The Witch

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

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9

chuck_dFeb 24, 2016

Not for the average moviegoer. If you love the Transformer movies and think The Rock is a great actor and never miss an Adam Sandler movie, THIS ONE is not for you. Plan on bringing your old English dictionary with you, and listen closely.Not for the average moviegoer. If you love the Transformer movies and think The Rock is a great actor and never miss an Adam Sandler movie, THIS ONE is not for you. Plan on bringing your old English dictionary with you, and listen closely. I need to see this movie again because I'm sure I missed plenty along the way. This movie will play very well on Blu-ray or Netflix in the privacy of your living room.
What do you really need to know about this movie?
It's beautifully-acted and hard to watch. It's very dark and disturbing and one can lose the reality they're watching a movie and not some real family falling apart. This movie is incredibly unsettling and not for the faint of heart. Some surprises along the way, but not a lot "happens." You need patience to appreciate this one. I wasn't a huge fan of the VERY end, but everything else was superbly done. This movie gets from me a "9" on the horror scale.. because it is SO well done and SO different.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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8

tjman09Feb 24, 2016

The Witch is a good movie, but it also has a very narrow audience. For those that love slow, yet tense, horror films that are as bizarre as they are scary, this film is for you. The Witch is unnerving, super realistic, and wacky to a fault. IThe Witch is a good movie, but it also has a very narrow audience. For those that love slow, yet tense, horror films that are as bizarre as they are scary, this film is for you. The Witch is unnerving, super realistic, and wacky to a fault. I will say that the film’s writer and director Robert Eggers did an amazing job for a directorial debut, and he is undoubtedly a force to watch in the future.

From the opening scene of the film to the very end the film is unnerving. The film is quite slow, but never really boring, because the filmmakers did a great job creating a very tense tone. The tone is essentially formed from three major elements of the movie, the bone-chilling music, the ominous cinematography (especially in the forest), and the always noticeable presence of darkness lurking. In this film the titular character isn’t in the film often, but their presence is felt. Combine that with the excruciating attention to detail, and the film takes on a sense of reality.

The film is extremely realistic, and that is because Eggers took the time, and had the attention to detail to make the film as realistic as possible. While the dialogue may distract some, it is exactly how people used to talk in the colonial era. The lighting is usually dim, but is to is realistic as the film is literally made to look as if it’s being lit by candlelight or moonlight. The actors were on point, most likely due to great direction, and the sets were almost exactly what one would expect things to look like back then. That kind of dedication, deserves respect, but it also helps the audience get lost in the filmic world.

However, the film is downright wacky, and in some ways that’s great, and in others it hurt the film a little. The film is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before, in an interview Eggers said his original pitch was “too weird, or too obscure” considering the film he made, I want to see that film because this one was wonderfully obscure and weird. However, the film was a little hard to follow, at times it felt as though too many things would happen in a short period filled with moments of confusion, which did help reinforce the insanity the characters were growing into, but made it harder to follow.
It may not have helped the film, but as an observation, the film was devoid of humor. In the end, the film is original, unnerving, realistic, very well made, but does have an obscure feeling to it. The cinematography is beautiful, the filmmakers had an amazing attention to detail, and horror fans will most likely like the film. If you like the wacky, weird, obscure horror films that don’t rely on cliches and jump scares, check this film out.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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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

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9

SmoothzillaFeb 24, 2016

This movie was fantastic! This was more of a slow burn of dread than an actual horror movie. This movie won't be for everyone, if you are expecting traditional jump scares you will be disapointed. This is more of a drama with themes of pride,This movie was fantastic! This was more of a slow burn of dread than an actual horror movie. This movie won't be for everyone, if you are expecting traditional jump scares you will be disapointed. This is more of a drama with themes of pride, fear of the unknown, and loss of faith, in a horror setting. I won't give any spoilers, but while the acting was terrific, Black Phillip was the star of the show.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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10

ProteusFeb 24, 2016

Mystery/Thriller not a Horror film. Wrong genre is being given. Complex and perfectly crafted. Everything about this film exudes quality - the acting, production design, editing, pacing, sound and story. To be both complicated and highMystery/Thriller not a Horror film. Wrong genre is being given. Complex and perfectly crafted. Everything about this film exudes quality - the acting, production design, editing, pacing, sound and story. To be both complicated and high quality is tough and the director pulled it off. Satisfying ending.

Go see this movie is you like a perfect Mystery/Thriller. Highly recommended.… Expand

5 of 9 users found this helpful54

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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

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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

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0

moviemitch96Feb 23, 2016

Really!? THIS is what passes for horror nowadays!? This was closer to a comedy than it was horror!!! I often chuckled to myself during many scenes and the acting was so damn corny! Yes I get that they're in the 17th century, but it still feltReally!? THIS is what passes for horror nowadays!? This was closer to a comedy than it was horror!!! I often chuckled to myself during many scenes and the acting was so damn corny! Yes I get that they're in the 17th century, but it still felt so forced! Almost nothing happens for the entire film and for the few scenes where something does happen, it simply involves the characters praying, yelling at each other, or trying to kill each other. As for the ending, with many films it can either make or break the film. I'm sure you can all guess which scenario this film's ending followed. Overall, I have to agree with the many others who have been saying that this film is this year's It Follows. Both are terrible, overhyped, non-scary films and that's that!… Expand

6 of 19 users found this helpful613

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0

Fenway02215Feb 23, 2016

This is not a horror movie. Whoever said it was a cross between Kubrick and the Exorcist was obviously paid for that endorsement. It is a great historical piece about Puritan America in the 17th century but that's it. It is not a horrorThis is not a horror movie. Whoever said it was a cross between Kubrick and the Exorcist was obviously paid for that endorsement. It is a great historical piece about Puritan America in the 17th century but that's it. It is not a horror movie. It was simply sold to all of us as one.… Expand

7 of 18 users found this helpful711

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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

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8

BrianMcCriticFeb 22, 2016

Dark and ominous is the feeling you get while watching The Witch. More than your typical jump scare horror film with The Witch most of the scares come psychologically. A-

4 of 8 users found this helpful44

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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

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9

GinaKFeb 22, 2016

The Witch realistically recreates the paranoia that can come of living alone in a forest, separated from the support of a community, when things start to go wrong and spiral out of control. This dark film is both gripping and devastatingThe Witch realistically recreates the paranoia that can come of living alone in a forest, separated from the support of a community, when things start to go wrong and spiral out of control. This dark film is both gripping and devastating because you know what is going to happen and can see no way out of its inevitable outcome. You hope for a savior and yet you also know that none is coming. Is it a horror film? Definitely and perhaps more devastating than most because Robert Eggers, the writer and director, takes the type of story we have read and seen many times before and makes it utterly real. It is also an indictment of the type of religious belief that makes people, who are proud, independent, afraid, and starving, show no compassion but think the worst of each other, even their own children. This is a very powerful film that is in many ways an indictment of and explanation for the callous and rigid religious fanaticism that America was founded on. I have only one criticism – in his pursuit of mood and realism, Eggers let the actors slur their words, confusing the audience about what exactly is going on more than necessary. The director only got away with this because we are probably as familiar with the tales of witchcraft in colonial New England as we are with Jack the Ripper.… Expand

8 of 14 users found this helpful86

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9

dbwingcoFeb 22, 2016

Incredible. As far as being a period piece, it rivals The Revenant for authenticity. As a horror piece, it delivers on all levels. And maybe a nomination for Best Supporting Actress by Anja Taylor-Joy? She was riveting.

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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9

Mack_FraserFeb 22, 2016

The Witch is not your typical horror movie. It has more in common with the work of Kubrick and Tarkovsky than the most recent Saw or Paranormal Activities sequel. It's deliberately paced, painstakingly detailed, impeccably researched and moreThe Witch is not your typical horror movie. It has more in common with the work of Kubrick and Tarkovsky than the most recent Saw or Paranormal Activities sequel. It's deliberately paced, painstakingly detailed, impeccably researched and more concerned with existential horror than jump scares. If you are willing to give yourself over to the film, the rewards are great. However, if you come into this film with preconceived notions of what a horror film should be, you will probably be disappointed… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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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

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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

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9

Viet_Le_KyurFeb 22, 2016

It's not your typical horror movie. Its very slow paced but artistic, eerie, and true to the time and setting. Its not the cliche' jump at you scary movie. Very realistic. I appreciate the tone of it and the acting was the best I've ever seenIt's not your typical horror movie. Its very slow paced but artistic, eerie, and true to the time and setting. Its not the cliche' jump at you scary movie. Very realistic. I appreciate the tone of it and the acting was the best I've ever seen in a horror movie. Every line was like a verse from the Bible or a Shakespeare quote. If you appreciate good artistic cinema than you'll enjoy this. I usually laugh while watching horror movies cause I can't take them serious or i'll predict what will happen at the end, but this movie was absolutely terrifying. I'm still haunted just thinking about what happened in that movie. Again, it's not for everybody but for me its an instant classic.… Expand

7 of 12 users found this helpful75

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9

JustinDreyFeb 22, 2016

The Witch is a movie based in 1630's and as some would say a "horror movie". It wasnt so much scary as it was unsettling for me, which wasnt a problem its a very fresh movie putting itself away from all the horror's you find now. It was aThe Witch is a movie based in 1630's and as some would say a "horror movie". It wasnt so much scary as it was unsettling for me, which wasnt a problem its a very fresh movie putting itself away from all the horror's you find now. It was a very dark, slow, tense movie, so for all of you wanting a very fast paced "jump scare around every corner" fest, you wont find that here. Thats not to say this movie wasnt scary it kept you on the edge of your seat but instead of you jumping out of it, its more you stay at the edge for the whole movie. The only major problem I had was the very Shakespeareish dialogue, but, that should not stop you from going to watch this as that is really just a personal problem rather then having to do with the movie itself, it was very true to the time it was based. If you are looking for a movie that has great acting, great story, great filming ( the locations are great), very well put together characters, and a good gruesome, unsettling movie this is one for you!… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

SaucyWalnutzFeb 22, 2016

This movie made me feel so uncomfortable. Creepiness is off the charts. Not for everyone, but I kept wishing it to end so I wouldn't have to see what happened next. Chilled me to the bone.

Great date movie if you want to scare the crap outThis movie made me feel so uncomfortable. Creepiness is off the charts. Not for everyone, but I kept wishing it to end so I wouldn't have to see what happened next. Chilled me to the bone.

Great date movie if you want to scare the crap out of your lady but make sure she's strong beforehand or she might have a heart attack.

Loved it, it's why the term "nightmare fuel" exists. Remember how you saw Million Dollar Baby and you thought "That was a great movie, but I never want to watch that again because it's so depressing."? The Witch is like that except I never want to see it again because it scared the poo out of me.

That said, I think I want to see this again. So much so that I'm writing my first review. It's not for people with no attention spans, kind of like The Exorcist, but this has far better pacing and stabs your psyche even more deeply. I was so creeped out that I almost started to pray for it to be over with, despite being an atheist. Just to be safe, I did the Son/Father/Holy Ghost gesture thing to purify my own damn eyes at the end.

Speaking of the end, it ended, and everyone in the theater just sat in silence, motionless for a while. It took us a while to get back to reality, because it felt like we were in this horror, which was the director's view. Can't wait to see more from him.

So watch it if you don't have ADD, like getting creeped out, and are not afraid of pooping your own pants.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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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

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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

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1

TheKavehJFeb 21, 2016

I was expecting so much more from The Witch than what it was. The film is very disturbing and weird, but the film is also really slow and boring. The film just didn't pick up.

6 of 16 users found this helpful610

All this user's reviews

10

jerradwolfFeb 21, 2016

THIS IS NOT A HORROR MOVIE! this movie is a period drama with horror elements based on old English folktales of witches. if you like a good movie with great acting and a super creepy atmosphere, this movie is for you. however, it is hard toTHIS IS NOT A HORROR MOVIE! this movie is a period drama with horror elements based on old English folktales of witches. if you like a good movie with great acting and a super creepy atmosphere, this movie is for you. however, it is hard to understand their accent sometimes. if anyone actually has some intelligence, you will be ready for this nice change in cinema… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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1

HogoldFeb 21, 2016

Has to be the worst movie my wife and I have paid money to see. Have no idea how anyone could rate this above a five and that is if you like to only understand half the spoken word and don't care about a story line. The actors did the bestHas to be the worst movie my wife and I have paid money to see. Have no idea how anyone could rate this above a five and that is if you like to only understand half the spoken word and don't care about a story line. The actors did the best they could with the script and story line. Nothing special about the scenery are cinematography. A waste of two hours and $20.… Expand

7 of 15 users found this helpful78

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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

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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

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0

bardiamehrFeb 21, 2016

This is the worst movie I have ever seen. Do not believe the critic reviews. This movie is boring, slow, and the characters are not only annoying, but most of the time I could not even understand them due to their accents. Stay FAR away fromThis is the worst movie I have ever seen. Do not believe the critic reviews. This movie is boring, slow, and the characters are not only annoying, but most of the time I could not even understand them due to their accents. Stay FAR away from this trash.… Expand

10 of 24 users found this helpful1014

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10

GBEFeb 21, 2016

Before I write anything more, it should be note that this movie is not for everyone. If you have trouble with long takes or impenetrably difficult accents and dialogue, you should probably see something else. If you are the kind of personBefore I write anything more, it should be note that this movie is not for everyone. If you have trouble with long takes or impenetrably difficult accents and dialogue, you should probably see something else. If you are the kind of person who likes to be immersed in atmosphere, then there is nothing out there better than this movie. I was spellbound. The acting, production design, cinematography and ESPECIALLY the score/sound design were top notch. And it lingered with me. Cannot wait to see it again.… Expand

4 of 9 users found this helpful45

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1

WonderfulmomFeb 21, 2016

If you like scary movies, this one was awful. Actors and actresses speak in Old English and you can barely understand what is being said. Boring. Waaay too much talking. Much more talking than action. The lady next to my husband fell asleepIf you like scary movies, this one was awful. Actors and actresses speak in Old English and you can barely understand what is being said. Boring. Waaay too much talking. Much more talking than action. The lady next to my husband fell asleep and was snoring. The ending was stupid and the audience came out saying "what the frick was that and laughing." How anyone could give this 3 stars and above, I will never know.… Expand

9 of 21 users found this helpful912

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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

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10

SnowDayFeb 20, 2016

This is a truly terrifying film. When I say "terrifying" I am not referring to cheap jump-scares or countless amounts of gore. I am referring to sublime acting, atmospheric chills, and the devilish tone of Satan himself. Take a chance andThis is a truly terrifying film. When I say "terrifying" I am not referring to cheap jump-scares or countless amounts of gore. I am referring to sublime acting, atmospheric chills, and the devilish tone of Satan himself. Take a chance and watch The Witch.… Expand

5 of 12 users found this helpful57

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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

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0

Krieger88Feb 20, 2016

Going to be honest, I had incredibly high hopes for this movie from all the raving reviews about how well received it was at the Sundance Film Festival. I took my buddy to see it and told him what I heard and were looking forward to it forGoing to be honest, I had incredibly high hopes for this movie from all the raving reviews about how well received it was at the Sundance Film Festival. I took my buddy to see it and told him what I heard and were looking forward to it for months. I read that it had slow pacing and that might not jive with everyone but I don't mind long movies so I disregarded it. Now before I bash this film, I understand why some people find some horror movies scary, whether it's a Saw type movie with its gore, a cheap pop-up scare horror, an old school slasher, or my least favorite psychological horror with social theme undertones (like the babadook which I disliked) But back to The Witch, I felt that it was a very well made movie from the acting, filming, ambiance and even that they apparently stayed true to whatever folk tale that inspired this movie. But it just was not scary. Most movies have some kind of moral or message or some type of closure. This movie left me and my pal with none of that, instead it had one jump scare with a witches hand, and finally ended with a "what the hell is this" ending. The story itself, whether it losing its scare-value from being a in a modern world, just wasn't scary. If you see this film, you'll have to appreciate it for everything else and not expect a movie that's going to scare you senseless.… Expand

7 of 24 users found this helpful717

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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

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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

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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

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8

EpicLadySpongeFeb 20, 2016

The Witch uses its best-in-detailed moments to perfectly describe its perfect storyline and it also uses the best effects any horror movie can have in a movie since who even knows the last movie.

5 of 10 users found this helpful55

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10

j1trainFeb 20, 2016

A stunning, impressively acted period piece. Though it will surely bore those who also hated The Babadook and It Follows, The Witch is another example of what horror is capable of -- truly great, atmospheric filmmaking.What The Witch has thatA stunning, impressively acted period piece. Though it will surely bore those who also hated The Babadook and It Follows, The Witch is another example of what horror is capable of -- truly great, atmospheric filmmaking.What The Witch has that the other recent great horror flicks of recent years doesn't though is a completely satisfying, unambiguous conclusion that will be welcomed by viewers who aren't a fan of "artsy" horror. It's a gorgeous, masterfully edited and scored, shocking 90 minutes.… Expand

27 of 47 users found this helpful2720

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0

LastCzarianFeb 19, 2016

Terrible movie
Slow pace movie that leaves you scratching you head at the end.
I found it hard to understand the father as his deep voice didn't carry good.
Based on a folktale that should have not been made as a movie

9 of 22 users found this helpful913

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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

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0

JoeB777Feb 19, 2016

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A remarkably bad movie that appears to be a critical darling. I went to see it with my girlfriend. We hated it. So far as we could tell few, if anybody, else in the theatre enjoyed it, either.

If you (spoiler) are okay seeing a baby getting cut up and smeared on the body of a woman (or seeing a pet dog with its guts showing) then perhaps you'll find the movie more acceptable. But more than just offensive, the movie somehow managed to be horrendously bad despite excellent acting and direction.

I didn't find the movie to be scary, either. But YMMV.… Expand

6 of 24 users found this helpful618

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9

KaramnosFeb 19, 2016

The negative fan reviews shock me almost as much as this amazing, creepy, beautiful, terrifying film. I saw it several months ago at a screening and couldn't wait to see it again. Everything: soundtrack, dialogue, cinematography, acting, paceThe negative fan reviews shock me almost as much as this amazing, creepy, beautiful, terrifying film. I saw it several months ago at a screening and couldn't wait to see it again. Everything: soundtrack, dialogue, cinematography, acting, pace seamlessly create a mood of real dread unlike anything I've seen in years.

Maybe some people going in were expecting a jump scare, slasher film. This isn't that. Its a deeply moody slow boil about a family unraveling as evil eats it from the inside out.

Go see it.… Expand

12 of 21 users found this helpful129

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9

wcrosherFeb 19, 2016

Incredibly well-acted, beautifully shot, and with a gripping score, The Witch is a tremendously terrifying film with some legitimate drama tied in. This movie consistently created extreme tension, and is definitely one of the best horrorIncredibly well-acted, beautifully shot, and with a gripping score, The Witch is a tremendously terrifying film with some legitimate drama tied in. This movie consistently created extreme tension, and is definitely one of the best horror films I have seen in the last few years.… Expand

12 of 22 users found this helpful1210

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The Witch

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