The VVitch
After having seen ‘The Lighthouse’ and ‘The Northman’, my expectations were naturally high for ‘The Witch’ and safe to say these expectations were succeeded. The expectations involved subtle horror and a powerful atmosphere, both of these were present but with an added bonus of sheer terror and heightened tension, elements that were only present during the third act of ‘The Lighthouse’ and ‘The Northman’. ‘The Witch’ marks Egger’s debut feature film and as such is one of the first modern horrors to embed folklore into such a detailed and researched environment. The film isn’t scary in the popcorn-and-slasher sense but rather haunting and unnerving as any form of comfort zone is absent from the very start of the film. The atmosphere is one of depression and hardship as a new England family is cast out from society and banished to the woodlands. Soon the family falls apart which is executed well by Egger’s authentic presentation of dynamics taking into account the context of the time.
Piety and rightousness are at the centerfold of most of the family however the attitudes and actions towards this vary from character to character, which often leads to their individual downfalls. There is a constant undertone of judgement from spirits both good and evil as they spectate and incite the horrific events that transpire, cruelly taunting the family’s weakness. The use of sound is perhaps the most terrifying component of the film with violins shrieking and wailing in the background of dark disturbances, begging the audience to look away. One critic writes ‘feels as if it should not be seen’ which considering the opening 10 minutes is by no means an overstatement.The actors collectively face the challenges of Egger’s pursuit of historical accuracy as the dialogue is purely old-english, despite this, all actors give great deliveries with Anya-Taylor Joy especially. A lot of the acting is done through the face showing expressions of fear, grief and rage in some intimate close-up shots that help elevate the eery, immersive atmosphere.
As the tragedies accelerate in intensity and frequency the family’s faith to God is tested and eventually falls apart opening the doors to the bedrock of immorality as the evil woodland spirits consume them. Thomasin, played by Taylor-Joy, remains faithful both to herself and God till the very end wherein the burden of family judgement reaches breaking point and she is driven to evil. The neglect and misjudgement of women is posed as one of the many theories of the origins of witches, almost creating a sense of sympathy as the comforting nature of motherhood is ruthlessly and graphically murdered. Looking closer towards the family dynamics, they reflect that of Plainview’s and HW’s relationship from ‘There Will Be Blood’, in the sense that those with power in the family i.e., the parents are absorbed by themselves and as a result of their selfishness and inability to confront their flaws they use the children as a scapegoat. Ultimately the selfish pursuit for God’s approval only serves to shift the family closer to evil. Their fear breeds sin and their sin harbours death.
Black Phillip is a great antagonist, lurking in the background playing innocently with the children whilst slowly displaying signs of an unhinged nature. Towards the latter third of the film, Black Phillip becomes increasingly disturbing as the witch is discovered to take many animal forms. The fear and suspicions of the family are more often than not, synonymous with the audience as the mystery is slowly uncovered and the sense of threat is truly understood. Although the soundtrack and violins of this film are frantic and frightening the cinematography is bleak and depressing thereby accouting for all aspects of a dark atmosphere. The nature of the environment is truly chilling as the whistling and the snapping branches constantly reminds the family how far they are from civilisation.
Overall, Eggers debut film ‘The Witch’ excels in its nuanced presentation of disturbances, supernatural folk lore and family dynamics. As always the effort behind this feature is constantly seen through the building of another moment in time and is only made better by the performances that bring this 17th century massacre to life. It may not be enjoyable to witness but only because it is nothing short of a horror.
