The Witch

I gave this 4.75 stars when I first watched it in 2020, and I think that’s still about right. The second half is absolutely riveting, but there are a couple moments during the (still fascinating) first half when I wondered - “is this about to kick into gear”? But that’s my only complaint and truly the only thing keeping this from being a straight-up 5-star review.  Still by far my favorite Eggers. NORTHMAN was cool, but rewatching this makes me particularly excited for his take on NOSFERATU. The casting in this film is absolutely impeccable. Ralph Ineson’s voice! Plucking Anya Taylor-Joy out of obscurity. Those fucking twins! Love how stifling their fundamentalism is. That fear of damnation is enough to drive anybody crazy. Have gotten into arguments online about whether the ending is truly a “good for her” moment, but it doesn’t really matter.  The visuals are also striking. Pieces of color here and there on a mostly grey/black palette but overall just breathtaking imagery. Whew. Wouldst thou like to live deliciously?