A tense, terrifically shot, terrifically executed horror masterclass from first time director, Robert Eggers. The film is a burning, intense flame which over the course of an hour and a half, doesn't scare you with cheap jumpscares, but instead haunts you with intense religious imagery and horrific acts of violence and gore.
The acting is incredible for such a young cast (bare the two main adults). Anya Taylor-Joy steals the show, and despite not the strongest of starts by Harvey Scrimshaw, his final harrowing scenes creating daunting imagery and acting that you'd expect from a seasoned aged professional.
The film looks and sounds stunning, the score and editing helping provide the slow burn of tension this film as aiming for. From the opening credits you know how this film will work, the slow tension obvious, as the music and long edits grip you tightly and for an hour and a half don't let you go.
To call The Witch this years The Babadook is unfair, it is a genius horror in its own right. It is an intense, beautifully shot film that will leave you in your seat after the film genuinely spooked to the core.
My score: 8/10
If you like slow-burning tension and dread in horror films then Nosferatu The Vampyre (Herzog's lesser known, vastly superior re-make of the '22 original) is the way to go. Vampyr is also a great early example from Dreyer. Check them out :)
ReplyDelete