Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intense, fascinating Puritan horror tale has blood and gore.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Where to Watch
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The Witch
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a dark, psychological horror that presents a haunting narrative set in 17th century New England, exploring themes of religion, hysteria, and family dynamics and is deemed unsuitable for children due to its mature content. While many praise its cinematography and historical accuracy, some critiques focus on its slow pacing and a lack of visceral scares, leaving mixed feelings about its storytelling and engagement level.
- dark themes
- psychological horror
- mature content
- historical accuracy
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 42 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a high-quality horror film that is more disturbing than scary, with notable gory scenes and complex themes that might not be suitable for younger audiences. Reviews highlight its slow pacing and unsettling atmosphere, complemented by strong performances and cinematography, but note that it contains graphic violence and nudity, leading many to recommend it for mature teens and adults only.
- disturbing imagery
- slow pacing
- mature themes
- strong performances
- graphic violence
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In 17th-century New England, a Puritan family is banished from a settlement for holding religious beliefs that differ from the majority's. Setting up their own farm in an isolated area near a spooky woods, the family struggles with not having enough food for the winter. One day, eldest daughter Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy) is looking after the baby when it suddenly disappears. Then other mysterious, terrible things start happening, sending the fearful family into panic. Thomasin's mother (Kate Dickie) and father (Ralph Ineson) begin to grow suspicious of their children, especially after Thomasin is caught playing "witch" games with her younger brother and sister. Is there really an evil witch in the woods, and what's happening to the family?
Is It Any Good?
This exceptionally intelligent, atmospheric horror movie more closely recalls Ingmar Bergman than Wes Craven, as it centers on human foibles as well as dealing with a hint of the supernatural. In his feature debut, director Robert Eggers goes the extra mile to create authentic-sounding dialogue for the early 17th century, as well as costumes and sets, not to mention behaviors and beliefs. Even Mark Korven's eerie music sounds like something from another time or world.
Weirdly, THE WITCH isn't quite as flat-out scary as it might seem, despite the shocking "peek a boo" moment heavily used to promote it. It's more fascinating and transporting as we navigate this seemingly primitive world that truly believes in witches. Eggers refrains from any kind of modern commentary as the movie immerses us in a gloomy, harsh existence, challenging us to find parallels -- and trace pathways -- to our current life. Primal and challenging, it could someday stand with the horror classics.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Witch's violence and gore. How much is shown, and in what context? What effect does it have? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Is the movie scary? What makes something scary? How does this one compare with other horror movies you've seen?
In this movie, is religious faith portrayed as a good thing, a bad thing, or both? What about belief in witches?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 19, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : May 17, 2016
- Cast : Anya Taylor-Joy , Ralph Ineson , Kate Dickie
- Director : Robert Eggers
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Horror
- Topics : History , Fantasy
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : disturbing violent content and graphic nudity
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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