The 10 Most Shocking Movie Moments Of 2016 (So Far)

In 2016, it takes a lot to still shock and/or awe an audience. This is a medium over a century old - gone are the days of cinema-goers screaming in fright at the sight of a steam train hurtling towards them on the big screen. By now we feel we've seen it all. Now it takes real originality and craftsmanship to surprise the average film fan or instill in them any sense of real wonder.

Brogan Morris

Published: Jul 2, 2016 01:25 pm

This article is over 8 years old and may contain outdated information

1) The Witch – Black Phillip Reveals His True Colors

Recommended Videos

Black-Phillip-Large-Header_1050_591_81_s_c1

Robert Eggers’ The Witch has its clear forebears. The earthy horror recalls films like The Wicker Man and Witchfinder General, the witch in the woods scenario brings to mind The Blair Witch Project, while the virginal 17th century New England setting conjures up memories of Terrence Malick’s The New World. It’s a masterpiece of a movie, but perhaps not wholly original. Until you get to its bad guy.

[zergpaid]

For most of the film’s running time, Black Phillip is just a background character. Of course he is – he’s a goat for goodness’ sake. Then, in a shocking third act, ol’ Phillip is revealed to be Satan himself, in a moment going from innocuous farm animal to murderous ram, slaughtering Ralph Ineson’s God-fearing patriarch. So, while The Witch can be derivative, at the least you can say it’s probably the first major horror movie to feature a goat as chief villain.

We Got This Covered is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy

Author

Brogan Morris