---
title: "The Witch"
year: 2016
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/the-witch-2016"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 310131
imdb_id: "tt4263482"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 92
community_rating: 7.0
vote_count: 7735
content_rating: "R"
---

# The Witch (2016) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/the-witch-2016

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Set in 1630, the film The Witch follows a farmer who relocates his family to a remote plot of land situated on the edge of a forest. Following their move to this isolated location, the family experiences a series of strange and unsettling events. As these occurrences unfold, suspicion and paranoia begin to mount among the household members. The situation forces each individual to confront challenges that test their faith, loyalty, and love for one another in shocking ways. The narrative focuses on the breakdown of the family unit as they struggle to maintain their bond while facing the mysterious pressures of their new environment. By centering on the psychological and emotional toll of their isolation, the film examines the disintegration of trust within the family structure. The story remains grounded in the specific historical setting of the early seventeenth century, highlighting the tensions that arise when a family is pushed to their limits by unexplained forces in the wilderness.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A Puritan family faces sinister forces in 1630s New England."

### Why Watch
- Masterful period atmosphere and authenticity
- Tense psychological horror builds dread
- Strong performances from the ensemble cast

### Caveats & Content Note
- Pacing may feel slow to some viewers
- Dialogue is archaic and challenging
- Tone & Suitability: Contains disturbing themes and imagery suitable for mature audiences.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: slow-burn, eerie, paranoid, atmospheric, unsettling

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Netflix, YouTube TV, Netflix Standard with Ads | Kanopy, Hoopla | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Rakuten TV, Amazon Video |
| **Canada (CA)** | Crave, Starz Amazon Channel, Crave Amazon Channel | Tele Quebec | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, CosmoGo |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Robert Eggers
- **Networks / Studios**: Very Special Projects, Parts & Labor, RT Features

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Anya Taylor-Joy** as *Thomasin*
- **Ralph Ineson** as *William*
- **Kate Dickie** as *Katherine*
- **Harvey Scrimshaw** as *Caleb*
- **Ellie Grainger** as *Mercy*
- **Lucas Dawson** as *Jonas*
- **Julian Richings** as *Governor*
- **Bathsheba Garnett** as *The Witch*
- **Sarah Stephens** as *The Witch, Young*
- **Daniel Malik** as *Black Phillip (voice)*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is the movie based on a true story?
No, it is a fictional story set in 1630s New England.

### Q: What language is spoken in the film?
The characters speak English, using period-appropriate dialect.

### Q: Is there jump scares in this movie?
It relies more on atmosphere and tension than sudden scares.

### Q: Where was the movie filmed?
It was filmed in locations that enhance its historical setting.

### Q: What genre is this film?
It is a folk horror film with period drama elements.

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*