The Witch

Rating: 9/10 (17 March 2016)

When a director has the courage of his (or her convictions), and doesn't resort to clichés and cheap scares to create a movie; coupled with a meticulous attention to detail, you end up with a movie like The Witch. There is a brooding tension right from the outset, and you really feel the plight and misery of the family's circumstances as their situation trying to struggle in a harsh and hostile environment reaches its conclusion. For fans of more old school horror film techniques, that rely on a story to develop through excellent acting and the use of 'what you don't see' rather than what you do, this film is for you. Think 'Whistle and I'll come to You' or 'The Haunting' for the 21st Century. I'm still not entirely sure I really enjoyed the ending. I can imagine Eggers might have had a few different options. I'm not saying it spoiled the film, it just felt like it jarred with the style of the previous 90 minutes, but I'm being picky! This is a mature and beautifully made film. An outstanding debut for the director.