Released in 2015, "The Witch" (original title: "The VVitch: A New-England Folktale") is a folk horror film that marked the acclaimed feature directorial debut of Robert Eggers. Set in 17th-century New England, the film immerses the audience in an atmosphere of religious paranoia and fear of the unknown, following a Puritan family tormented by an evil force in the surrounding woods. The work was a critical and commercial success, grossing more than ten times its budget and quickly becoming considered one of the most impactful horror films of the 2010s.
Analysis and Plot
"The Witch" transports the viewer to 1630s New England, a period of deep religious faith and superstition. The plot begins with the family of William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie), along with their five children—Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw), twins Mercy (Ellie Grainger) and Jonas (Lucas Dawson), and the newborn Samuel—being banished from their Puritan community due to a religious dispute. Forced to isolate themselves on a remote farm at the edge of a dense forest, the family attempts to rebuild their lives under strict Christian convictions.
The calm is brutally broken by the inexplicable disappearance of baby Samuel while Thomasin is playing with him. The tragedy triggers a spiral of distrust and paranoia, leading the family to question their beliefs and suspect one another. The mother, Katherine, gives herself over to grief and prayer, while the father, William, tries to provide for the family but hides secrets. The twins, for their part, begin talking to the family's black goat, Black Phillip, adding a layer of strangeness and fear. Tension rises when Caleb, the eldest son, enters the forest in search of food and is seduced by a witch, returning to the farm gravely ill and possessed.
Supernatural events intensify: the farm animals act strangely, crops fail, and the family's faith is tested with every new adversity. Thomasin, the eldest daughter, becomes the primary target of the family's accusations, as they view her as the embodiment of the evil plaguing them. She is blamed for Samuel's death and Caleb's illness, and the family environment disintegrates amidst hysteria and recriminations.
The Profound Ending and its Interpretations
The climax of "The Witch" is as ambiguous as it is impactful, sparking various interpretations. After Caleb's death and Katherine's growing madness, William is gored and killed by Black Phillip, the goat, who reveals himself to be the Devil himself. Thomasin, now the sole survivor of the family, is confronted by her mother, who attacks her, accusing her of being a witch. Thomasin kills her in self-defense. In despair and with nowhere to go, Thomasin confronts Black Phillip and asks him to speak. The goat transforms into a seductive male figure who invites her to "live deliciously," offering her food, a beautiful dress, and freedom. Thomasin accepts, signs her name in the Devil's book, and, completely naked, joins a witches' sabbath in the woods, levitating in an ecstasy of liberation.
The interpretation of Thomasin's ending is one of the most debated points of the film. For some, her choice is a condemnation, a pact with evil that leads to her damnation. However, a deeper reading suggests that the outcome represents Thomasin's liberation from the shackles of a patriarchal society and an oppressive religion. Throughout the film, she is constantly repressed, accused, and abandoned by her own family, who fail to protect her and instead use her as a scapegoat for their own failings and sins. The Devil's offer, which promises her what her family denied her (luxury, satisfaction, and freedom), is an alternative to an existence of loneliness and agony. Her final levitation, accompanied by a smile and laughter, can be seen as a moment of empowerment and agency, where she finally finds a place and an identity, even if it means embracing "evil" from the Puritan perspective.
Cast and Notable Performances
The cast of "The Witch" is notable for their intense and realistic performances. Anya Taylor-Joy, in her feature film debut, delivers a captivating performance as Thomasin, which catapulted her to stardom. Her portrayal of the young woman oscillating between innocence and suspicion, devotion and rebellion, is one of the pillars of the film. Initially, Taylor-Joy confessed to being "devastated" while watching her own performance, thinking she would never work again, but Eggers reassured her, and her acting was widely praised. In fact, Anya even defended a scene, suggesting that Thomasin was angry rather than crying, which was accepted by the director and contributed to the character's complexity.
Ralph Ineson (William) and Kate Dickie (Katherine) also deliver powerful performances as the Puritan parents. Ineson, with his deep voice and imposing presence, embodies the unwavering faith and rigidity of William. For the role, the actor lost 14 kilograms and chopped wood behind the scenes to physically connect with the character. Dickie masterfully conveys the anguish and fragility of Katherine in the face of loss and growing paranoia. Harvey Scrimshaw (Caleb) stands out in portraying the internal struggle of a young man confronted with temptation and possession.
Behind-the-Scenes Trivia and Controversies
Historical authenticity is one of Robert Eggers' trademarks, and "The Witch" was no exception. The director undertook meticulous research into 17th-century diaries and records to faithfully recreate the atmosphere, customs, and, notably, the dialogue of the period. The script was written in archaic English, a challenge for the actors, but one that contributed immensely to the immersion in the era. The spelling of the title, "The VVitch," with two "V"s instead of a "W," reflects how the word "witch" was commonly spelled in the 17th century, as the letter "W" was less common.
The production, an international co-production between the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, was made with a modest budget of $4 million. Filming took place in Mattawa Voyageur Country, Ontario, Canada. For the soundtrack, Mark Korven avoided electronic instruments and sought atypical sounds, such as the nyckelharpa (a Swedish stringed instrument with keys), to create an even more dissonant and disturbing atmosphere. One of the "stars" behind the scenes was Charlie the goat, who played Black Phillip. The animal proved unpredictable and difficult to work with, especially in scenes with children, requiring leashes that were digitally removed.
A curiosity that sparked some controversy was Robert Eggers' own statement that he "cannot stand" watching "The Witch" today. The director explained that his skills as a filmmaker have evolved since his debut, and he feels he was not "skilled enough to put what was in his brain onto the screen" at that time. Despite this, he acknowledges the quality of the performances and the impact of the film.
Reception and Legacy
"The Witch" premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 27, 2015, where Eggers won the Best Director award in the U.S. Dramatic category. The film was widely acclaimed by critics, receiving a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus that "as thought-provoking as it is visually compelling, 'The Witch' delivers a deeply unsettling exercise in slow-burn horror." On Metacritic, it scored 84 out of 100, indicating "universal acclaim." Even Stephen King, the master of horror, stated he was terrified by the film.
Despite critical success, audience reception was more divided, as evidenced by a "C-" grade on CinemaScore. However, the film was a major financial success, grossing over $40 million globally against a $4 million budget.
The legacy of "The Witch" is undeniable. It is widely considered one of the best horror films of the 2010s and the 21st century, redefining the folk horror genre. The film helped solidify the reputation of the production company A24 as a label of quality for "elevated horror"—films that prioritize atmosphere, complex plot, and psychological depth over cheap jump scares. In addition to launching Robert Eggers as a filmmaker with a singular vision and an unwavering commitment to historical authenticity, "The Witch" also boosted the career of Anya Taylor-Joy, who became one of Hollywood's most sought-after names. The film continues to be studied and debated for its exploration of themes such as religious extremism, patriarchy, the woman's struggle for freedom, and the tension between civilization and the wild nature.
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