Easily one of the best horror movies of the decade

Rating: 9/10 (29 September 2016)

I had not heard anything of The Witch before stumbling upon it by accident. The best accident for a long, long time! Registered here just to review it.
Everything about this movie resonated with my horror sensibilities. The cast is most excellent, the background and surroundings are pleasantly realistic, and the tension is built up masterfully. The writer has clearly read historical witch trial proceedings, and reflects the contents of those grim documents in this work.
I don't have much love for most modern horror films. Too often, they play on cheap scare tactics such as sudden loud noises, sudden loud cuts, sudden loud louts screaming in high-pitched voices and running around headlessly, getting gored by knife-wielding maniacs. They over-explain everything, and leave no room for mystery and genuine horror that comes from the unexplainable.
The Witch takes a completely different approach. It's a brave move, but I daresay the gamble paid off: this movie is a classic in the making. It's a slow-burner, but there is a sufficient amount of interesting things going on at all times. Can't say much more without spoilers, but if you like atmospheric, non-slasher, non- jump-scare horror movies, I think you will not be disappointed with this one.