The Witch Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Puritan family has a bad day, blames a goat, and then the teenage daughter joins a witch rave.

🍿 The Witch: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Exile and Isolation

In 1630s New England, William, a devout Puritan, is banished from his community due to religious disagreements. He relocates his family—wife Katherine, daughter Thomasin, son Caleb, twins Mercy and Jonas, and infant Samuel—to a remote farm bordering a dark and ominous forest. This isolation sets the stage for the unraveling of their faith and sanity.

The Disappearance of Samuel

Tragedy strikes when infant Samuel vanishes while under Thomasin’s care. The family is devastated, and Katherine spirals into despair, suspecting a wolf is responsible. However, the audience is shown that Samuel was taken by a witch in the woods, marking the beginning of a series of horrific events that test the family’s faith and their relationships with one another.

Accusations and Paranoia

As their crops fail and misfortunes mount, paranoia consumes the family. Mercy and Jonas accuse Thomasin of witchcraft, fueled by their interactions with the goat Black Phillip. Caleb’s growing attraction to Thomasin adds another layer of tension, and his subsequent disappearance and return, seemingly possessed, further intensifies the family’s distrust and accusations.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy): The eldest daughter of a Puritan family who is blamed for the misfortunes that befall them and ultimately embraces witchcraft.
• William (Ralph Ineson): The devout but flawed patriarch of the family whose religious zealotry leads to their isolation and downfall.
• Katherine (Kate Dickie): William’s wife who descends into grief and paranoia after the disappearance of her infant son, blaming Thomasin for their troubles.
• Caleb (Harvey Scrimshaw): The adolescent son who grapples with emerging sexual desires and religious guilt, leading to a fateful encounter in the woods.
• Black Phillip (Daniel Malik): The family’s goat who is revealed to be a demonic entity and tempts Thomasin into witchcraft.
• The Witch (Bathsheba Garnett): The supernatural antagonist who preys on the family’s fears and vulnerabilities, embodying the evil lurking in the wilderness.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thomasin: “Black Phillip, I conjure thee to speak to me.” – Thomasin, desperate and alone, attempts to communicate with the goat, Black Phillip, seeking answers and a connection to the supernatural.
• Black Phillip: “Wouldst thou like the taste of butter? A pretty dress? Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?” – Black Phillip tempts Thomasin with promises of earthly pleasures, representing the allure of the dark side and a life free from Puritan constraints.
• Caleb: “I cannot name Him!” – Caleb’s breakdown underscores the crippling fear instilled by the family’s religion and the weight of perceived sin.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $25,138,705
• Worldwide Gross: $40,423,945

💥 The Witch Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely drawn into the unsettling world of The Witch. The commitment to historical accuracy made the horror feel so much more real. Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance was incredible – you could feel her desperation and confusion. The scene where Caleb returns from the woods, and the unsettling finale left me with a lingering sense of dread. It’s not a film for everyone, but if you appreciate slow-burn horror with a deep story, The Witch is a must-see.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of slow-burn horror.”
  • “Viewers interested in historical settings and Puritan culture.”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking and atmospheric films.”
  • “People who enjoy psychological thrillers.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence.”
  • “Disturbing imagery.”
  • “Nudity.”
  • “Religious themes that may be upsetting to some.”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Robert Eggers crafts a chilling and meticulously detailed portrait of religious extremism and paranoia in 17th-century New England. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a star-making performance in this unsettling and atmospheric folk horror.
• Variety: “A masterfully unsettling horror film that evokes dread and discomfort. The Witch uses authentic period detail and unsettling imagery to create a truly unique and disturbing cinematic experience.
• RogerEbert.com: “A slow-burn horror that relies on atmosphere and character rather than jump scares. The Witch is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating film that explores the dark side of faith and the consequences of religious extremism.

Audience Reactions

The atmosphere was incredibly creepy and authentic.: Most viewers praised the film’s dedication to historical detail, the unsettling atmosphere, and the strong performances, especially Anya Taylor-Joy’s.

Black Phillip the goat was surprisingly terrifying.: Many found the ending divisive but appreciated the film’s unconventional approach to horror, focusing on psychological dread rather than jump scares.

Overall Consensus: The Witch is a critically acclaimed folk horror film praised for its historical accuracy, unsettling atmosphere, and strong performances, though some viewers found its slow pace and ambiguous ending divisive.

Awards

1. Directors Guild of America Award (Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Feature Film)- 2017

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film’s dialogue was meticulously crafted to reflect 17th-century English, drawing from historical documents and journals to ensure authenticity.”
• “Director Robert Eggers prioritized historical accuracy in every aspect of the production, from costumes to set design, immersing the audience in the world of 1630s New England.”
• “The film was shot primarily using natural light to enhance the sense of realism and isolation, contributing to the movie’s unsettling atmosphere.”
• “The title’s spelling, ‘The VVitch,’ is a period-accurate representation, reflecting the limited use of the letter ‘W’ during the 17th century.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Witch?

The Witch is available for streaming on various platforms. You can rent or purchase it on Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Witch, you might like these similar films:

• The Crucible (1996): Examines the paranoia and hysteria surrounding witchcraft accusations in a Puritan community, focusing on social dynamics and personal betrayals.
• Hereditary (2018): Delves into familial tragedy and supernatural horror, exploring themes of grief, inherited curses, and the unraveling of a family.
• A Field in England (2013): A group of deserters in the 17th century ingest psychedelic mushrooms, their journey descends into paranoia, surreal visions, and psychological horror.
• Midsommar (2019): Explores themes of isolation, pagan rituals, and psychological breakdown within a remote and unsettling community.

🛒 The Witch Related Products

• The Witch: A New-England Folktale [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed horror film on Blu-ray, featuring bonus content like behind-the-scenes featurettes and commentary from director Robert Eggers.
• Black Phillip T-Shirt: A stylish t-shirt featuring Black Phillip, the iconic goat from The Witch, allowing fans to showcase their love for the movie.
• The Witch: Screenplay Book: Read the complete screenplay of The Witch by Robert Eggers and gain insight into the creative process behind this acclaimed film. Available on Kindle.
• Puritan Dress Costume: Dress up as Thomasin or Katherine and capture the eerie look and feel from the movie. Features historically accurate details.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Witch features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “What Can Ye Give?” – performed by Mark Korven
• “The Goat” – performed by Mark Korven
• “Witch’s Coven” – performed by Mark Korven

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Witch: You are Not So Rational

Looking for a deeper understanding of the complexities of ‘The Witch’? This video analysis delves into the film’s themes and historical context, offering insights that will enrich your viewing experience.

The WITCH (2015) Explained

Still puzzled over some aspects of ‘The Witch’? This explanatory video will break it down for you, shedding light on the plot, characters, and themes in a clear and accessible way.

THE WITCH is cursed

Curious about what makes ‘The Witch’ such a standout horror film? This video review and analysis will take you on a journey through its disturbing and iconic elements, offering a fresh perspective on its cinematic power.

The VVitch: History of the Witch | Horror History

Intrigued by the historical roots of ‘The Witch’? This video will take you on a captivating journey through the witch pamphlets and beliefs that shaped the film’s portrayal of witchcraft, offering a unique perspective on its cultural significance.

✨ Rate