The Witch (HBO)

About The Witch (HBO)

The Witch is a 2016 film directed by Robert Eggers. Set in the 17th century, the plot follows a Puritan family encountering forces of evil in the woods beyond their New England farm, which they have been exiled from due to the patriarch's disagreement with the community's religious principles. An atmosphere of dread and despair permeates their new life.

Making / Production

Directed by Robert Eggers and backed by Parts & Labor and RT Features, The Witch took $4 million and 25 days to shoot. Researching for the film was a painstaking process, with Eggers keen to keep the film as historically accurate as possible. The dialogue, taken directly from period journals and diaries, is rendered in an old-time English dialect, enhancing the overall feel of the film.

Actors

• Anya Taylor-Joy as Thomasin: The eldest daughter in the family who is falsely accused of witchcraft. Taylor-Joy gives an intense performance, encapsulating the confusion and fear of a young girl grappling with accusations and her burgeoning sexuality in a repressive society.
• Ralph Ineson as William: As the family patriarch, Ralph gives a compelling performance showing a man’s descent into religious madness.
• Kate Dickie as Katherine: Kate perfectly encapsulates the grief of a mother who has lost her baby and the anger she feels towards her daughter, whom she blames for the loss.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Witch was Robert Eggers’ directorial debut.
• The film uses natural light and candlelight to keep true to the time it was set in.
• The film features authentic dialogue, taken directly from 17th century resources.

Awards

The Witch has won several awards including Best First Feature and Best Director for Robert Eggers at the 31st Independent Spirit Awards, and the Directing Award in the U.S. Dramatic category at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival.

Quotes

• "Thou canst not command me to let thee depart."
• "I am the witch of the wood."

Music, Soundtrack

• "What Went We" by Mark Korven - This is a combination of ambience and dissonant strings that creates a creepy atmosphere in the film.
• "Caleb's Seduction" by Mark Korven - A suspenseful yet eerie piece that pairs well with the unnerving scene of Caleb's seduction.