If I were to give a broad definition of Arthouse Horror, it would go along the lines of a film that lies within the realms of non-conformity and non-commercialist style of filmmaking. Films that make you think twice about what you're glaring at, and make you think just that little bit deeper. Films with nihilistic thematic structure, and original plot-lines that aren't riddled with horrible jump-scares and pompous ambiguity.
Here I am waffling on about Arthouse Horror and I'm ignoring that fact that I watched one of the most prolifically impactful horror films, for, I don't even know how long, The Witch.
The Witch, in my opinion, is so successful in it's execution, because of the simplicity of the plot. When banished by their villages' church, a farmer and his family are forced to abandon the small town, seeking refuge and building a new home in the dreary and bleakly-scarce forests of New England, circa 1630 (what a time to be alive, may I add).
Soon after the family settle, strange happenings begin to occur on the newly-established homestead. Crops begin to die, animals begin to perish, and horrifically, the family's newborn suddenly disappears.
The Witch is meticulously shot, with each shot reading and presenting itself as if it were a post- renaissance artwork. The mise en scène is sharp, everything is perfectly in it's place, from the actor's movements to the props.
The landscape itself is terrifying, the authenticity that lies in the eluding sense of barren, is unnerving. And let me also say, that the performances of the actors, especially the children, were phenomenally horrifying, I haven't been so impressed by the talent of child actors in quite some time.
But the driving force of this film lies within the value of the story. It's based on real stories and recollections of witchcraft and sinister events that occurred around this time, so the plot feels extremely authentic and, above all, original.
There are certain scenes that'll make you feel genuinely uncomfortable, because they're unlike anything you've scene in a horror film before this.
I can tell you, this film created a mood that I didn't shake easily, it's an extremely atmospheric, stylistic and brooding film that you will not forget any time soon.
I give The Witch four and a half rotten apples out of five.
Review By.
James C. Murray
