Dir. Robert Eggers | Now Streaming On: Hulu | Rating: 4/5

As we approach the six year anniversary of The Witch’s US release, it is amazing to think about how deeply this film has impacted the horror genre. It still serves as one of the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed arthouse horror films in the last decade. It also stands alone as one of A24’s most untouchable stories, both due its critical acclaim and cult following. ⁠
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The context of The Witch’s commercial success makes it even more impressive because by all initial observations, this film is unapproachable at best. The dialogue is entirely in old English, the cast was basically unknown, and the story of witches in New England isn’t anything new. But The Witch is truly a relentless and sickening version of the witch trials we all know and love, much of this as a result of Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance in her film debut. ⁠
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The Witch has grown on me for sure, as I didn’t feel as positively about it after my first watch through. But the coming of age arc that follows Thomasin and her haphazard path to womanhood is absolutely enthralling. If you know anything about contemporary witchcraft, this film also touches on the three-formed representation of the witch – the virgin, the crone, the mother. It’s also a stylish take on the patriarchal religious extremism that destroyed entire families in colonial America. If you can make it through the old English, this is worth your time. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features religious themes, blood, death, nudity. ⁠