The Witch - Film4

(Image credit: © Universal Studios)

In 1630 New England, 15-year-old Anya Taylor-Joy comes under suspicion when her baby brother goes missing

In 1630 New England, 15-year-old Anya Taylor-Joy comes under suspicion when her baby brother goes missing.

Mixing psychological and supernatural chills to spine-tingling effect, this is a terrific horror movie.

Ralph Ineson and Kate Dickie are Puritan settlers who, gripped by paranoia, blame daughter Taylor-Joy when their baby disappears from the homestead they've hacked out of the wilderness.

But is a witch in fact to blame..?

With the tremendous cast making every moment count, this is a striking debut for writer-director Robert Eggers. He keeps us enthralled with his film's skilful mix of folktale eeriness and period authenticity.