In terms of critiquing, horror films have been, for at least the last few years, one of the most hotly debated genres in the movie industry. For some critics, artfulness is desired above all else.

These movies, possibly losing any sense of fear, can become critic darlings while others are left to critical disapproval.

Within the past few years however, horror has entered a sort of neo-golden age. Films like “It Follows” and “The Conjuring,” each playing heavily into high-quality art standards as well as being noted as some of the most fear-inducing films in recent memory, have been able to regenerate a genre that was supposedly so inundated with disappointment that it could not be saved.

The perfect blending of art with the genre’s true purpose of scaring its viewers has led many new horror movies to win over audiences and critics alike.

This trend continues with “The Witch.”

The film tells the story of a family of Puritans expelled from their village as the dysfunction and disparity of homesteading become all too apparent for the virtuous-turned-dysfunctional travellers. The story gets even more complicated with the disappearance of a baby and the hysteria presented by beliefs in witchcraft and the devil. As paranoia sinks in, it becomes clear that this family will fall apart quickly.

“The Witch” as a whole is the type of slow-burning horror movie that works well for a variety of audiences. As the plot unwinds into chaos, it is doubtful that viewers will be able to look away, let alone want to. It’s a haunting endeavor that makes skin crawl and eyes open wide. “The Witch” isn’t just another indie-horror; it is one of the best to come out of the festival circuit in years.

Wonderfully shot, “The Witch” is a truly stunning piece from first-time director Robert Eggers. Its gray, harshly dim surroundings and sea of trees are entirely consuming. When the cameras pan the plain setting of a New England farm, everything seems so grounded in reality that the resulting horrors are all the more terrifying. “The Witch” is not a film that gleams with all the CGI of a Marvel movie. It is a film in which is dismal, yet visually pleasing environment is on par with “The Revenant.”

The film also benefits from a stellar cast of lesser known actors who dive into their respective roles. From Kate Dickie (“Game Of Thrones”), who plays the deliciously unhinged matriarch Katherine, to Ellie Grainger as the off-kilter younger sister to star Anya Taylor-Joy’s Thomasin, each character is vividly enthralling. Ralph Ineson (“Game Of Thrones”) continues this list of amazing performers as the deeply unnerved and suspicious patriarch to the family.

The cast not only shines in their own roles, but also in their interactions with one another. As an ensemble they are a complete package.

“The Witch” is the type of atmospheric less-is-more horror film that is not only terrifying, but also stunning. Each shot vividly elaborates on the bleak situation that has consumed the family. This is a movie that you will not turn away from- even if you want to.

“The Witch” fulfills its role as not only one of the best horror films in recent years, but also as one of the best all around.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5