The Witch

About

The Witch is a 2015 folk horror film written and directed by Robert Eggers. Set in 1630s New England, it follows a Puritan family exiled from their colony due to a theological dispute. The family, consisting of William, Katherine, and their children, attempts to build a new life on the edge of a remote forest. However, their tranquility is disrupted when their newborn son, Samuel, mysteriously disappears, and it is revealed that a witch has taken him to create a flying ointment. This event sets off a chain of terrifying occurrences that threaten the family's unity and survival. As the family struggles with grief, suspicion, and fear, they begin to turn against each other. The eldest daughter, Thomasin, is accused of witchcraft by her siblings, while her mother's grief and paranoia escalate. The film builds tension through its slow-burning narrative, exploring themes of witchcraft, faith, and the psychological unraveling of a family under immense stress. With its atmospheric setting and historical accuracy, The Witch offers a chilling portrayal of Puritan life and the fears that haunted them, culminating in a haunting climax that blurs the lines between reality and darkness.