"Watch the Witch" is a critically acclaimed horror film directed by Robert Eggers. The movie takes us back in time to the 17th century, where a Puritan family is plagued by supernatural occurrences in the New England wilderness. The plot revolves around the disappearance of their youngest child, Thomasin. As the family members grapple with their fears and suspicions, they begin to suspect that an evil witch living in the woods is responsible for the misfortunes that befall them. The film is known for its atmospheric tension and slow-burning horror. Eggers expertly creates a sense of dread and paranoia, using the isolation of the family's farmhouse and the eerie sounds of the surrounding woods to amplify the fear.
“Over the past 22 years, we have had generations of families visit us. Many families make it a yearly stop. We try to introduce new and different creatures for people to enjoy,” Fiore said.
In accordance with the state s COVID-19 regulations, Magic Wings closed its doors to the public on March 17, 2020, and reopened as allowed, fully reopening as of June 8, 2021. Use of and or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement updated 4 4 2023 , Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights updated 7 1 2023.
Eggers expertly creates a sense of dread and paranoia, using the isolation of the family's farmhouse and the eerie sounds of the surrounding woods to amplify the fear. The performances by the cast are exceptional, particularly Anya Taylor-Joy as Thomasin, who portrays a complex mix of innocence and later, a chilling transformation into darkness. The cinematography and production design also contribute to the film's overall eerie and haunting aesthetic.
Magic Wings aflutter with success as Western Mass. tourism destination
There’s just something delightful about butterflies: They are colorful. They are quiet. They flutter about.
For more than 20 years, Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield has been hosting visitors who delight to see butterflies from throughout the world.
“I think Magic Wings has been successful for so many years because people love butterflies and nature in general,” said Kathy A. Fiore, general manager and co-owner. “You would literally have to take a trip around the world to see all of the different creatures we have here. Whether it is January or July, you will also find an amazing tropical ecosystem at Magic Wings.”
She noted that there are a handful of butterfly conservatories in the United States, but Magic Wings has more butterflies per square foot than any other.
A butterfly comes in for a landing at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens opened in 2000. Today, it has an 18,400-square-foot facility that includes an 8,000-square-foot glass conservatory filled with butterflies, moths and tropical vegetation.
There are some 4,000 butterflies of all colors, shapes, sizes and varieties. Seventy percent of the butterflies are propagated on-site, while 30%are imported from outside livestock providers.
“When people enter the conservatory, there are many different reactions. Some people tear up, some people are mesmerized, some people laugh,” Fiore said. “Many people believe that butterflies represent growth and change and connect with them in memory of a loved one — ‘When butterflies are near, angels are here.’”
A Rice Paper butterfly stops for a snack at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
Magic Wings is open to the public year-round and welcomes about 90,000 visitors annually.
The sun shines through the glass walls and heats up the conservatory to an 80-degree, tropical-like environment all year. There is a heart-shaped pond with Japanese koi at the center of the conservatory.
There also are exhibits and a display area with videos and exhibits about the history and evolution of butterflies.
Magic Wings has about 10 full-time and 10 part-time employees. Summer can bring three or four more part-timers.
Summer Cleveland of Amherst, a "fllight atendant" at the Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory & Gardens in Deerfield, mists plants with water, part of her daily work. (Don Treeger / The Republican)
“Over the past 22 years, we have had generations of families visit us. Many families make it a yearly stop. We try to introduce new and different creatures for people to enjoy,” Fiore said.
In accordance with the state’s COVID-19 regulations, Magic Wings closed its doors to the public on March 17, 2020, and reopened as allowed, fully reopening as of June 8, 2021.
During the shutdown, Magic Wings operated with a core staff of seven employees to maintain the butterfly conservatory and greenhouses.
In order to generate income during the closure, the business utilized its online shopping option on its website magicwings.com; customers placed more than 1,000 orders through the website during the closure.
More than 2 million people have visited Magic Wings over the course of its history. But now Fiore and her brother, George Miller, are currently searching for new owners to take Magic Wings into the future. “Magic Wings’ future is a bright one,” she said.
The business includes a gift shop, food court and several function rooms for hosting weddings, showers, parties and other special events.
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One of the standout features of "Watch the Witch" is its commitment to historical accuracy. Eggers extensively researched the time period, incorporating authentic language and costumes. The dialogue is written in Early Modern English, which heightens the immersion and adds a layer of authenticity to the story. The film delves into the religious fanaticism and superstitions of the time, exploring themes of fear, faith, and the corrupting power of the unknown. "Watch the Witch" is not your typical jump-scare horror film. Instead, it relies on psychological terror and a creeping sense of unease. It explores the fears that can grip a family when faced with the unknown and the lengths they will go to protect themselves. The film challenges the audience to question their own beliefs and reflect on the dark side of human nature. In conclusion, "Watch the Witch" is a must-see for fans of atmospheric and thought-provoking horror. Its unique setting, historical accuracy, and exceptional performances make it a standout film in the genre. Although it may not appeal to those looking for a conventional horror experience, it provides a captivating and unsettling journey into the depths of fear and the supernatural..
Reviews for "The role of witchq in folklore and mythology"
1. Jessica - 1/5
I did not enjoy "Watch the Witch" at all. The movie had a weak storyline that lacked depth and failed to keep my attention. The characters felt one-dimensional and were not developed enough for me to care about their fate. The pacing was slow and dragged on unnecessarily, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found the film to be tedious and uninteresting.
2. Mark - 2/5
"Watch the Witch" was a disappointment for me. The concept seemed intriguing, but the execution fell flat. The film relied too heavily on jump scares and predictable horror tropes, lacking originality. The plot became confusing, and I found myself scratching my head trying to follow along. While the visuals were decent, they could not save the lackluster storyline. I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone looking for a truly immersive and captivating horror experience.
3. Emily - 2/5
I had high hopes for "Watch the Witch" based on the trailer, but unfortunately, it did not live up to my expectations. The story felt disjointed, with random scenes that didn't seem to fit together cohesively. The acting was mediocre, and I struggled to connect with the characters. The movie felt like it was trying too hard to be scary, relying on overused horror clichés. In the end, "Watch the Witch" was forgettable and failed to leave a lasting impression on me.
4. Greg - 1/5
I found "Watch the Witch" to be a total waste of time. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, leaving me feeling confused and unsatisfied. The scares were cheap and predictable, making it difficult to get genuinely scared. The entire film felt like a jumbled mess, lacking any clear direction or purpose. I regret wasting my money on this movie and would advise others to save their time and skip it altogether.