Finally, a gem from a failing genre.

Rating: 8/10 (26 October 2016)

Authenticity provides for a very realistic and satisfying product as is the case with Robert Eggers' inaugural cinematic effort The VVitch: A New England Folktale. Details of northern Colonial life, including Olde English dialect, clothing, buildings, and an overall sense of a primitive lifestyle, compounded with a score featuring a low-tech ensemble, validates Eggers' passion for accuracy and puts the viewer at ease with the realness of the content. Oblivious to the audience, Eggers describes in the special features material how the scent of manure on-set created a more natural atmosphere for the cast. For inspiration and legitimacy, Eggers drew from numerous accounts of historical records, college professors, and local mythology which left no room for scrutiny from subject matter experts.
Set in early 17th century New England, a family of ex-communicated Puritans with 5 young children departs the confines of their once- beloved community to pursue a better life in the name of God. However, an ominous vibe permeates the prospects of their prosperity almost immediately upon departure from civilization. Gradually the family's integrity crumbles as each member develops a suspicion of the other, not to mention Thomasin, the film's central character, whose apparent budding sexuality has made her a natural outcast.
Finally, deprived of suitable living conditions, Thomasin remains the surviving member and desolately gives in to her desires for a life of carnal pleasure at the proposal of the Devil himself. This was quite possibly the most chilling part of the movie--hearing the voice of Lucifer offscreen, in the form of the family billy goat, beckoning the hapless mortal toward salacious comfort.
A consistency of gore and violence was unnecessary for this masterpiece. Classy, clever, creative--this title fits perfectly into the genre that has too many times been a blight on the industry.