Flawed but intriguing

Rating: 6/10 (20 March 2018)

THE WITCH is a well-regarded slice of historical horror set in Puritan America in 1630. The plot follows a single farming family as they relocate to the woods to raise their children and livestock, only to find their lives blighted by hints of witchcraft. That this film works for the most part is because it takes a realistic approach to the material, focusing on the psychology of the characters involved rather than sticking to CGI ghosts or demons or jump scares. Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie are reliably good in support, but the main joy here is in the careful, subdued lead performance from Anya Taylor-Joy, who tackles a difficult role and makes it entirely sympathetic. The one thing I dislike about this film is the cheap, depressing digital look, full of greys and browns and blues and little life from beginning to end; this kind of visuality is already a modern horror cliche and it could do with being stamped out. The twist ending is also extremely stupid. Otherwise, check this out.