Blair Witch Prequel?

Rating: 6/10 (17 May 2016)

This is my first return to IMDb reviews in a while. I am doing my review on account of the message board thread entitled A Slow Burn Into Nothingness. That could be considered good or bad depending on the interpreter. I called my review Blair Witch Prequel? because it could almost work as such. Two films of a different camera style ultimately achieving the same goal. Minimalist entertainment through symbols and suspense. The end result is also equivalent. you've heard the hype, now see the movie! Either you love it at the end or you feel duped. Both films have that kind of story that make you wonder whether what you are seeing has any supernatural elements or if the people are just going mad of their own accord. I find myself hard pressed to say whether or not I truly liked either film. Each one has a quality and level of talent that I respect. The Witch probably more so. However the buck stops with the expectation factor, and what the audience wants from a so called Horror Movie. Both of these films fall somewhat flat in the scares department. In terms of disturbing imagery The Witch does a great job, but somehow it lacks purpose. Even old ghost stories of the early 1900s seem to have some particular point to them. I'll admit, I felt in terms of what this film offers in terms of cinematography, style, music, and acting it is damn near perfect. What's missing is the ability to care for the characters. Even the annoying kids of The Blair Witch Project managed to make me worry about them.
So I'm writing this in agreement to those who were disappointed by this movie, and at the same time defending it to those who outright hate it. It ending up making me think about it a little longer, and I certainly appreciated the quality of the atmosphere, and imagery, Therefore I retain A great feeling of respect, yet remain wishing it could've somehow been "more".
I have decided it would make sense as a good prequel to The Blair Witch Project, but in the end you'd have a double bill to provide that slow burn into Nothingness, and I'm not sure that's a good thing unless that's what you are looking for in a film. I myself prefer a little more intensity either in urgency of dialogue or in connection to the sequence of events unfolding. This film covers all the marks, but somehow lacks any emotional appeal.
I guess in terms of more recent Horror, only The Conjuring will remain at the top of my list awhile longer.. Even though it started out better than it finished, it's the first modern horror film that left me invigorated and excited about it afterwards. Kudos to The Witch for trying, and being unique enough to stand out above the crowd. Next time more cowbell!