The Witch (stylized as The VVitch, and subtitled A New-England Folktale) is a 2015 folk horror film directed by Robert Eggers. Set in 1630s New England, it follows the story of a Puritan family who encounter forces of evil in the woods near their farm. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, the family's faith, loyalty, and love are tested in shocking ways. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was widely released in 2016. It received critical acclaim for its atmospheric tension and historical accuracy, and is considered a standout horror film of the 2010s.