I don’t usually see a lot of horror films, and the primary reason for that is, ‘I don’t like to be scared.’

Well, every year there’s that one horror movie that has everybody talking, but it never actually gets any love in Oscar season. Two years ago it was The Babadook. Last year it was It Follows. This year, it’s The Witch. (Or  The VVitch, whichever you prefer.)

Unlike typical horror films, this film doesn’t rely so much on cheap jump scares as much as a slow sense of dread. Which for me, made the film less terrifying. But at the same time, I wasn’t super invested in the characters either.

It doesn’t help that most of the time, the characters are speaking in such a heavy accent, it can be heard to understand what they’re saying. Kate Dickie gives an impressive performance, but the remainder of the cast is just okay.

The production design is really good, but the best aspect if the movie is the cinematography. Every shot is brilliantly composed, but just slightly off, to add to the unnerving atmosphere of the film. But the music was at times ver y distracting, particularly during the opening of the film.

Some people like the idea of going to a movie just to be scared. If that’s you’re thing, good for you. But I just can’t get into horror movies. To me, a film’s first priority should be to tell a good story, not to make your audience feel afraid. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys horror movies, then you’ll probably like The Witch. It’s just not really my cup of tea.

***

(BTW, that goat was effing creepy)