You are currently viewing The VVitch: A New-England Folktale (2015) – A slow folktale

The VVitch: A New-England Folktale (2015) – A slow folktale

Folklore is so good when it’s done right. It’s also good when it’s done by the book. But oh man, oh man did I want more out of this. It’s a slow-burner of an experience and with an open mind, you might get something out of it.

Family, New England, 1630’s, yeeted out of society because of witchcraft. They try to make a new life out in the middle of nowhere but suddenly, you guessed it, witchcraft starts to happen. Their newborn son goes missing and like a flick of the switch, the family goes bananas and starts to do all of the sins until it all tumbles down to a magnificent end.

The VVitch is more about building a sense of dread rather than scaring you. Everything feels off and the characters’ descent into madness is down so slowly you don’t notice it until they snap. There are some great pacing and timing in conjunction with a wonderful soundscape to suck you in. But I can’t shake the feeling of it being an incomplete experience. I know that’s what they were going for. The purpose is to keep you guessing but there’s too much of an open-ended feel to it all that doesn’t feel satisfying.

The VVitch offers some great acting and historical accuracy baked into the hardcore religious superstitions of its time. If you can shake of the feelings of something missing and just immerse yourself emotionally you’re in for a treat. I find the psychological aspect to be the most rewarding. They essentially drive each other insane with guilt and fearmongering and it’s very rewarding to observe. I just wanted another ending out of it all. Just skip the paranormal stuff all together and make it into a psychological thriller instead.

If you’re looking for a drinking game, then drink every time they say thou. You will be drunk in no time. Also, it’s on Prime for free if you have Showtime. It’s worth a watch.

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