Review #23 | "The Witch" (2016)

Practitioners of film as well as theatre will be thoroughly pleased leaving a showing of "The Witch." The description of this film does not lend detail, but once the credits role it is clear why this film did earned high marks at 2015's Sundance Festival.

The nature of the dialogue will deter some viewers, but those who can appreciate it for what it is will leave satisfied. The language has subtle verse patterns woven within, but the actors are so natural with it that it is hard to not be engulfed in the world the entire cast and crew have created. The language enhances that world and raises the stakes even higher. Most people would say that it is "Old English," but it's not, it is English.

The cinematography is beautiful and captures some of the wonder that the Puritans must have had when they were settling America. However, that wonder does not come without its woes. Life is hard and the oncoming winter doesn't help the family's circumstances. While the landscape is undeniably beautiful, it is also treacherous and unforgiving.

Although the plot does center on the suspicion of a witch in the family, the theme is undeniably the bond of family. Whether that bond remains strong or crumbles apart is something you will have to see for yourself. The exploration of a father's love for his daughter is one of the most beautiful components of this intricate film.

"The Witch" is definitely for fans of horror and suspense, but also for those who can appreciate creativity, literature, and history.

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Rated R.

Directed and written by Robert Eggers. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy, Ralph Ineson, and Kate Dickie.