Magic and sorrow combined: The bittersweet nature of supernatural phenomena Magic and sorrow, two seemingly contradictory concepts, can intertwine in unexpected ways. Both conjure a sense of wonder and mystery, captivating our hearts and minds. Although magic often promises joy and enchantment, it can also bring about a profound sense of sadness and loss. The allure of magic lies in its ability to transport us to alternate realities, where imagination knows no bounds. It can whisk us away from the mundane and into a world of endless possibilities. Whether it is through the pages of a book, the silver screen, or a live performance, magic captivates our senses, inviting us to believe in the extraordinary.
Oh, and there's the goat named Black Philip. You will have plenty of things to say about Black Philip.
There is nothing easy about this film, which demands that you watch a family rot from within as a vaguely defined presence picks father, mother, and children apart, piece by piece. Plot synopsis New England, 1630 William and Katherine lead a devout Christian life, homesteading on the edge of an impassible wilderness, with five children.
Whether it is through the pages of a book, the silver screen, or a live performance, magic captivates our senses, inviting us to believe in the extraordinary. Yet, alongside its wonder, magic can also evoke sorrow. The sadness may derive from the realization that the magical realm we so eagerly embrace is, ultimately, only an illusion.
'The Witch' Trailer: Something Wicked (And Great) This Way Comes
If 2016 sees the release of a better horror movie than The Witch, we are in for one hell of a year. Emphasis on that "hell," because writer/director Robert Eggers' tale of sin, paranoia, and unfiltered evil in 17th century New England is unholy brilliance. This is already a frontrunner for one of the best movies of 2016.
A24 has unveiled a new trailer for The Witch and it's a fine sampler of the movie's dark, delectable pleasures. You should most definitely watch it below.
Although already devoted genre fans are going to fall head-over-heels for The Witch, know that this isn't a the most traditionally frightening horror movie around. There isn't a single jump scare to be found in this film and Eggers actively dodges any and all horror cliches. This is a film that mines terror from its oppressive atmosphere and finely drawn characters. There is nothing easy about this film, which demands that you watch a family rot from within as a vaguely defined presence picks father, mother, and children apart, piece by piece. The Witch is a unnerving experience – it stares into darkness and invites you to take a peek.
Oh, and it's fun. And quotable. And with a risky 92-minute running time, it gets in and out without wasting a single second of your time. This is lean, mean, vicious filmmaking.
This trailer also offers fresh looks the main characters of the film. Ralph Ineson's patriarch William, an intensely religious man whose pride blinds him where it matters most. Kate Dickie's Katherine, the devoted mother who cannot understand why someone (or something) has targeted the souls of her family. Newcomer Ana Taylor-Joy's Thomasin, the oldest daughter who finds her faith crumbling after she is accused of witchcraft.
Oh, and there's the goat named Black Philip. You will have plenty of things to say about Black Philip.
The Witch marks the feature debut of Eggers, but there is an attention to detail to his filmmaking that never betrays his inexperience. The world of The Witch, the wilds of 1630 New England, might as well be an alien planet and Eggers trusts us to keep up with his characters' antiquated language and often unknowable lifestyle. He throws the audience into this meticulously designed world and never lets us come up for breath. By the time you find your feet, he's already started pulling the ground out from underneath you. Eggers' precise, confident filmmaking finds dread in every moment.
Here is the official synopsis for the film:
In this exquisitely made and terrifying new horror film, the age-old concepts of witchcraft, black magic and possession are innovatively brought together to tell the intimate and riveting story of one family's frightful unraveling in the New England wilderness circa 1630. New England, 1630. Upon threat of banishment by the church, an English farmer leaves his colonial plantation, relocating his wife and five children to a remote plot of land on the edge of an ominous forest – within which lurks an unknown evil. Strange and unsettling things begin to happen almost immediately – animals turn malevolent, crops fail, and one child disappears as another becomes seemingly possessed by an evil spirit. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, family members accuse teenage daughter Thomasin of witchcraft, charges she adamantly denies. As circumstances grow more treacherous, each family member's faith, loyalty and love become tested in shocking and unforgettable ways. Writer/director Robert Eggers' debut feature, which premiered to great acclaim at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival – winning the Best Director Prize in the U.S. Narrative Competition – painstakingly recreates a God-fearing New England decades before the 1692 Salem witch trials, in which religious convictions tragically turned to mass hysteria. Told through the eyes of the adolescent Thomasin – in a star-making turn by newcomer Anya Taylor-Joy – and supported by mesmerizing camera work and a powerful musical score, THE WITCH is a chilling and groundbreaking new take on the genre.
The Witch opens on February 19, 2016, a week earlier than originally intended. Hail Satan.
We may long to possess the supernatural abilities we witness, yearning for an escape from the constraints of reality. In this longing, we may find ourselves feeling a sense of emptiness or grief when confronted with our own ordinary lives. Furthermore, magic often carries with it a sense of sacrifice. In many tales of enchantment, characters must make difficult choices or endure great suffering to access their magical abilities. Whether through loss of loved ones, personal hardship, or moral dilemmas, magic can inflict a deep sense of sorrow upon those who wield its power. In literature, art, and folklore, magic has been a source of both joy and sorrow. In novels such as "Harry Potter," the wizarding world provides solace and wonder, but also presents moments of heartache and tragedy. In paintings depicting mythical creatures or fantastical landscapes, the ethereal beauty can leave one with a sense of melancholy, as if mourning the unattainable. Ultimately, the intertwining of magic and sorrow highlights the intrinsic connection between human emotions and supernatural phenomena. It reminds us that even in the realm of enchantment, sorrow remains a universal human experience. The juxtaposition of these emotions serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of our existence, and the fleeting nature of joy. In conclusion, the combination of magic and sorrow generates a unique blend of emotions that can both inspire and sadden us. It is through this fusion that we recognize the fragility and transience of the human experience. Despite the inherent sadness, the allure of magic continues to captivate us, offering glimpses of a world where the extraordinary is possible..
Reviews for "Illuminating the Dark Magic of Sorrow"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I found "Its magic and sorrow combined" to be incredibly dull and uninspiring. The plot was confusing and lacked depth, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting. The writing style did not captivate me and failed to evoke any emotions. Overall, I was disappointed with this book and wouldn't recommend it to others who are looking for a captivating and engaging magical story.
2. John - 1 star - I just couldn't get into "Its magic and sorrow combined." The pacing was incredibly slow, and there didn't seem to be any clear direction to the plot. The magic elements felt forced and poorly developed, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. The sorrow mentioned in the title was also lacking in any emotional impact, leaving me feeling indifferent towards the characters and their struggles. Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me and I wouldn't recommend it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - "Its magic and sorrow combined" failed to live up to my expectations. The writing felt disjointed and lacked a cohesive flow, making it difficult to follow the storyline. The magical elements were underdeveloped and didn't add any depth or intrigue to the plot. Additionally, the sorrow aspect felt forced and didn't resonate with me on an emotional level. Overall, I found this book to be a disappointment and would not recommend it to others.