.e. be a Puritan period piece and horror film. This is the second, and (spoilers) not theTouted by some critics as the best horror film of the decade (I disagree, Robert Eggers’ debut film manages to accomplish exactly what it seeks to do, i.e. be a Puritan period piece and horror film. This is the second, and (spoilers) not the last film on the list from A24, certainly a testament to the quality of their films, although not everything they have a hand in turns out great. Throughout The Witch and later in The Lighthouse Eggers establishes his unrivalled talent at building atmosphere. For this film, Eggers manages to use less to create more: the sparse dialogue, the sporadic yet well-crafted small set pieces, and the colour grading all come together to create a believably Puritanical world within the film. When it comes to acting, the children and adults all provide believable performances but my favourite, and I am biased in this regard, is that of Anya Taylor-Joy. Her performance and how it changes throughout her character arc helped sell the movie’s atmosphere. The Witch succeeds where many other films have failed, The Witch presents its audience with the occult, a historically murky world, and manages to create a work that explores not only the stigmas of the past but also of today.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

benskylerhillMay 30, 2018

It’s a shame that many films today just aren’t marketed the way they ought to be. The Witch has been lambasted by audiences for its sluggish pace and lack of pulse-pounding scares, but these people just don’t understand that it’s not supposedIt’s a shame that many films today just aren’t marketed the way they ought to be. The Witch has been lambasted by audiences for its sluggish pace and lack of pulse-pounding scares, but these people just don’t understand that it’s not supposed to be a straight-up startle-fest horror movie. The Witch is a slow-burning, eerily disturbing period-piece psychological thriller, and it’s brilliant. It really got under my skin.

This is Robert Eggers’ directorial debut and his screenplay and direction style are beyond impressive. The dialogue is true to the 17th century setting and it builds a very convincing family dynamic between the characters that makes the tragedy that unfolds throughout the story so much more heartbreaking and distressing. The musical score is phenomenal, providing music only when necessary and it always comes in at just the right moments to add weight to the story’s darkest moments.

The way the film is shot is mostly spectacular, with each frame boasting vibrant colours and smooth camerawork that sets up the proper tone and tension of the scene being captured. However, there are some scenes in which a conflict happens where the editing makes it difficult to know what’s going on, and that took me out of what should have been the most intense parts of the story.

The story is one that’s ambiguous and thought-provoking. There are many questions that are left completely unanswered at the end of the film, and that’s how it’s supposed to be. If that bothers you, this movie isn’t for you. Some of the loose ends bothered me, others didn’t. But regardless, the uncertainty is what makes The Witch so unsettling. I’m glad that Eggers trusts his audience enough to let them figure the story out on their own. The Witch is an ambitious film, and it packs a lot into its 90 minutes. It’s an intelligent commentary on hopelessness and family while also being a very creepy supernatural thriller, and it’s one that still has a hold on my mind.

Story: 8
Acting: 8.5
Script: 9
Visuals/Sound: 8
Entertainment Value: 9

OVERALL SCORE: 8.5/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

GrantD243Sep 10, 2018

The Good: - Doesn't rely on jump scares, but instead just casually crawls inside of you and lays an egg of creepiness. - Doesn't hold back. A lot of horror movies will cut away during some of the more questionable scenes. The Witch showsThe Good: - Doesn't rely on jump scares, but instead just casually crawls inside of you and lays an egg of creepiness. - Doesn't hold back. A lot of horror movies will cut away during some of the more questionable scenes. The Witch shows pretty much everything. - This actually works as a period piece (apart from the part where there's a witch in the woods) as well, since the characters actually talk like they did back then. - It may be a slow burn, but the final 30 minutes or so make it all worth it.

The Bad:
- I wish we got to see more of the Witch. - None of the characters are particularly likable, and because of this I wasn't really worried about them when stuff starts to go wrong.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

zNeverSleepingOct 26, 2020

"Corruption, thou art my father!"

The Witch é um filme atmosférico, com uma excelente direção de arte, fotografia e figurino. A mixagem de sim funciona bem nos momentos de tensão, sabendo como aumentar os sons gradativamente até o ápice. Os"Corruption, thou art my father!"

The Witch é um filme atmosférico, com uma excelente direção de arte, fotografia e figurino. A mixagem de sim funciona bem nos momentos de tensão, sabendo como aumentar os sons gradativamente até o ápice. Os sons binaurais também funcionam bem.

O elenco entrega o que é necessário. É difícil destacar, visto que toda família está bem, mas meus favoritos foram Anya Taylor-Joy e Ralph Ineson.

A tensão é construída desde a primeira cena. A caracterização da família e da floresta ajuda muito a causar uma sensação incomoda. E falando em caracterização, o trabalho da produção como um todo está excelente, visto que o conceito de bruxa foi muito bem explorado aqui, mas de uma forma introvertida. Basicamente, eles trabalham em ditados e lendas populares, o que não é uma tarefa fácil. As cenas mais pesadas da obra funcionaram bastante comigo, exceto o final. Acredito que o filme queria me passar uma sensação mais impactante, mas ainda assim não foi o suficiente. Talvez o longa exigisse que houvesse uma fobia para que o final funcionasse mais como algo "impactante".

Audio: English, with Portuguese subtitles. Zenfone Earphones [5.1]
Quality: 4K HDR [Bluray]… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

MilitiaRobboJan 17, 2020

I'm pretty hard to please, I find most horrors pretty pathetic and I'm extremely hard to creep out, but The Witch was great, it didn't quite creep me out but it was very eerie.. Only thing that comes close to creeping me out as much have beenI'm pretty hard to please, I find most horrors pretty pathetic and I'm extremely hard to creep out, but The Witch was great, it didn't quite creep me out but it was very eerie.. Only thing that comes close to creeping me out as much have been Exorcist, The Wailing, Hereditary and The Ring.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

MaxwooMar 26, 2022

The concept is simple but masterfully accomplished, and Robert Eggers' debut features a slow but measured narrative pace, a dark palette and an ominous soundtrack, and the stunning Anya Taylor-Joy.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

Ponds98Nov 10, 2022

A shining pearl of a movie, not too much long with a great directory that never leave you bored thanks to the anxiety.
The cast gave an incredible effort in the acting, especially the kid, and the music is perfectly creepy.
That ending wasA shining pearl of a movie, not too much long with a great directory that never leave you bored thanks to the anxiety.
The cast gave an incredible effort in the acting, especially the kid, and the music is perfectly creepy.
That ending was even better and original, overall a very good entry for Eggers in the world of filmakers… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

LumdogOct 17, 2021

Director Robert Eggers respects the audience to form their own interpretations of the film. It's a very intelligent film full of allegories and imagery; and drips with creepy atmosphere. I was captivated the entire time. This probablyDirector Robert Eggers respects the audience to form their own interpretations of the film. It's a very intelligent film full of allegories and imagery; and drips with creepy atmosphere. I was captivated the entire time. This probably explains its low audience score, there is nothing typical or standard about this film. Anya Taylor-Joy needs a special mention; in her breakout role she is simply outstanding.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

dario12Sep 7, 2021

The Witch is one very good atmospferic movie with some great looking cinematography and some creepy scenes that will stay in my memory for some time.
Story to me here was rather good and some tension building up and unsetteling vibe was shownThe Witch is one very good atmospferic movie with some great looking cinematography and some creepy scenes that will stay in my memory for some time.
Story to me here was rather good and some tension building up and unsetteling vibe was shown in very effective way.
Characters were very releatable and I was able to feel symphaty towards them.
Cinematography was very strong and it gived film bigger dose of quality.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

StoryLover7Jan 11, 2022

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really liked the film. It reminded me of Midsommar at the end because in both of them there is a young woman that loses everything while previously mistreated and then joins a cult (coven) to find meaning and power. The atmosphere, story and acting were amazing. This indeed is a movie that inspires thought and depicts desparation and cluelessnes that were plaguing the 17th century England, although they have not left the world even today.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

8

zach_grechMay 29, 2022

This movie is extremely interesting and an excellent directorial debut. The atmosphere and cinematography are both excellent. The tension and characters are also really great and compelling. The pacing is the main issue of the film as someThis movie is extremely interesting and an excellent directorial debut. The atmosphere and cinematography are both excellent. The tension and characters are also really great and compelling. The pacing is the main issue of the film as some scenes feel very slow.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

DirigiblePulpJul 29, 2016

Creepy and authentic. There's a lot to like here, but also that nagging sense of too much control and restraint. The best horror movies feel like they can careen out of control at any second, like you're in the hands of a madman--even whenCreepy and authentic. There's a lot to like here, but also that nagging sense of too much control and restraint. The best horror movies feel like they can careen out of control at any second, like you're in the hands of a madman--even when the movie is sly and subtle and restrained, i.e. Halloween or Alien--but that's not quite the case here. It's fussy and temperamental; the eye for horror without any of the feeling.

But there are scenes that conjure some of that black magic (including a nasty opening scene involving the titular hag and a kidnapped baby) and a great sense of place and space with strong performances all around.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

StevieGJDMar 2, 2016

This is not really a horror movie, though there are some very disturbing images. It is also not a movie that people who want clean resolutions and happy endings will appreciate. The cinematography offers the viewer a bleak and ratherThis is not really a horror movie, though there are some very disturbing images. It is also not a movie that people who want clean resolutions and happy endings will appreciate. The cinematography offers the viewer a bleak and rather desolate glimpse into isolated frontier life, albeit from an earlier time period. The acting is pretty strong. The complications and tragedy which befall the purposefully isolated family ranges from uncomfortable to disturbing to rather silly and overwrought. Still, it is not the typical film of this genre and there was a strong attempt to do something different. I was really on the fence about rating this. I suspect that very religious people will be offended and horror movie buffs will be greatly disappointed. It is thoughtful and accepting of the supernatural being real, which will surely disturb and anger some. There is not a tremendous amount of character development, just bad and unfair things happening to people. This will not be everyone's cup of tea,… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

All this user's reviews

7

treki999Feb 22, 2016

The movie was like the "The Visit" for me. Potentially a great movie but the writing or editing makes the storyline a little disjointed or swiss cheese like. I would wait for video or a cheap theatre. It was visually a great story and theThe movie was like the "The Visit" for me. Potentially a great movie but the writing or editing makes the storyline a little disjointed or swiss cheese like. I would wait for video or a cheap theatre. It was visually a great story and the actors were all good.… Expand

3 of 7 users found this helpful34

All this user's reviews

7

TheQuietGamerSep 4, 2016

A family turned against itself. Set upon by an evil in the woods as well as in their very own home. The Witch is very much a parable of human cruelty. How simple ignorance and fear can bring out people's worst qualities. It also stands as aA family turned against itself. Set upon by an evil in the woods as well as in their very own home. The Witch is very much a parable of human cruelty. How simple ignorance and fear can bring out people's worst qualities. It also stands as a stunning recreation of a past era.

From the way the dialog is written to the attention to detail in the costumes and setting, the colonial era has been masterfully brought to life onscreen. The acting is perfect and the story is bleak and moody. An excellent soundtrack sets the tone. The beautiful way the movie is shot and handled make it part art film. The plot touches on themes like religious intolerance and the potential danger religion could have on the weak minded.

It captures the effects a constant struggle to control one's "sinful nature" can have on a person's sanity. One of the movie's biggest aspects is the time period it's set in. It's depiction of the people of that era's struggle to constantly subdue themselves and their incredible fear that simply slipping up in some way would lead God to cast them into hell is powerful.

Yet, for all it's themes and messages this horror movie has one key flaw that almost sinks the whole thing; it's just not scary. Dark and affecting, yes, just not scary. I get that the real horror comes from the undertones as opposed to what is on the surface, and it certainly is a grim affair, but never once no matter how I looked under the surface of the events was I faced with any sense of fear. A darn shame for a horror film that succeeds so well in just about every other aspect.

The Witch is still worth watching though. Perhaps not for those looking for big thrills and chills like you would see in horror films like Sinister or the Insidious series as this is a remarkably slow and silent film by comparison. It's not one to watch in order to be terrified. It's one you want to watch to see the genre at it's most original. You can pull a lot from the tone, atmosphere, and connotations. The movie is just as much about this family's inner struggle as it is their outer one. Maybe even more so. However no matter what you pull from it, none of it is really scary. More haunting. As a result it's successful as a mature, artistic horror film, but not one that will keep you up at night, no matter how sinister and true to life it's themes may be.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

7

csw12Apr 18, 2016

The cinematography, landscapes and music make for one creepy, dreary, disturbing movie. The Witch isn't all that scary when you watch it, only when you start to think about it afterwards does it get to you.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

7

georgioApr 20, 2016

I sat a little bit before writing this review. The Witch is a very weird movie. It has great upsides but also very damning downsides. The pluses: scenery, acting, atmosphere. Downsides: lack of any meaningful story or bringing some kind ofI sat a little bit before writing this review. The Witch is a very weird movie. It has great upsides but also very damning downsides. The pluses: scenery, acting, atmosphere. Downsides: lack of any meaningful story or bringing some kind of conclusion or meaning to dialogues or things that happen in the story.

Now I get that the movie contains some hidden contexts that may be caught on by attentive viewer. I think that some people may be satisfied by "getting" one or two hints. For me it was not enough. I just cannot get past the nonexistent story. I felt as if I can fast forward and start watching the movie from any point without missing much.

But ultimately this is a weird one. If you want to watch this movie several times and scan for hints of things happening you will like it. If you are into nice camera shots of nature and if you want to see good actors expressing emotions and playing their given role well you will be satisfied. If you expect good story or some character development you will not get what you want.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

7

saucyninja007Feb 20, 2016

Do NOT see this film if you are expecting a typical horror film. This is a Sundance film. There won't be jumpscares or anything like that. The movie is really more of a period piece drama with psychological horror. The purpose isn't to freakDo NOT see this film if you are expecting a typical horror film. This is a Sundance film. There won't be jumpscares or anything like that. The movie is really more of a period piece drama with psychological horror. The purpose isn't to freak you out but instead to explore themes such as paranoia, faith, and sin. The ending has proven to be very divisive. I wasn't wowed but I wasn't disappointed either. The acting is top notch, especially when it comes to the child actors, and it is shot better than most "horror" movies. See it if you are interested in a well made drama with some creepy elements.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

All this user's reviews

7

arunscriptMay 4, 2016

If your brand of horror is blood/gore and jump scares (as is the case with most Americans these days), you'll not like this movie. The 0-4 reviews are unfounded. I found this movie to be pretty good - there is a palpable sense of dread thatIf your brand of horror is blood/gore and jump scares (as is the case with most Americans these days), you'll not like this movie. The 0-4 reviews are unfounded. I found this movie to be pretty good - there is a palpable sense of dread that runs throughout the movie. I wouldn't say that this is a GREAT movie or anything but it is definitely a good one. There are plenty of disturbing scenes in the movie - if you experience these in the context of the movie and within the realms of what this story is about, it is pretty unsettling. However, if you're the sort whose threshold for scares has been upped by the likes of slasher movies, you'll probably not be as affected. Once again - good movie for sure.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

7

sanyrubDec 29, 2016

One of the best horror-mistery films of the year. It breaths rawness and a different type of story for the genre. The performances are good and at times it makes you feel scared or "uncomfortable" at the very least. The final revelation ofOne of the best horror-mistery films of the year. It breaths rawness and a different type of story for the genre. The performances are good and at times it makes you feel scared or "uncomfortable" at the very least. The final revelation of what was going on is a good pay-off. Special mention to the cinamatography, perfectly in sync with the story they want to tell. A must see for the genre lovers.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

riaan_radioheadMay 24, 2016

The Witch is an extremely well made art-house horror film that borrows heavy influence from recent masterpieces from the menacing gothic horror atmospherics of Paul Thomas Anderson's 'There will be Blood' to the religious overtones ofThe Witch is an extremely well made art-house horror film that borrows heavy influence from recent masterpieces from the menacing gothic horror atmospherics of Paul Thomas Anderson's 'There will be Blood' to the religious overtones of Michael Haneke's 'White Ribbon' though this first time directors work cannot nearly match up to those remarkable films in substance. Crisply framed, good cinematography and rewarding climax aside, The Witch has less meat on its bone than you would expect… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

All this user's reviews

7

jalbarran0000Feb 24, 2016

I agree that this movie is a horror masterpiece. Very suspenseful, a little confusing because of the accents of the actors. It definitely stays with you long after you leave the theater. I want to see it again, now that I know how it ends.I agree that this movie is a horror masterpiece. Very suspenseful, a little confusing because of the accents of the actors. It definitely stays with you long after you leave the theater. I want to see it again, now that I know how it ends. You don't need cheap scares to be considered as a horror flick. The entire movie is a mind trip.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

All this user's reviews

7

brohugFeb 21, 2016

Come for the horror, stay for the history. A Puritan Panic Room, the film opens with a family banished from the protections afforded by a New England colony, presumably for whatever crazy-ass rumors were leveled against the prideful patriarchCome for the horror, stay for the history. A Puritan Panic Room, the film opens with a family banished from the protections afforded by a New England colony, presumably for whatever crazy-ass rumors were leveled against the prideful patriarch William. The young family reboot their pious pioneering efforts on a new tract of land, but they have some company deep in the gnarly, tangled woods by their new farm.

It's an interesting premise that seems like it should have been mined long ago: Indulge the viewer in the notion that there was something supernatural behind some of the witch trials back then. A good part of the film looks and feels like it could be a new adaptation of The Crucible. The drab clothing, the spartan furnishings, the farm construction all look authentic in studious detail.

The Witch largely avoids the tropes of modern horror cinema and jolts are kept to a minimum. The suspense plays out methodically almost to a fault. This movie may one day be shown in college History classes rather than Film Studies.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

jim_taltontishFeb 20, 2016

I won't dispute that this movie is enjoyable and a little creepy. However, it's being proclaimed a horror masterpiece. This is not even a sliver as scary as "The Exorcist." It's beautiful to look at, well-acted, and has a good musicalI won't dispute that this movie is enjoyable and a little creepy. However, it's being proclaimed a horror masterpiece. This is not even a sliver as scary as "The Exorcist." It's beautiful to look at, well-acted, and has a good musical score. It's one of those movies that many film critics and industry insiders really seem to appreciate. Many actual consumers who are horror fans will be left asking those critics, "How out of touch are you?" I haven't been this disappointed with a film critic darling pick for horror since "A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night." Both are good films, but way too much hype on the fear factor.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

All this user's reviews

7

Unladenswallow0Mar 16, 2016

Generally quite creepy, and very disturbing in places. It gets you on edge. You see this plantation era, god fearing family turn against one another one by one, its hard to watch in places. It genuinely deserves the description of unnerving.Generally quite creepy, and very disturbing in places. It gets you on edge. You see this plantation era, god fearing family turn against one another one by one, its hard to watch in places. It genuinely deserves the description of unnerving. Even the damn goats were creepy, how does that happen? Anyway, goats aside i thought this movie was a good horror film, with very unique cinematography, and a totally new spin on the worn out cliche story of the witch in the woods.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

7

badgerryan19May 19, 2017

Very entertaining. Great acting, engaging story, stellar score. It does have some slower parts but the final act is fantastic. This is not for everyone, but it is a gem in horror movies today.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

RvwFromUpHereMar 8, 2016

I am going to walk through the entire movie and explain everything that actually happens. Based on reading this, it is unlikely you will have a desire to see this movie, so stop here if you so wish, or just take my word for it that this movieI am going to walk through the entire movie and explain everything that actually happens. Based on reading this, it is unlikely you will have a desire to see this movie, so stop here if you so wish, or just take my word for it that this movie is definitely worth a watch. Okay, here is The Witch at face value. The movie starts with a family of 7 being kicked out of a puritan community because...well I have no idea why they were kicked out, they speak in this crazy language that sounds like drunk Shakespeare. Dost thou barter a pic sixpense for me ninny? Is something that was said during this movie. So the family drives this wagon (that totally looks like it's going to fall over) out of Jamestown or Boston or some s*** and drive it to a field where they're gonna start new lives. The father builds a house and other manly s*** while the daughter plays peekaboo with the family baby. She closes her eye for like 4 seconds and loses the baby. Horrible babysitter. The family moves on, because you know, back in those days like 80% of babies died. Anyway, The father and eldest son go hunting and try to shoot a rabbit, but the rabbit looks at them menacingly and his gun jams and something flies in his eyes, which are unaffected for the rest of the film. Then the boy and father get home and the two youngest children are playing with the family goat. The next morning the boy wants to go hunting but his older sister won't let him go alone and so she goes with him. After like a mile the girl falls off of the family horse and the boy goes on without her and makes out with this hot but clearly evil woman who came out of a tree. The girl wakes up and runs home to tell the family, later that night the boy teleports back to the home completely naked. The eldest daughter is accused of being a witch because the naked boy who was left out in the rain won't wake up. Then he wakes up and it turns out he was just choking on a gross apple. Then he re enacts what would appear to be an entire performance of Macbeth before dying. The Father thinks a witch killed his son and does what every rational parent would do, and locks every one of his 3 remaining children in sheds outside. He then stays outside and prays while eating dirt. Meanwhile, a crow goes in to motor boat the mother. Morning comes, the family goat kills the father, the two youngest children vanish and the mother tries to kill her only remaining child. The eldest daughter stabs the mother, goes to nap in a shed, wakes up to talk to the devil, then goes into the woods where tons of tastefully nude women are dancing and flying. The end. That's the movie, but you have to believe me...it's worth a watch.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

7

QuietGiantFeb 21, 2016

Wanted to love it after the excellent trailer, didn't quite live up to those hopes but still a decent film. It's not really a frightening piece so much as an unsettling one. There are a lot of beautiful elements here (cinematography,Wanted to love it after the excellent trailer, didn't quite live up to those hopes but still a decent film. It's not really a frightening piece so much as an unsettling one. There are a lot of beautiful elements here (cinematography, production values, solid performances, score), but somehow the sum is a bit less than its individual parts.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

All this user's reviews

7

Laurie_LouMay 6, 2016

Over-praised by some, but completely misunderstood by others. It's an artistic film that's supposed to inspire thought, NOT a cheap horror. If you're expecting thrills and jump-scares and action, this is not the film for you. The imagery isOver-praised by some, but completely misunderstood by others. It's an artistic film that's supposed to inspire thought, NOT a cheap horror. If you're expecting thrills and jump-scares and action, this is not the film for you. The imagery is particularly terrifying; I don't think I've ever seen a convincingly 'scary' forest portrayed quite so effectively before. Saying that, there were a few 'scary' moments I couldn't help but find funny- a certain character's vicious demise could so easily be featured in a funny home movie compilation if it lacked the blood.
The language is a huge barrier, most will find, but it was painstakingly researched by the writer and is incredibly accurate for the time, so I can't complain too much, although subtitles would've been nice. You have to appreciate the effort that went into this movie, because it could so easily have been done badly. There's no real predictability, which is refreshing in a horror genre, and the ending was particularly satisfying. But I never found the movie truly 'scary' in the sense that I was covering my eyes or biting my nails, but maybe that's okay, because sometimes 'eerie' is just as unsettling as outright blood and guts.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

7

JonZsuJul 19, 2016

There is not a horror film that is as authentic as The Witch in decades. All the elements of a classic horror film was presented elegantly this time, which is quite remarkable. The Witch offered more to the audiences who just needed to beThere is not a horror film that is as authentic as The Witch in decades. All the elements of a classic horror film was presented elegantly this time, which is quite remarkable. The Witch offered more to the audiences who just needed to be scared with a scrumptious folklore that's both haunting and classic.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

luke100Jan 9, 2018

I wish I didn't expect a horror going into this movie. It's a stunningly made period movie, with incredible attention to detail, language and acting. Consistently keeps you engaged in the family dynamics and is overall thrilling to watch.I wish I didn't expect a horror going into this movie. It's a stunningly made period movie, with incredible attention to detail, language and acting. Consistently keeps you engaged in the family dynamics and is overall thrilling to watch. Buuuuut it's not scary at all.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

amheretojudgeMay 20, 2019

Robert pitches the idea to Anya and Anya, well.. brings the dead alive.

The VVithch: A New-England Folktale Eggers respects the rituals and in return the rituals him. By the time you are done with the film, you ought to have some faith inRobert pitches the idea to Anya and Anya, well.. brings the dead alive.

The VVithch: A New-England Folktale

Eggers respects the rituals and in return the rituals him. By the time you are done with the film, you ought to have some faith in these folks. The writer and director Robert Eggers having confessed that it is adapted after going through tons of tales and rumors and history of such themes, he has narrowed it down to a gripping family drama. Yes, a family drama. It may resemble with Nicholas Hytner's The Crucible, but before that it is about a family trying to get over from the past and heal themselves from the wounds rather than reminisce about it.

But when something so powerful and unknown casts his or her eye on the weak, there is very little time to fight back. And the family struggling with the outer threat, Eggers takes us through all the perspective, decisions and attempts they pull off to survive in this mayhem. That very middle act, is the best part of the film. You feel claustrophobic as the loved ones turns against each other and enraged when your host is put on trial.

Pointing fingers at each other, blaming at each other, we, as an audience, are also kept under the curtains, which not only teases our brains but our emotions too as we wish it to not go the way, that we have always feared, up till then. And Anya Taylor Joy at the centre of this family crisis, is giving her best as the character and actor, embracing the evil side of her and succumbing to the softer absorbing aspect, she spices up this formula, a long before it grasps a proper pace. The VVitch: A New England Folktale is English, is new, is Witch-y, is horrifying, promising and spectacularly painted with gore visuals that are definitely not for weak hearts.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

FalaaxApr 23, 2018

This film succeeds to put a dark and tense atmosphere right from the beginning till the last seconds. However it is really slow paced and it kind of lost me sometimes. I'd still recommend it though.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

AJ_13Apr 1, 2022

Simple in its story, complex in its staging. Anya Taylor-Joy and Ralph Ineson are stellar.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

7

rmurray847Aug 10, 2023

THE WITCH is a tough movie to dislike, even as it is a tough movie to get through. It suffers from the curse of many otherwise good horror movies (such as IT FOLLOWS)...the ending stinks. Frankly, it does seem tough to find good endings toTHE WITCH is a tough movie to dislike, even as it is a tough movie to get through. It suffers from the curse of many otherwise good horror movies (such as IT FOLLOWS)...the ending stinks. Frankly, it does seem tough to find good endings to supernatural stories...once you see the horror before you, it somehow becomes less than the dread building up to it. Good horror movies and bad horror movies often suffer from it. It's a "short story" problem. By this, I mean...think about some of the great short stories you've read in your life. Many of them end with abrupt, surprise endings (OCCURRENCE ON OWL CREEK BRIDGE) or perhaps just sort of end (50% of modern day short stories). So you've invested 20 minutes of your time in a just so-so story. Or maybe the surprise ending is abrupt, but it's fun given how little of your time you've given up. You enjoyed the prose, and then the ending wasn't too great...but overall, you're content with the time you spent. NOW, turn that around....you've spend $20+ dollars for the pair of movie tickets. Maybe you bought snacks. You sat in the dark for 90+ minutes. And for 88 minutes, you were having a pretty good time, then suddenly the movie ends. BLAIR WITCH, THE LAST EXORCISM, etc. etc. NOW you feel cheated and disappointed. And for me, THE WITCH fell into this trap, and for that it should get a 2 star rating, perhaps.

But, the building of atmosphere and dread is top notch. Some truly creepy and disturbing things happen. The movie is set in puritanical times, and follows a family that is SO puritanical, that they've been kicked out of town!! Dad is the fanatic, and of course his wife and children follow along. They build a house and homestead near a forest, and almost immediately, weird stuff starts to happen. I won't describe it all, but much involves animals and VERY creepy younger siblings. The story is told mostly through the eyes of the oldest daughter, a girl on the edge of "womanhood" (to use a somewhat icky cliche). I put it this way, because her own father mistrusts his daughter when he sees she's growing up. He believes we are all sinful, and women especially are not to be trusted. So when bad things start happening, who does he blame first? Anyway, the atmosphere is awesomely done, and the acting is really top notch. These are fairly inexperienced performers, but they do very, very well. And when all hell finally starts to break loose, you feel pretty bad for some of the things that start happening to these people...as alien and extreme as they may seem.

And really, the entire setting and time of the film is well done. I felt that the details of everyday life, the set and costume design, etc. was all really excellent. Low budget, but never cheap. Cinematography was good. The minimal special effects were good. Only the sound mix seemed off...but I can't say if that was the theater's fault or the film. But sometimes I had a hard time understanding everyone. But I really appreciated the feeling of immersion, not just in a creepy atmosphere but into a world that felt real yet unfamiliar. This was an extra touch that really made me respond to the film. I give it four stars, but would hesitate to recommend to anyone. It's slow moving (VERY) and it disappoints with its ending. For me, the other parts of the film overcame all that. But I can EASILY see that this would not be the case for other viewers. I will probably watch it again after the blu-ray is released...but I bet I'll watch it alone.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

YetAnotherScottMar 13, 2016

Disappointing! The initial incident gets this off to a great start, and THEN....really nothing else brings back the anticipation I felt at the start. The possession scene was interesting and the twins were enjoyable. The acting of theDisappointing! The initial incident gets this off to a great start, and THEN....really nothing else brings back the anticipation I felt at the start. The possession scene was interesting and the twins were enjoyable. The acting of the children was not too bad. I guess my greatest disappointment is that there was so much that could have been done to make the movie good...or even great...but they failed to do it. They failed to take us there. They failed to make it worth the $8.50 one paid.

In a word, "meh".… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

6

jlplattenFeb 22, 2016

This movie is overrated by the critics. I do appreciate a horror movie done well, which this movie was. However, I left unsatisfied, mostly because there was no resolution between the witch and the family. It was mostly internal fightingThis movie is overrated by the critics. I do appreciate a horror movie done well, which this movie was. However, I left unsatisfied, mostly because there was no resolution between the witch and the family. It was mostly internal fighting among the family when the witch turns their world upside down. That wasn't interesting to me. I wanted the family to get revenge on the witch... not "this" ending.… Expand

4 of 11 users found this helpful47

All this user's reviews

6

imthenoobOct 14, 2020

This movie is not for everyone. I'm gonna make that clear from the jump. It can be slow at times, It can be very uninteresting at times. That doesn't stop it from being a good movie though. It looks stunning, It fits the period the movieThis movie is not for everyone. I'm gonna make that clear from the jump. It can be slow at times, It can be very uninteresting at times. That doesn't stop it from being a good movie though. It looks stunning, It fits the period the movie takes place in. It's very much a slow burn and if you can make it to the end, It's worth the wait.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

Compi24Oct 15, 2018

Definitely not a slam-bang, traditional horror movie in any sense. And that's okay. There's enough in this slow burn of a chiller to keep me in my seat for an eventually rousing climax. However, it's acts I and II where the proverbial men areDefinitely not a slam-bang, traditional horror movie in any sense. And that's okay. There's enough in this slow burn of a chiller to keep me in my seat for an eventually rousing climax. However, it's acts I and II where the proverbial men are separated from the proverbial boys. This is a trying, challenging movie that's constantly working against the audience's better understandings of horror movie convention. And I applaud director Robert Eggers for the effort. Overall, though, I just wasn't as entertained or as intrigued as I thought I would be. It is a marvelous looking movie, though.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

foxgroveMar 11, 2016

Frustratingly uneven as borne out by a slow and protracted opening 20 minutes. However, with the disappearance of the eldest brother, Caleb, the film begins to cast its spell. Full of disturbing imagery and rich in atmosphere and authenticFrustratingly uneven as borne out by a slow and protracted opening 20 minutes. However, with the disappearance of the eldest brother, Caleb, the film begins to cast its spell. Full of disturbing imagery and rich in atmosphere and authentic period detail, the story becomes intermittently compelling. There are some great directorial touches and impressive visual flourishes woven into the film’s biggest asset, its cinematography. Performances are solid, but there is no denying that the ending is unsatisfactorily ambiguous, leaving, as it does, too many questions unanswered.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

All this user's reviews

6

nicholasbertMay 8, 2016

As it often happens with this kind of low budget artsy movie these days, the look is so polished that after a while it starts feeling fabricated. Odd choice to try and reproduce the language of the 17th century - but obviously it turns outAs it often happens with this kind of low budget artsy movie these days, the look is so polished that after a while it starts feeling fabricated. Odd choice to try and reproduce the language of the 17th century - but obviously it turns out it's neither historically accurate nor does it immerse the viewer in the particular time setting, and it times it sounds distractingly silly.

Thumbs up for the parsimonious use of blood and gore.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

LBJ6Feb 21, 2016

I was expecting more from this film based on the critical acclaim it garnered but left the theater disappointed. The movie is definitely well-made and original but it seemed somewhat uninteresting. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept but feelI was expecting more from this film based on the critical acclaim it garnered but left the theater disappointed. The movie is definitely well-made and original but it seemed somewhat uninteresting. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept but feel the creators did not deliver a product that reached its full potential. Highly unsettling and disturbing throughout but just not very scary or interesting. 5.9/10.… Expand

9 of 16 users found this helpful97

All this user's reviews

6

oDjentoMar 27, 2016

The Witch is a film that whether you love it or hate it you must commend it for its uniqueness and abstraction from typical modern day horror films.
The film is similar to ‘The Babadook’ in some respects due to its lack of reliance onThe Witch is a film that whether you love it or hate it you must commend it for its uniqueness and abstraction from typical modern day horror films.
The film is similar to ‘The Babadook’ in some respects due to its lack of reliance on jumpscares and more-so on creating an atmospherically creepy feel to the film. It’s 17th century is a breath of fresh air from the majority of current day setting of modern horror films. However, the film trips up in some parts.
The acting overall is great, but the best being the children in the film who really anchor the films believability. The unsettling imagery creates this eerie and dismal tone over the film that make you feel like you shouldn’t be watching certain scenes.
The Witch itself is an interesting character (Yet rarely seen) as it damages the family in different ways; from straight up kidnap, to seduction, to possession, to murder. It really covers almost every scenario with ease in just 90 minutes.
My problem with this film is due to its dialogue. I know they said the dialogue was taken directly from scripts of the time but they really strained my attention with me finding it hard to buy and swallow at times. The film also focused so much on creating this eerie atmosphere so much that it actually kind of forgets to tell a progressive story at times and can feel a bit stagnant at times. I must admire the film for its tone but solely focusing on that made my mind wither at times.
Overall the film is a horror film you must see in order to make up your opinion on it. Some people love it and some people hate it, but it has shown the progression of horror films moving away from their monotonous feel of the 21st century.
6/10… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

bfoore90Oct 5, 2016

You can't deny that this film is incredibly well made and I can understand why this film garnered such critical acclaim but at the end of the day, I was left somewhat disappointed by this movie. While It's obvious that the cast (especiallyYou can't deny that this film is incredibly well made and I can understand why this film garnered such critical acclaim but at the end of the day, I was left somewhat disappointed by this movie. While It's obvious that the cast (especially Anya Taylor-Joy) and all involved made a true effort to recreate the detail of the time period as I didn't have a problem with the acting, costumes or the sets. This movie was billed as something along the "scariest movie in decades" or something along those lines and it failed to deliver on what was to be its top selling point. I can sense the atmosphere in the film as it feels creepy and at times, thought provoking and visceral thanks to great cinematography, imagery and music but creepy is by no means the same as scary. Can you say that it tried to be scary? Sure it tried its damnedest but at the end, the movie felt nothing more than tame in regards to being scary… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

6

lunanulFeb 21, 2016

THIS IS AN ART FILM. Don't go expecting a traditional horror/scary movie 'cuz this ain't it. Think creepy, not scary. Slow-moving, atmospheric, with an occasional chilling and/or horrifying moment (yes, some good ones, but not many). There'sTHIS IS AN ART FILM. Don't go expecting a traditional horror/scary movie 'cuz this ain't it. Think creepy, not scary. Slow-moving, atmospheric, with an occasional chilling and/or horrifying moment (yes, some good ones, but not many). There's a lot of nearly unintelligible dialogue. One main character has a voice that sounds more animal than human. Key scenes are whispered (in Ye Olde Englishe). And when you do understand the words that are being said, they can be a bit laughable if you haven't submitted to the movie's spell. I guess I didn't, 'cuz I snorted when snorts were clearly far from the maker's mind. That said, its dour gray aesthetic is still floating around in my head, so not forgettable, which has value. I'll probably see it again on a small screen, with the benefit of subtitles.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

All this user's reviews

6

TornadoCreatorApr 10, 2016

Marketing this film as a horror film was a major misstep and will likely account for much of the negativity this film received. It's actually a period drama/thriller that's very entrenched in the puritan movement to USA in the early 16thMarketing this film as a horror film was a major misstep and will likely account for much of the negativity this film received. It's actually a period drama/thriller that's very entrenched in the puritan movement to USA in the early 16th century. If this time period doesn't entice you, or you find it hard to relate to other cultures, you'll find the film thoroughly uninteresting. If however you can enjoy something a bit different, there's great acting, good tension, and some shocking scenes in this film that will mean it'll have some lasting value at least. It's not a bad film, far from it, it is however an acquired taste and won't be for everyone.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

All this user's reviews

6

DausenMooreDec 7, 2020

The Witch is very well made, it's well-acted and generally good in just about every way but honestly, I'm not a fan. The "plot" is kinda weak in my opinion and when it ended I just sat there disappointed. You're basically just watching badThe Witch is very well made, it's well-acted and generally good in just about every way but honestly, I'm not a fan. The "plot" is kinda weak in my opinion and when it ended I just sat there disappointed. You're basically just watching bad things happen to a good family, an interesting thing happens near the end, and then it's over.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

SergioVFeb 20, 2016

Eggers does a great job at setting up the scenes and transporting you back to the 1600's, the acting is wonderful, and the writing is truly authentic. However, that's where the praise ends. The movie itself was too slow, the dialogue was hardEggers does a great job at setting up the scenes and transporting you back to the 1600's, the acting is wonderful, and the writing is truly authentic. However, that's where the praise ends. The movie itself was too slow, the dialogue was hard to understand and keep up with, and the ending leaves major questions unanswered. 6/10.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

All this user's reviews

6

ablaise82Aug 24, 2017

A snooze fest with no deep hidden meaning to make the incredibly drawn out pacing worth it. The old time dialogue only brings out the confusion this movie brings to the table, and between that and the nearly pitch black scenes, many parts ofA snooze fest with no deep hidden meaning to make the incredibly drawn out pacing worth it. The old time dialogue only brings out the confusion this movie brings to the table, and between that and the nearly pitch black scenes, many parts of this movie will leave you flat out boggled. Some good cinematography, acting, and surprising moments save this movie from being bad, but ultimately this one is a bore.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

All this user's reviews

6

DouglasspompeuJun 11, 2020

The Witch gives us a good start, but never comes to surprise or makes us feel that it's something great. The production design and cinematography are gorgeous; but that does not take it any level up.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

6

JLauSep 23, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Bad things happen to a family who've left a colony over religious differences so they think their eldest child is a witch but really, a devil-ish goat is responsible and once the family are dead, the girl then becomes a witch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

5

listenerMar 23, 2016

No wonder this was backed up by The Satanic Temple or however those creeps are calling themselves...just some diabolic trash if you ask me.Expertly crafted,great cinematography, frightening atmosphere,occasionally very scary andNo wonder this was backed up by The Satanic Temple or however those creeps are calling themselves...just some diabolic trash if you ask me.Expertly crafted,great cinematography, frightening atmosphere,occasionally very scary and disturbing,all performances from actors were good and so on and so on...but still crap.Destroy your family,sign for the devil and then have some fun flying around and killing babies...well no,thanks.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

Knux57Jul 1, 2017

Respectable acting, cinematography, and writing, but not much else. Anyone that says this movie is "terrifying" on any level is most likely a paid review. The movie wastes plenty of time giving you details about the family rather than tryingRespectable acting, cinematography, and writing, but not much else. Anyone that says this movie is "terrifying" on any level is most likely a paid review. The movie wastes plenty of time giving you details about the family rather than trying to scare you, although none of it feels like it was worth taking up 75% PERCENT of the movie's runtime. At best you could watch this movie as a mystery/drama. The fact that this movie is at all classified as horror is just asking for people to be disappointed.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

All this user's reviews

5

SuperstoneFeb 21, 2016

I was extremely let down by this movie. All the critic reviews claimed that it was terrifying and thought-provoking, but it is not. There are some beautiful scenes and some creepy images, but that seems to be all there is. The charactersI was extremely let down by this movie. All the critic reviews claimed that it was terrifying and thought-provoking, but it is not. There are some beautiful scenes and some creepy images, but that seems to be all there is. The characters in the movie don't react to anything, you never get the sense that the father is someone who would have been banished from a New England colony and they never go into why they are out there. The main characters are all well-acted, but since none of them have an arch, it doesn't matter. There's no story being driven forward by the characters, it's just things happening and aren't they scary? No. Not really. Even the one feeble jump scare that seemed to get everyone in the theater was ultimately made pointless by the reveal at the end. I was trying to think of why it was just not very satisfying and maybe I wasn't getting it (I'm sure "real" critics would argue that very idea), but after we left the theater, a girl walking nearby who had just seen it just said "that was the worst movie I've ever seen", and I started laughing because, yeah, I wanted to like it like the professional critics seem to, but I don't. It's not entertaining, it's not interesting, it's well-made like a stock photo is well-made. Parts seem to point to a whole, but there's no more to be had.… Expand

9 of 15 users found this helpful96

All this user's reviews

5

DukemangApr 2, 2016

To be honest, The Witch disappointed me a lot because critics before the movie came out were saying how much of a great horror movie this is, which it wasn't. You could say I'm being a bit harsh, but I can say that the director's vision andTo be honest, The Witch disappointed me a lot because critics before the movie came out were saying how much of a great horror movie this is, which it wasn't. You could say I'm being a bit harsh, but I can say that the director's vision and imagery for this film was great. The art style and language of the film really helped with it being in the 1600's, and that sadly doesn't do justice for me. Yes I may be a big horror nut, but this film didn't pack a punch as far as being "scary" or "frightening". It did have some disturbing images and the whole wrap up of it all didn't feel quite like the resolution to the film. That is why I gave it the rating I did.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

All this user's reviews

5

longjetty7Oct 31, 2016

The Witch is one of those movies that makes pretentious movie critics **** their pants, but leaves everyone else confused as to why this is categorized as horror at all. If you watch this movie without expecting to be scared at all, thenThe Witch is one of those movies that makes pretentious movie critics **** their pants, but leaves everyone else confused as to why this is categorized as horror at all. If you watch this movie without expecting to be scared at all, then maybe it will be more enjoyable. To be fair, there are a lot of good things this movie has going for it. The acting is great, the imagery is bleak and creepy, and parts of the plot are somewhat interesting. That being said, this is also an incredibly frustrating movie because it moves along so slowly and builds up all this tension with very little payoff. If you like suspenseful movies or historical pieces, then you might enjoy this, but if you're looking for a good horror movie, The Witch comes nowhere close.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

5

HarriganMtvBlogJun 7, 2016

'The Witch' or 'The VVitch' was a film that I had been interested in seeing but kind of forgot about.

Following the witch mythos of early-American folklore, the story centers around a family that has recently left their village and lives'The Witch' or 'The VVitch' was a film that I had been interested in seeing but kind of forgot about.

Following the witch mythos of early-American folklore, the story centers around a family that has recently left their village and lives alone on the edge of wilderness. When the family's newborn goes missing as oldest daughter, Thomasin is playing with him, suspicions of witchcraft begin to arise, as the mother is completely devastated.

Later on, oldest son, Caleb goes missing in the woods and happens upon a hovel, where he is entranced by a woman. Caleb would eventually return home, but would die after spouting religious exclamations.

The youngest set of children, a twin boy and girl, accuse Thomasin of being a witch, in which her parents believe them. The next morning, the father is impaled by a goat and crushed under a pile of fire wood, and Thomasin kills her mother after being attacked by her. Thomasin then talks to the goat, seemingly the Devil in disguise, where she signs his book and joins a host of other naked witches dancing and chanting around a night fire in the woods.

The film, although painfully slow and boring in large parts, was almost as equally unnerving and disturbing. The parts where we got to see the witch were truly creepy. We first get to see her as she is about to kill the stolen baby, then covered in its blood. The end where she is feeding off of a goat on the family farm before slaughtering the livestock (and twins?) was frightening.

The film, although a horror film, didn't hit you with jump scares and cheap thrills, it was more of a psychological scare more than anything. If you can get past the slow parts and tough accents, you might enjoy the film.

My rating: 5 out f 10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

KrimJun 12, 2016

This film was quite a disappointment in reality for me. There are some creepy scenes of the movie but there really isn't anywhere near enough suspense and terror for this to be a horror movie. The cinematography was unique, it reminded me aThis film was quite a disappointment in reality for me. There are some creepy scenes of the movie but there really isn't anywhere near enough suspense and terror for this to be a horror movie. The cinematography was unique, it reminded me a lot of "The Road" in terms of the picture. Very washed out and had a vintage feel. The sets, costume design, script and attention to the era seemed very authentic and well thought-out. The acting was decent from the father figure and the main character girl, but the old English vocabulary made many of the lines almost cringey and somewhat comical. The trailer portrayed this movie as something more deep and sinister, every creepy moment in the trailer is all you get and nothing more. Some of the decisions made by the family were hardly logical at all and that pushed the story in a bit of a nonsensical direction. Not as special or disturbing in my opinion as others are saying in my opinion.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

5

arrivistMar 11, 2017

Firstly, how great to see a film with a bit of originality, rather than the usual splurge of remakes, sequels and toy adaptations. Certain critics who have cited this film as a 'masterpiece' cannot be particularly well-versed in film, norFirstly, how great to see a film with a bit of originality, rather than the usual splurge of remakes, sequels and toy adaptations. Certain critics who have cited this film as a 'masterpiece' cannot be particularly well-versed in film, nor posses a refined palate; nevertheless kudos to the film-makers who have created a mostly watchable film on a budget of £3m within a 25-day shoot. The film is simplistic and well paced, with an interesting plot which is fairly engaging. Minus the two youngest cast members (who were surprisingly convincing); the direction given to rest of the cast is dreadful, as is much of the editing. The accents change every 5 minutes. Anya Taylor-Joy gives a promising debut performance (particularly from behind), as does the goat. There are a handful of tense, memorable and frightening short-sequences featuring the title character, but the delivery of dialogue and lack of character development soon take you back out of the film.

There is the occasional and impressive use of tableau; reminiscent of 17th Dutch paintings or even Van Gogh's The Potato Eaters, albeit (and disappointingly) shot on a digital camera, which given the budget is understandable. I guessed the director was in his late-twenties within the 1st half-hour of the film, judging by overall the lack of depth. That aside, it is worth persevering until the end; past the clunky line delivery, plot-holes and rushed narrative – as The VVitch merits the effort.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

5

BITESCREENJun 21, 2017

Hurra, der Feuilleton hat den Horror neu entdeckt: Filme wie It follows oder Der Babadook hatten genug Tiefgang für Aufmerksamkeit auch abseits der oft unkritischen Gruselpresse. Heißt das etwa, Horrorfilme werden jetzt richtig gut? NichtHurra, der Feuilleton hat den Horror neu entdeckt: Filme wie It follows oder Der Babadook hatten genug Tiefgang für Aufmerksamkeit auch abseits der oft unkritischen Gruselpresse. Heißt das etwa, Horrorfilme werden jetzt richtig gut? Nicht zwangsläufig, wie The Witch beweist. Robert Eggers Debüt punktet zwar mit einem fantastisch authentischem Retro-Neu-England-Setting, intensivem Schauspiel und einer vielversprechend subtilen Okkult-Prämisse, hakt dafür aber an kritischer Stelle immens: Der minimalistische Plot um eine verstoßene Fanatikerfamilie, die im Wald mit dem Teufel ringt, sorgt zwar für Unmengen interessanter Bilder, aber so gut wie nie für echte Spannung. Schrille Streicher implizieren psychologischen Horror, wo keiner ist, während die alttestamentarischen Dialoge Christen wie Satanisten gleichsam nerven. Immerhin bietet der radikal religionskritische Unterton von The Witch genug Stoff für Diskussionen auch lange nach dem Kinogang.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

4

TVJerryFeb 23, 2016

In 2014, it was THE BABADOOK. Last year, It was IT FOLLOWS. What do these have in common with this flick? They were all hyped as the hot new horror film and I found them to be dismal disappointments. Call me old fashioned, but I like myIn 2014, it was THE BABADOOK. Last year, It was IT FOLLOWS. What do these have in common with this flick? They were all hyped as the hot new horror film and I found them to be dismal disappointments. Call me old fashioned, but I like my horror films to be scary. This one is steeped in an interesting period setting (New England, 1630) and drowned in an ominous soundtrack, but the creepy pace and lame shocks don’t make it remotely riveting. A farmer and his family set out on their own, only to be haunted by an unknown evil. True, it’s a compelling concept, but it also lacks any suspense. It doesn’t help that much of the “thee” and “hither” dialect is hard to follow. This is more a period drama in the vein of Miller’s THE CRUCIBLE or one of those Japanese ghost movies, neither of which is ever frightening. (Harvey Scrimshaw as the young son makes an impressive debut).… Expand

2 of 13 users found this helpful211

All this user's reviews

4

sterle2009Oct 30, 2020

It was a meh movie. Not really scary. A moderately interesting watch but that's about all

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

4

InfadizleMay 9, 2016

Long dragging, boring drama at best. The VVitch is not a horror film. I found the acting horrible at times. The plot is predictable and failed to build. The only positive about The VVitch is the cinematography. I found it to be more arty yetLong dragging, boring drama at best. The VVitch is not a horror film. I found the acting horrible at times. The plot is predictable and failed to build. The only positive about The VVitch is the cinematography. I found it to be more arty yet lacked when it comes to the writing and creating suspense. It just never leaved up to its potential.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

All this user's reviews

4

Flange77Feb 23, 2016

Somebody knows and appreciates their History but skipped out on Horror 101. Rule #1: Don't show the creepiest/scariest/most shocking thing in the first 20 minutes of the movie or everything else won't seem as scary. Sure it was unsettlingSomebody knows and appreciates their History but skipped out on Horror 101. Rule #1: Don't show the creepiest/scariest/most shocking thing in the first 20 minutes of the movie or everything else won't seem as scary. Sure it was unsettling throughout, but because Rule #1 was violated, there is a gradual feeling of disappointment and diminished interest. There is an art or at least a formula to doling out scares in horror movies and The Witch doesn't abide by it, frustratingly suffering as a result. The story is painfully linear yet still confusing. I'll give it points for trying something new with the genre, but it could have been a lot better.… Expand

3 of 12 users found this helpful39

All this user's reviews

4

VideoGameJunkieFeb 29, 2016

Evil Dead was an independent horror movie. The Witch is not. I knew nothing about this movie going into it except that it was a horror movie. It started out OK- excellent creepiness when The Witch of the Wood stole the baby, but that'sEvil Dead was an independent horror movie. The Witch is not. I knew nothing about this movie going into it except that it was a horror movie. It started out OK- excellent creepiness when The Witch of the Wood stole the baby, but that's where the horror ended. The rest was a drawn out "beautifully crafted" drama typical of independent movies- but the only thing I was scared of, was falling asleep. It appeared the cast and crew made a true effort to recreate the detail of the time period. The acting, costumes, set design were all good. The only reason I'm rating this movie as a disappointment is because it was sold as something else and didn't deliver.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

4

RenovatiaOct 12, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The storyline is as follows: a family is evicted from a village for unknown reasons. They end up alone in a field close to a forest and setup their new home. Their baby is kidnapped by a witch and turned into a witch brew to serve as a rejuvenation potion. Another son of said family is seduced by the now younger witch and through a slow process killed after he returned to his family.

Whilst this is going on, the family gets increasingly tensed: the elder sister feels guilty for having lost the baby under her supervision, the father for having sold mom's golden cup for badly needed hunting gear, the mom is upset for the loss of her golden cup because of emotional value, the remaining two young kids build up a mistrust against their elder sister. And the ailing and dying son doesn't make things easier either; The family falls apart, they end up dead and the elder sister gets lured into becoming a witch herself by Satan.

Their black pet goat was Satan all along and oversaw the demise of a good Christian family from nearby.

That's the story. You'd think that the influence of the witch destabilized their family, and of course such is partially the case, but this was weakly implemented. This family could have easily been destabilized by events far less mystical. The introduction of a witch was arbitrary catalyst to the story. You'll only see three short shots with a witch so the movie barely lives up to its title.

A lot of people like jump-scares, but this is thankfully not that kind of a movie (I despise that cheap technique). Nor is it a slasher though what happened to the baby leaves little to your imagination. Instead it was a slowly developing story towards the climax. That's the keyword here, slow.

Technically it's all fine, though I heard some complaints about the music or sound. My only complaint is the sound at the very end where the witches were chanting together; The sound was too post-processed, making it sound as if the microphone was too close to them. Acting and whatnot was fine too.

We have another movie with great, but unused potential. My main complaint, to conclude, is that it was a family drama which had a few witches in it to keep your attention. I gave it a 4/10 because it needs two more notches to make it into anything but a slow paced drama.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

4

fukutopiaMar 2, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I saw this opening weekend & it's just been stewing in my brains ever since, because I wasn't sure what I wanted to say. I've been taking in all the other reviews for this film, hoping it would help me find the words…but unfortunately, I disagree with almost every other opinion regarding The Witch. I was greatly disappointed that I paid to see this in a theater instead of waiting to watch at home. This film, at best, is a beautifully shot, perfectly acted series of missed opportunities. Every set-up fell flat, as they were never followed through. This is not a horror movie, no matter what the blurbs & trailers lead you to believe—this is a 17th century folktale about religion, not a horror film. If the intent was to make an actual horror film, small tweaks could have easily been made. Children are creepy anyway, why not play it up with the twins who are supposedly playing with the devil incarnate? Maybe throw in a disembodied voice or two to make you question if it's actually Black Phillip or just a voice in Thomasin's head. Perhaps when you reveal what should be a haunting image of a witch snacking on a live animal, DON'T GIVE HER A GOOFY-ASS CARTOON LAUGH! I wanted to love this movie after watching the trailer, but I don't even think I can like it.… Expand

0 of 9 users found this helpful09

All this user's reviews

4

cabopcJun 22, 2016

There are some genuinely creepy and freaky moments but mostly this movie is boring and pointless. It ends and you're disappointed and thinking "all that for nothing". I didn't appreciate the old English dialogue either. Yes it addsThere are some genuinely creepy and freaky moments but mostly this movie is boring and pointless. It ends and you're disappointed and thinking "all that for nothing". I didn't appreciate the old English dialogue either. Yes it adds authenticity but mostly it was annoying and caused me to have to use sub-titles.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

4

AlanoSilvaPBFeb 25, 2023

Filme muito ruim. Chato, dá até sono e sem graça. Uma completa perca de tempo!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

4

Mauro_LanariJun 18, 2022

(Mauro Lanari)
The menarche of a young girl throws havoc on the spirituality of a group of Pilgrim Fathers and her family, such event is treated first as indomitable wild nature and then as undisputed satanic epiphany. The current relevance(Mauro Lanari)
The menarche of a young girl throws havoc on the spirituality of a group of Pilgrim Fathers and her family, such event is treated first as indomitable wild nature and then as undisputed satanic epiphany. The current relevance of the topic and the value of cloying formalism by the debutant escape me.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

4

akshatmahajanAug 30, 2020

I watched this film after watching same director's other movie "The Lighthouse". This film was nothing but a slow family drama questioning their belief in God and descending into madness.
Talking of acting, it was not upto the mark but youI watched this film after watching same director's other movie "The Lighthouse". This film was nothing but a slow family drama questioning their belief in God and descending into madness.
Talking of acting, it was not upto the mark but you spend the movie waiting for a big finale which does not happen. The story was simple, nothing special. Overall, would say that it will be better for you to watch same director's other work "The Lighthouse" which was much better than this.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

3

LamontRaymondFeb 19, 2016

Wow, was that a snoozer. Some of these critics are calling it "terrifying" and "a classic!" That's a joke. I was bored for most of this sucker, and the dialogue was completely unintelligible about half the time, which is a problem whenWow, was that a snoozer. Some of these critics are calling it "terrifying" and "a classic!" That's a joke. I was bored for most of this sucker, and the dialogue was completely unintelligible about half the time, which is a problem when there's very little action. This was touted as an acclaimed wide release horror film - man, I had a much better time with the horror indie Southbound that I saw last weekend. So yeah, the oldest daughter had presence and her acting performance is solid, but the movie sets a major trap for itself and proceeds to fall right into it. Believe me, this is a film should AVOID. Most of my theater burst out with laughs and boos when it was over.… Expand

13 of 36 users found this helpful1323

All this user's reviews

3

saulotFeb 22, 2016

This is not a horror movie by any standard. People equate this to babdook which I really enjoyed both the horror and psychological aspects. But this movie is slow and dull with no horror aspects and isn't interesting in any way. acting wasThis is not a horror movie by any standard. People equate this to babdook which I really enjoyed both the horror and psychological aspects. But this movie is slow and dull with no horror aspects and isn't interesting in any way. acting was okay but hard to understand at times. Reviews of above 7 have to be insiders or paid as there in no way anyone could believe this deserves better than 7.… Expand

7 of 16 users found this helpful79

All this user's reviews

3

BuddahFeb 20, 2016

When I was younger my friends and I had a rule that if a critic gave a movie a 4 out of 4 star rating, it was a artsy movie only a movie critic would enjoy. The Witch is that type of movie. It is a period piece, maybe back to the pilgrimWhen I was younger my friends and I had a rule that if a critic gave a movie a 4 out of 4 star rating, it was a artsy movie only a movie critic would enjoy. The Witch is that type of movie. It is a period piece, maybe back to the pilgrim days, and sometimes the dialogue gets confusing in trying to keep the movie authentic to that period. These are harden religious people and they talk the talk with everything they do. With that said, some of what is said is lost on me. If I had a DVR, I would have rewound it several times just to try and figure out what was being said. While this might be a problem, it really isn't because you get the idea of what is happening. It just happens at a pace that is turtle-like. You are not really sure where they are going with any of it, and even when it ends abruptly, you have to ask yourself, WTF?

I love creative movies, and this movie is creative, but it really fails as a horror movie for a real horror movie fan. The only thing that is creepy is the 2 young kids and a bunny. I am not sure that was the intention, but that was the way it came across. If you really want to see it, then wait a few months until it is available online or through Netflix or Amazon. Save your money.… Expand

12 of 29 users found this helpful1217

All this user's reviews

3

SilentHightimesFeb 21, 2017

Simple,boring,nonsense.The Vvitch was just plain bad. I had fell to sleep on 3 occasions umtil i finished it, towards the end i thought I was going to actually see some nice **** but even that didnt happpen, **** this movie.

1 of 8 users found this helpful17

All this user's reviews

3

TheMetacritiqerFeb 21, 2016

By far the most disappointing movie of 2016 so far. I don't watch horror movies but the well made trailer got me interested. Maybe I would be scared because I'm not used to these types of movies but surprisingly I was never scared. ItBy far the most disappointing movie of 2016 so far. I don't watch horror movies but the well made trailer got me interested. Maybe I would be scared because I'm not used to these types of movies but surprisingly I was never scared. It definitely was disturbing but for all the wrong reasons. At least the goat, comically named "Black Philip" was cute.… Expand

8 of 17 users found this helpful89

All this user's reviews

3

92rossSep 22, 2018

Not scary at all and quite boring really. How this can even be deemed to be a horror is laughable.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

3

MovieWasAPileFeb 24, 2016

I don't know what movie most of these people who gave this a 10 were watching. I was watching an extremely slow (though well acted movie). The dialogue was tough to understand, not because the actors were not doing a good job, but becauseI don't know what movie most of these people who gave this a 10 were watching. I was watching an extremely slow (though well acted movie). The dialogue was tough to understand, not because the actors were not doing a good job, but because they were using old English phrasing and speaking rather lightly. I can forgive this based on authenticity. What I can't forgive is that this was marketed as a horror movie and was anything but. It consistently hyped suspense, and consistently fell flat at pivotal moments that could have scared the **** out of the audience. Based on the looks and commentary of other people walking out of the movie theatre everyone was having a "What The **** moment, and certainly not in a good way. I have felt like this many times, usually after M. Night Shyamalan films.Critics are getting this one wrong, and any user reviews giving this tightly coiled turd 10 are hipster deuchebags who "really liked the ambiance". That being said, there were SOME redeeming qualities (Acting) so I didn't COMPLETELY eviscerate it on the score.… Expand

7 of 16 users found this helpful79

All this user's reviews

3

GuidesteveMar 10, 2016

Good acting by all of the cast........their actual way of speaking for the time period is a little hard to understand at first but by the end of the picture you can understand them.......but the story seemed to drag and the so called suspenseGood acting by all of the cast........their actual way of speaking for the time period is a little hard to understand at first but by the end of the picture you can understand them.......but the story seemed to drag and the so called suspense is tepid at best...........save your money.......wait for the DVD........… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

All this user's reviews

3

daveixoMar 10, 2016

Not a horror movie. I kept thinking, "Yeah, religious people really are this crazy. I expected that from ignorant people from 300 or whatever years ago, but why are they still crazy today?" I hate that no character in this movie is active.Not a horror movie. I kept thinking, "Yeah, religious people really are this crazy. I expected that from ignorant people from 300 or whatever years ago, but why are they still crazy today?" I hate that no character in this movie is active. They glide from crisis to crisis being pushed along and never try to do anything or learn anything. They are consistent with their faith though: If everyone is a sinner, when the s**t hits the fan, they mistrust everyone, including their loved ones. I found the end a surprise, but basically silly. I've never known Metacritic to be so wrong.… Expand

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

All this user's reviews

3

kaorisanMar 12, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Not a Horror imo. Loved the use of Old English but nothing about it was scary. I see some reviews say sense of dread etc, but I got none of that at all, I was very dissappointed, no insight into why he was banished and the ending, well, say no more… Expand

5 of 7 users found this helpful52

All this user's reviews

3

cenobyte85Apr 6, 2017

A lot of people who didn't like this movie are getting criticism from those who did enjoy it. I'm a movie buff and I like the occasional indie film as well, but this movie was just plain bad. I know what suspenseful buildup is and I know whatA lot of people who didn't like this movie are getting criticism from those who did enjoy it. I'm a movie buff and I like the occasional indie film as well, but this movie was just plain bad. I know what suspenseful buildup is and I know what intentional slow burn is. I wasn't expecting a jump scare gory blood bath horror flick. I knew what type of movie I was getting myself into. That said, this movie was still dreadfully boring and had very little payoff. It barely had anything enticing about it except for the final 10 minutes, although even that was quite predictable. It was a historically accurate period piece sure, but was it entertaining horror? No. If you want to "live deliciously" just youtube the ending. It's really about the only thing this bore fest has going for it.… Expand

6 of 8 users found this helpful62

All this user's reviews

3

MNRGMOct 4, 2016

I really can't see why this movie is being hyped. Dull story, unprogressive in my opinion. The only reason I kept watching was to see some witch-work. But it even fell short on that. A rather disappointing evening. The setting was nice, though!

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

All this user's reviews

3

I_loveJan 3, 2019

I appreciate what it tried to do, I like the color, the score, some times the acting, but the jumpscares were bad, it was so boring I fell asleep, and I don't fall asleep in any movie. Also the movie felt too much like it was trying to beI appreciate what it tried to do, I like the color, the score, some times the acting, but the jumpscares were bad, it was so boring I fell asleep, and I don't fall asleep in any movie. Also the movie felt too much like it was trying to be scary. I think if it was someone else working on the project to hehe it would've been better… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

All this user's reviews

2

WanyaRolfMay 8, 2016

The Witch. After beeing lauded with an absurd high score by the critics, I've watched and is awfull. The story could have been better, but they chose not to develop it. The horror is absent. The dialogue sometimes didn't match the timeThe Witch. After beeing lauded with an absurd high score by the critics, I've watched and is awfull. The story could have been better, but they chose not to develop it. The horror is absent. The dialogue sometimes didn't match the time period. After loosing complete interest in these aspects (story,characters), about 15 minutes from the start, I couldn't kept myself of noticing how clean everyone was in the movie. That was the most immersion breaking feature for me. They were always pristine clean, white clothes, all their wardrobe is brand new. Even the little ones, who like to tease around goats and whatnots, not even a smear across their white, bright teeths, face. So, instead of trying to extract some sense of this horrible movie, I spend the rest of viewing time trying to spot a smudge, a smear, a hay in the hair, a bad tooth, a dirty nail. Nothing. Aparently the people were very, very clean at the time. Much more than today.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

All this user's reviews

2

PosternutbagFeb 29, 2016

I decided to go see this movie after seeing the rave reviews with some referring this as the next exorcist or shining. Not even close. Those movies were both scary and entertaining. I had to keep elbowing my wife as she kept fallingI decided to go see this movie after seeing the rave reviews with some referring this as the next exorcist or shining. Not even close. Those movies were both scary and entertaining. I had to keep elbowing my wife as she kept falling asleep. The opening scene was promising, after that I kept hoping for more but was utterly dissappointed throughout. Halfway through the move there was another small scene that offered some glittering hope and that was it. The acting, backdrop, cinematography and costumes were great, but the story just wasn't there. After the credits rolled I heard some from the audience say "yes, thank god it's over".… Expand

7 of 17 users found this helpful710

All this user's reviews

2

BazzaApr 11, 2016

Seriously, how does this get such rave reviews? I am totally perplexed that even users on here are saying things like 'stunning', 'fantastic', 'beautiful' when it's anything but. I have to admit, the acting is very, very good but the story isSeriously, how does this get such rave reviews? I am totally perplexed that even users on here are saying things like 'stunning', 'fantastic', 'beautiful' when it's anything but. I have to admit, the acting is very, very good but the story is almost non-existent. You'd expect a movie containing witches to be very mysterious and creepy and this requires subtlety to execute - there is none. It's in your face, silly moments like the witch appearing and cackling that renders it devoid of subtlety - just look at The Blair Witch, totally creepy despite not actually seeing the adversary. Almost all of the cinema were baffled by what they were watching. I think the people posting 9s and 10s either watched a totally different movie or simply have very low standards to begin with. Do not waste your time and money.… Expand

9 of 20 users found this helpful911

All this user's reviews

2

iceman00nMar 23, 2016

This movie gets a 2 for the cinematographer, and Period perfect setting. They got those 2 things right, especially the camera work. This movie is boring. So VERY BORING! It was only an hour and a half, but felt twice as long. This is reallyThis movie gets a 2 for the cinematographer, and Period perfect setting. They got those 2 things right, especially the camera work. This movie is boring. So VERY BORING! It was only an hour and a half, but felt twice as long. This is really not a horror movie, as much as a period film about early American settlers. Please don't listen to the hype. Save your money.… Expand

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

All this user's reviews

2

mm007Jul 15, 2016

[2/10]
Pros:
1.Good suspence
2.Good violence.
Cons.
1.Not a typical horror movie, very few horror scene.
2.No spine chilling horror.
3.Slow paced, boring plot.
4.Predictable climax.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

All this user's reviews

2

roman_emperorFeb 20, 2016

This movie is being promoted as a horror film. You are being lied to. There is nothing scary about this film. Sure, there are some disturbing elements, but there's nothing really to classify this movie as scary.

Yeah, so an old hag snatchesThis movie is being promoted as a horror film. You are being lied to. There is nothing scary about this film. Sure, there are some disturbing elements, but there's nothing really to classify this movie as scary.

Yeah, so an old hag snatches a baby and make him guacamole to bath him. It's disturbing, and it seems like a good start, but then the movie descends into a long and boring philosophical drama about sin. If you missed church to go see this move, don't feel bad for it. You're cheating god out of his money and lectures. This movie is a long, boring religious rant.

The acting is not bad, but the dialogue in the film is hard to understand. Every bit of dialogue is spoken in between a whimper, a grunt, and whisper. I only understood 10% of what was actually said.

There are few things that make this movie scary... So the little kids spoke to the devil throughout the whole movie. So a child was kidnapped and use to bath in. Who cares that the young boy **** the witch and died because he sinned for doing it. It's just blah.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

All this user's reviews

2

Rebecca31Mar 12, 2016

This film has been receiving amazing reviews since last year, it's been described as terrifying, haunting etc. I guess I must have been watching a completely different movie. 1 hour and 32 minutes of sitting there wondering what in the hellThis film has been receiving amazing reviews since last year, it's been described as terrifying, haunting etc. I guess I must have been watching a completely different movie. 1 hour and 32 minutes of sitting there wondering what in the hell am I watching? It starts off slow and when it eventually starts to pick up it never takes you anywhere finally diving headfirst into the trap so many of these movies fall into, a chaotic ending. This is all atmosphere and not much else, in fact there is nothing else, it leaves you with a sense of dread for the whole movie but that's it, no story and terrible dialogue. Is it really too much to ask for a good horror movie? Apparently it is. I expect a certain kind of standard for this genre and The Witch doesn't even come close, not recommended.… Expand

10 of 21 users found this helpful1011

All this user's reviews

2

FelicityFenwickFeb 23, 2016

It's seriously mystifying what the critics were thinking by praising this highly ordinary, sedentary film. Not scary in the least - barely creepy. Anything good you think this movie does, it's done MUCH better by WGN's Salem.

9 of 29 users found this helpful920

All this user's reviews

2

inspector941Mar 6, 2016

I still can't believe I viewed the same film that got such rave reviews. When the end credits started rolling, my date in I looked at each other with a WTF look on our face. Not much of a story. One of the worst movies I've ever seen.

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

All this user's reviews

2

baileyjonesMar 19, 2016

If you the type of film-goer who likes Indie films because they are Indie films then you should go see this film. If you are someone looking for entertainment skip it. If you do decide to go brush up on your old english beforehand because theIf you the type of film-goer who likes Indie films because they are Indie films then you should go see this film. If you are someone looking for entertainment skip it. If you do decide to go brush up on your old english beforehand because the entire dialogue is spoken as someone who lived in the late 1600's or early 1700's would speak and hard to understand. Indie film buffs will appreciate that authenticity but my wife and kept leaning over to each other asking "what did they just say"… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

All this user's reviews

2

GoTV32May 6, 2016

Some props for creating a certain level of spookiness at some points and the acting was pretty good, but overall crap and a chore to watch. Astonished by the rave reviews, it truly weakened my faith in websites like these. Some of the" scary"Some props for creating a certain level of spookiness at some points and the acting was pretty good, but overall crap and a chore to watch. Astonished by the rave reviews, it truly weakened my faith in websites like these. Some of the" scary" moments were laughable. End climax scene was a joke. We rarely get to theaters for grown up movies because we have young kids, and this made feel like I wasted a trip.… Expand

6 of 13 users found this helpful67

All this user's reviews

2

RsanabriaSep 1, 2016

To begin with I would like to say that these movie was a complete waist of my time, specially since the plot is redundant and sucks, and is considered a horror movie without really scaring anyone(if you got scared by these movie you are aTo begin with I would like to say that these movie was a complete waist of my time, specially since the plot is redundant and sucks, and is considered a horror movie without really scaring anyone(if you got scared by these movie you are a **** What may save these movie from a 0% may be the acting, but tha movie itself was a complete failure. Please don't watch it.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

All this user's reviews

The Witch

User Reviews