10 Scariest Boogeymen In Films
4. Black Phillip (The Witch)
In Robert Eggers directorial debut, The Witch, a family is exiled over an unspecified religious dispute. They move to a secluded farm, their only interaction with the outside worldwhen the father leaves to trade for supplies.
Early in the film, the family’s young twins - Mercy and Jonas - mention they’ve spoken to the family’s goat, Black Phillip. They sing songs about him; it all seems perfectly innocent, just some nonsense from the children. But this soon becomes sinister on a re-watch.
As the film progresses, the true nature of Black Phillip becomes apparent. There’s a common belief that for witches to gain their powers, they must sign a contract with the devil. It’s revealed late in the film that Black Phillip is the devil and has been the instigator behind the family’s misfortunes.
Black Phillip is without doubt the most villainous goat in cinema history.