In 2015, the witch became a popular and intriguing topic in various forms of media. Both in literature and film, the witch took center stage, captivating audiences and sparking discussions about the historical and cultural significance of this figure. One notable example is the film "The Witch," directed by Robert Eggers. Released in 2015, this horror film tells the story of a Puritan family in the 17th century New England, who are haunted by a witch living in the nearby woods. This critically acclaimed film explores themes of religious fanaticism, family dynamics, and the fear of the unknown. It showcases the witch as a symbol of evil and temptation, embodying the fears and anxieties of the time period.
Many of these details and changes the characters go through are not told to us as fact. They are shown, forming assumptions based off how the actors and the dialogue portray them. By the end of the film, I felt like I understood who these people were because of how well everything was acted and written. It's also the flaws of these characters that make them so relatable and interesting. The statements the parents make towards the Thomasin are appropriately passive-aggressive, like parents would talk to their kids for whom they hold a grudge. The film also shows us her perspective much of the time, making us more empathetic towards her in these situations.
I mentioned The Witch in my list of top movies to stream from Amazon Prime for October 2016, but I wanted to give it some more attention for a number of reasons. The supernatural elements are obviously up for discussion, but that these tales were written centuries ago somehow adds more to this disturbing film.
It showcases the witch as a symbol of evil and temptation, embodying the fears and anxieties of the time period. In addition to "The Witch," the literary world also saw a surge in witch-related content in 2015. Many authors, particularly in the fantasy genre, incorporated witches into their stories.
The Witch (2015)
A family in 1630s New England is torn apart by the forces of witchcraft, black magic and possession.
One notable example is "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas, which follows a young woman who becomes entangled in a world ruled by powerful faeries – some of whom possess magical abilities, including witchcraft. This book, along with many others, showcases witches as complex characters, with their own motivations and agendas. The fascination with witches in 2015 can be seen as a reflection of our society's enduring fascination with the supernatural and the unknown. Witches have long been a source of both fear and fascination, representing a dark, mysterious power that both repels and attracts. The popularity of the witch in 2015 suggests that this archetype continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a vehicle for exploring themes of power, gender, and societal norms. Furthermore, the resurgence of interest in witches in 2015 may also be linked to the growing movement of feminist empowerment. Witches, historically associated with women who were perceived as going against societal norms, have become symbols of female strength and independence. In popular culture, witches are often portrayed as powerful, intelligent, and resilient – characteristics that resonate with many women today. Overall, 2015 was a significant year for the witch in popular culture. Whether in film, literature, or other forms of media, the witch was a prominent figure, capturing the imagination of audiences and sparking discussions about its significance. The enduring fascination with witches continues to make them relevant and intriguing figures in our society, allowing us to explore themes of power, gender, and the unknown..
Reviews for "The Role of Nature in The Witch"
1. John - 2/5: "I found 'The Witch' to be incredibly slow and lacking in any real scares. The story took too long to develop and by the time anything actually happened, I had lost interest. The dialogue was hard to understand at times and the overall atmosphere of the film was just not captivating. Not to mention, the ending was extremely disappointing and left me feeling unsatisfied. Overall, I was quite disappointed with this movie and do not understand the hype surrounding it."
2. Sarah - 1/5: "I have to say that I really did not enjoy 'The Witch' at all. The plot was confusing and disjointed, making it difficult to follow along. The acting was also subpar, giving off a sense of artificiality to the whole film. Furthermore, the scenes were often too dark and hard to see, which made it even more frustrating to watch. I did not find this movie scary in the slightest, and it felt like a waste of time. I would not recommend 'The Witch' to anyone looking for a genuinely good horror film."
3. Alex - 2/5: "Although there were a few moments of suspense, 'The Witch' failed to deliver a truly terrifying experience. The pacing was extremely slow, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout the film. The dialogue was also challenging to understand, which made it difficult to connect with the characters and their struggles. The movie relied too heavily on atmospheric elements rather than building a strong plot or developing characters. Overall, 'The Witch' fell short of my expectations and left me feeling underwhelmed."