1630 in New England. William and Catherine, a devout couple, settle on the edge of civilization, lead a pious life with their five children, and cultivate their plot of land in what is still a wild space. The mysterious disappearance of their new baby and the sudden loss of their crops quickly bring them against each other…
It’s unbelievable to say we didn’t see a slap hit at that time. In 2015, the unknown Robert Eggers, who previously worked as a designer in film and television and signed two daring short films (Hansel & Gretel and The Tell-Tale Heart), released a brilliant and intelligent first feature film. A horror film set in New World America and its first deeply religious Protestant settlers from Europe.
A kind of fictitious and terrifying outline, as well as the beginning of what would lead to the Salem Witch Trials, which led to the arrest of one hundred people and the execution of fourteen women and six men. And it was the largest witch hunt in North American history.
Before appearing in front of M. Night Shyamalan’s camera in Split and Glass, before triumphantly playing Scary Lady, actress Anya Taylor-Joy made her big screen debut in Eggers’ film The Mask of Thomasin. The eldest daughter of this family, which will soon break up.
Beautifully shot, with elegant and sophisticated staging that holds the actor at arm’s length, Robert Eggers distills an atmosphere in his work that is as oppressive as it is icy and as poisonous as a bad dream. Without denouncing Puritan America, which is still not done with its old demons.
A highly intelligent horror film to watch or re-watch on Netflix!
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
