A travelling trader's tall tale of witchcraft

Rating: 8/10 (22 December 2019)

This is an awesome movie in every way. Atmospheric and emotionally wrenching, It is the tale spun by a travelling trader who we assume comes upon a burned farmstead and the remains of the two adults, parents of five children, all missing. The trader is a regular traveller to the farmstead and brings them staple goods necessary for survival in the harsh New England environment that the Puritans had to endure,
In telling his tale to another Puritan, he spins a story arising from what was likely an attack by woodland Indians that becomes an uneven and extravagant, dramatic tale of witchcraft, heathenism, and magic, all aspects of the storyteller's yarn designed to provide both colourful narrative (A New England TALE) and a deeply frightening perspective for those Puritan listeners whose faith might ever be in peril of failing in the face of overwhelming hardships. The drama of his tale takes on almost giddy extravagance such as when the eldest boy, whom the storyteller paints as cursed, recites Milton in his death throws, Amazing performances throughout, Stunning sets and photography, A truly amazing ending to the tale, A must see,