We’re in Salem witchcraft country with The Witch, a visual success buoyed by excellent performances. But in its exploration of black magic, witchcraft and possession, the denouement lets down the genuinely menacing tone established early on.
A cast of six (two adults, four kids) hold the 1630s storyline well as the family’s own fears result in their faith questioned and lives ultimately unravel. Anya Taylor-Joy (Vampire Academy) as the eldest daughter and Ralph Ineson (The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) as the father are standouts.
Oozing confidence, director Robert Eggers collected the 2015 Sundance Directing Award for his feature film debut.
Rating: 59%
Director: Robert Eggers
Writer: Robert Eggers
Main cast: Anya Taylor-Joy (TV’s Endeavour), Ralph Ineson (The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Harry Potter)
An Opinion or Two 