Although cinema lovers may know about the recent success of Robert Eggers’ remake of Nosferatu, it is actually his first feature film that stands out.
gained a devoted following within the horror genre
, and you can also watch it online.
Netflix
.
“The Witch,” which is also referred to as “The VVITCH: A New-England Folktale,” came out in 2015 and rapidly became popular.
emerged as A24’s breakthrough horror hit
This suspenseful, moody thriller has since become a cult favorite — and deservedly so.
Featuring bone-chilling visuals, tangible tension, and an unforgettably portrayed goat character
It diverges from the typical jump-scare horror storyline. Created and helmed by Eggers, this tale unfolds as a New England folk narrative taking place in 1630.
READ MORE:
‘Best’ movie with 100% Rotten Tomatoes score is now available to stream on Netflix
READ MORE:
In “The Handmaid’s Tale,” where can you find New Bethlehem?
It revolves around a deeply religious family excommunicated from their colony due to faith-based disputes. They establish a farm near a foreboding forest and unsettling events ensue.
When their attempts at farming fall apart, conflicts intensify, and what adds to their despair is that their baby vanishes while playing hide-and-seek with his elder sister Thomasin, played by newcomer Anya Taylor-Joy. This sets off the family’s mental and spiritual collapse.
Initially, The Witch didn’t receive universal acclaim, leaving some horror fans expecting a more conventional fright-fest somewhat perplexed. However, critics lauded the film, drawing comparisons to iconic works like The Shining and The Crucible. It boasts a solid 91 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 84 on Metacritic.
The horror movie received high praise for its methodical pacing and spine-chilling moments. Among the eerie scenes is one with their pet goat, Black Phillip – who – spoiler alert – turns out to be much more than your average barnyard buddy.
The movie’s concluding scene has become legendary, with the phrase “Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?” turning into a recognizable hallmark for those familiar with it. Over time, The Witch has secured its place as a cult favorite, frequently appearing on lists of top horror films from the 2010s.
The film managed to secure a spot on Entertainment Weekly’s roster of the most notable horror movies of the past ten years. It received praise for its “unsettlingly atmospheric” setting and Taylor-Joy’s standout performance in her first appearance on screen. Critics have drawn parallels between this movie and other iconic thrillers like The Exorcist, The Omen, and Rosemary’s Baby.
At the same time, even Stephen King expressed his admiration on X, stating, “The Witch truly terrified me. It’s a genuine film—intense, intellectually stimulating, and also very sensory-driven.”
A single Rotten Tomatoes user shared their thoughts, stating, “This stands out as one of the most unforgettable horror films. It’s quite disheartening yet captivating in its own way.” Another reviewer added, “I found myself completely engrossed throughout much of the film. The atmosphere was dark and unsettling, complemented by brilliant conversations and a storyline filled with delightful surprises at every turn.”
While one critic raved, “This is a masterpiece. Robert Eggers has become my favorite director,” another exclaimed, “Incredible! It’s the finest horror film I’ve ever watched. Robert Eggers is undoubtedly a genius.” Following this success, Robert Eggers proceeded to direct The Lighthouse and The Northman.
Click
here
To keep abreast of the most recent news, sports, and entertainment stories from Mirror US, subscribe to our updates on Google News.