The Witch. Netflix. 8/10

The Witch is the first feature-length film written and directed by one of the most promising young directors in Hollywood today, Robert Eggers. This is an A24 picture, which follows the story of a 17th century New England family being tormented by the forces of evil and witchcraft. This picture initially caught my attention after experiencing the masterful craft that Eggers was able to capture with The Lighthouse. I decided that I would lower my expectations, considering that this was Eggers's first feature-length, perhaps it might not have been as expertly crafted as its successor. Boy was I wrong! The Witch could easily be as good if not better than The Lighthouse. This film was horrifying to the core. This picture took the horror genre and made it something brand new which I have yet to see in contemporary cinema. In a world where all we get are cheap jump scares, detailed gore, and explosive audible scares, it is so refreshing to feel genuine terror without having to see the actual evil. This picture has such an aura of psychological intensity that leaves the viewer skeptical sleeping with an eye open as to who they can truly trust in their family. The directing by Eggers with a seemingly low budget of 4 million, is worthy of praise and a standing ovation. The cinematography was intoxicating with Eggers insisting on shooting in film as well as only utilizing natural lighting, which in my opinion, gave the film a surreal and purely sinister tone. The acting was on a higher dimensional level of talent, with performances by the younger cast being of the highest admiration. Specifically, the performance provided by Anya Taylor-Joy was impressive and thought-provoking, leaving you in absolute awe with how such a young actress can be so breathtaking. The film's overall plot developed perfectly and presented itself as not only paranormal torture but also as a social commentary on fallacious religious practices and unworthy dependencies on higher powers. This film is not easy to market, as it has a heavy arthouse feel and to the general audience looking for a distraction, will do anything but distract. The film may not be as popular and desired in the mainstream as it deserves, but I am so excited to see what will come next in the perplexed mind vault that is Robert Eggers. I recommend this movie to those with the guts to sit through an increasingly petrified story, catching one's eye at not only the aesthetic beauty but as well as the shiver-inducing story.