"The Witch" is a 2015 horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers. The movie, stylized as "The VVitch," is a period horror piece set in 1630s New England. It marked Eggers' directorial debut and gained attention for its atmospheric horror and historical accuracy.
The story follows a Puritan family who, after being banished from their colonial plantation, sets up a farm on the edge of a remote forest. Strange and unsettling events begin to occur, leading the family to believe that a witch is responsible for the eerie occurrences.
"The Witch" received critical acclaim for its eerie atmosphere, slow-burning tension, and meticulous attention to historical detail. The film explores themes of religious paranoia, folklore, and the supernatural. It was praised for its cinematography, period-accurate dialogue, and the performances of the cast, particularly Anya Taylor-Joy as the family's eldest daughter, Thomasin. While its deliberate pacing may not appeal to all horror fans, those who appreciate atmospheric and psychological horror found "The Witch" to be a notable entry in the genre.