Whilst this film does have issues, mostly that at points it feels more preoccupied with flaunting its design and attention to detail than progressing the plot and consequently slightly drags. Nevertheless, when the plot does get in motion the film is consistently engaging and builds a terrifying atmosphere that by the end boils over into a jaw-dropping climax.
Both the script and direction from Robert Eggers pair to craft a scintillating experience that has you on the edge of your seat from the word go. There is a constant feeling that the characters are being watched, with the woods being perfectly mysterious, providing a constant point of tension, never really sure what could come out of them.
All the characters are well written, and each performance portrays them as neither good nor evil, just human. A mother drowned in sorrow brought on by religion, a father too proud to let go of religion and admit he was wrong and four children who can't find the faith he demands and are thus loathed by their parent.
All of this culminates in the family destroying themselves due to the differences they create, with a sprinkling of witchcraft and devilishness on the side.
All things considered whilst it can be slightly slow sometimes and the experimental nature of the script makes it hard to understand at points, it is still a magnificent finished product with great performances, script and direction.
Both the script and direction from Robert Eggers pair to craft a scintillating experience that has you on the edge of your seat from the word go. There is a constant feeling that the characters are being watched, with the woods being perfectly mysterious, providing a constant point of tension, never really sure what could come out of them.
All the characters are well written, and each performance portrays them as neither good nor evil, just human. A mother drowned in sorrow brought on by religion, a father too proud to let go of religion and admit he was wrong and four children who can't find the faith he demands and are thus loathed by their parent.
All of this culminates in the family destroying themselves due to the differences they create, with a sprinkling of witchcraft and devilishness on the side.
All things considered whilst it can be slightly slow sometimes and the experimental nature of the script makes it hard to understand at points, it is still a magnificent finished product with great performances, script and direction.