How difficult it must have been to be a Puritan! No room for earthly mistakes, God will punish any and all sins, and the people will make sure they play a part too. The Witch is an exquisitely composed movie, compiled out of language taken directly from period documents, clothes and sets designed and constructed by period accurate (or as close as possible) methods, and filmed mostly in available light. That means it’s dark, and the movie matches the visuals with its thematic concerns. For most of the film there are not a whole lot of horror outside the creeping sense of dread expertly set up in the opening minutes. Instead of jump scares, the film instead focuses on the complicated family dynamics as an already tough situation grows more difficult when the youngest member, still unbaptized, disappears in an instant. This is supported by an excellent cast, including instant star Anya Taylor-Joy and everyone’s favorite gravel-voice Ralph Ineson, and a keenly observant camera, and builds to a perfect final couple of scenes that puts a satisfying conclusion to the story and provides the film’s most memorable line.
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