This was very interesting. I was never a huge fan of this film for some reason (I think it is a combination of the music and color that turns me off) but that is not to say that it wasn't well done.
I often, in half serious half trolling sort of way, argue that The Witch functions as a religious propaganda film. It would take more time than I am willing to spend right now to make that argument but I put a great deal of focus on the elder son's death scene and the "sinful" behavior that takes place after the family is separated from the religious authorities.
Anyway good post. Followed and Upvoted.
I know what you are talking about, but I think you are not right. The movie have the old spirit of the fairy tales like The Brothers Grimm, and the religious motif is always very strong there. And the dilemma is either you want to do something authentic or put it into the mold of modern, atheistic ideas in which the fairy tale can not exist.
True enough. When I make that argument it is a bit half hearted but I find that it is a fun one to make for some reason.
I don't actually think the religious aspect of the film is a bad thing, though. You don't have to think a thing is real to enjoy it as art.