The Witch is a 2015 supernatural horror film directed by Robert Eggers and starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the lead role. Set in 17th-century New England, the film tells the story of a Puritan family who encounters a malevolent witch after being banished from their village. Anya Taylor-Joy delivers a captivating performance as Thomasin, a young girl who becomes the target of suspicion and fear within her own family. As strange occurrences and disappearances plague the family, they begin to question each other's motives and suspect that Thomasin may be a witch herself. The film explores themes of religious extremism, fear of the unknown, and the breakdown of familial bonds. It skillfully creates a tense and atmospheric atmosphere, drawing inspiration from historical records of witch trials and folklore to create a sense of authenticity.
The actor credited the movie, which was filmed in the wilds of Canada, as a formative part of her growth as a professional. “It gave me the cornerstones of the way I work now,” she said, “which is essentially the idea that there is no hierarchy on set: you work hard, you stay on top of the shots and you don’t assume anyone else is going to do that for you.
But I just had this really good feeling about The Witch that made me willing to forego the Disney experience for the thing that felt unknown to me, the thing that felt sacred. In order to get prepped for this bloody tale of Viking vengeance, check out his unsettling horror debut The Witch a folk horror movie that does not rely on gore to terrify the audience, but instead gradually worms its way under your skin to slowly unnerve you.
It skillfully creates a tense and atmospheric atmosphere, drawing inspiration from historical records of witch trials and folklore to create a sense of authenticity. Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Thomasin is both vulnerable and resilient, capturing the character's internal struggle as she grapples with her own identity and tries to navigate the growing hysteria within her family. Her performance is nuanced and layered, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a rising star in the industry.
Anya Taylor-Joy Recalls Turning Down Disney to Star in ‘The Witch’ Instead
These days, Anya Taylor-Joy is seemingly EVERYWHERE – and that’s a good thing, to be clear! – but there was a time not all that long ago when none of us knew her name. That was, of course, until her breakout role in the Robert Eggers horror movie The Witch back in 2015, which launched Taylor-Joy’s career and led to subsequent roles in Split, Glass, The New Mutants, The Northman and the upcoming The Menu, as well as George Miller’s Furiosa.
But let’s jump back to 2015 for a minute. In a new chat with Harper’s Bazaar this week, Anya Taylor-Joy recalls that she was facing down a very tough career dilemma at the time. When she was offered The Witch, Taylor-Joy was forced to turn down another big opportunity.
“I remember it was the same day I got asked to be in a Disney Channel pilot, and it was so exciting to be offered anything at all that I ran around the house like a loon,” Taylor-Joy tells the outlet. “But I just had this really good feeling about The Witch that made me willing to forego the Disney experience for the thing that felt unknown to me, the thing that felt sacred.”
She says of her experience on The Witch, “It gave me the cornerstones of the way I work now, which is essentially the idea that there is no hierarchy on set: you work hard, you stay on top of the shots and you don’t assume anyone else is going to do that for you. Your title doesn’t stop at actor – you’re a creative on this film, and that’s how you need to approach it.”
“I thought I’d done a really bad job, and I saw myself failing miserably with this dream I’d had for such a long time,” she admits. “I guess I’m not always the best judge of my own work.”
Related Topics: Anya Taylor JoyRobert EggersThe WitchWriter in the horror community since 2008. Editor in Chief of Bloody Disgusting. Owns Eli Roth's prop corpse from Piranha 3D. Has four awesome cats. Still plays with toys.
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The Witch garnered positive reviews from critics, who praised its atmospheric cinematography, meticulous attention to detail, and unsettling tension. It was lauded for its ability to immerse viewers in the eerie world of early colonial America, and for its thought-provoking exploration of themes beyond typical horror tropes. Overall, The Witch is a compelling and thought-provoking horror film that showcases the talent of its young lead actress, Anya Taylor-Joy. With its unsettling atmosphere and exploration of deep-rooted fears, it stands out as a standout entry in the genre..
Reviews for "The Witch and the Female Empowerment: Anna Taylor Joy's Impact"
1. John - 2/5 - As a horror film enthusiast, I was really disappointed with "The Witch". The director built up the suspense fairly well, but the payoff was lackluster. The story felt disjointed and the characters were not fully developed. I found it hard to connect with any of them, and the ending left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, "The Witch" felt like a missed opportunity to create a truly chilling and memorable horror movie.
2. Sarah - 3/5 - While I appreciate the atmospheric setting and the strong performance by Anna Taylor-Joy, "The Witch" failed to fully capture my interest. The slow pace of the film dragged on, and the scares were few and far between. Additionally, some of the more supernatural elements felt forced and out of place. I was left wanting more substance and a clearer direction in the storytelling. Overall, "The Witch" had potential but ultimately fell short for me.
3. Mike - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "The Witch" as it was highly praised by critics, but I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed. The cinematography and aesthetic were certainly impressive, but the story felt convoluted. The dialogue was hard to follow at times, and the lack of character development made it difficult to root for or care about any of the characters. The slow pace made the film feel tedious, and the ending left me feeling confused and dissatisfied. Unfortunately, "The Witch" simply did not live up to the hype for me.