The Anya Taylor-Joy Horror On Streaming So Intense You’ll Sleep With The Lights On
The 2015 folk horror The Witch is currently streaming on Max. Written and directed by Robert Eggers, the film is known for its atmospheric tension, historical accuracy, and exploration of themes related to superstition, isolation, and religious fervor. Set in 1630s New England, the story revolves around a Puritan family who is banished from their plantation due to a religious dispute.
One of the standout features of The Witch is its meticulous attention to historical accuracy in terms of language, costumes, and the portrayal of Puritan life.
William (Ralph Ineson) and Katherine (Kate Dickie) establish a new home for their family on the edge of a dense and ominous forest. Almost immediately, strange things start to happen. Their infant son, Samuel, disappears while under the care of Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), the eldest daughter. The story implies that a witch in the woods is responsible for his disappearance.
The family’s situation worsens as their crops fail, and they struggle to find food. As suspicion and paranoia grow, each family member questions the others’ faith and loyalty. Thomasin becomes a particular target of suspicion due to her presence when Samuel disappeared. Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw), the eldest son, ventures into the woods in search of food and encounters a mysterious woman whom he believes to be a witch.
When Caleb becomes ill after his encounter with the suspected witch, the family’s fear and religious fervor intensify. They become convinced that supernatural forces are responsible for their misfortunes. In her grief over Samuel’s loss, Katherine becomes unstable, and the twins, Mercy and Jonas, claim to communicate with the family goat, Black Phillip, whom they believe is possessed by the devil.
The film’s dialogue is delivered in period-accurate Early Modern English, which added to the authenticity but also made it challenging for some viewers to understand fully.
Thomasin is accused of witchcraft by her family as the movie descends into an unsettling and ambiguous conclusion, leaving viewers with lingering questions about the true nature of supernatural forces.
One of the standout features of The Witch is its meticulous attention to historical accuracy in terms of language, costumes, and the portrayal of Puritan life.
The Witch received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with the film holding an impressive 90 percent approval rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as Thomasin was singled out for praise, along with the meticulous attention to detail depicting 17th-century New England.
The Witch, made on a relatively modest budget of around $3.5 million, performed well at the box office, considering its niche appeal. It earned over $40 million worldwide, making it a financial success for an independent horror film.
The film’s dialogue is delivered in period-accurate Early Modern English, which added to the authenticity but also made it challenging for some viewers to understand fully.
The unsettling score for The Witch was composed by Mark Korven, and it played a crucial role in creating a sense of dread throughout the movie.
The Witch was also praised for its minimal use of jump scares, relying on slow-building tension and psychological horror, which set it apart from many contemporary horror films. Black Phillip, the family’s goat, became something of a cult figure and a symbol of the film. There were even promotional efforts involving Black Phillip, including a social media account.
Anya Taylor-Joy, Scream Queen
Anya Taylor-Joy has been recognized for her performances in various psychological thriller and horror movies, earning her the title of “scream queen.” She made her big screen acting debut with an uncredited appearance in 2014’s adaptation of Richelle Mead’s YA novel, Vampire Academy. But it was her first credited feature film role in Robert Eggers’ The Witch that made her a star.
Since then, she has appeared in several movies in the genre, including Split, Morgan, Last Night in Soho, and The Menu. Her performances have been praised for their intensity and depth, and she has been recognized as one of the best modern horror actresses. However, it is worth noting that some people feel that the “scream queen” label is too simplistic, given her range as an actress.
While Anya Taylor-Joy has not exclusively focused on horror films, her work in the genre has been particularly notable. Her ability to convey a sense of vulnerability, intensity, and fear has resonated with audiences and critics. While her upcoming projects include Furiosa and The Gorge, fans can catch her breakout performance in The Witch streaming on Max.
