A feel-good movie that is also a feminist triumph? Sign me up!!!
“Practical Magic” (1998) tells the story of two witch sisters, raised by their eccentric witch aunts in a quaint New England town, that live in fear of a family curse that dooms them to never truly finding lasting love. When faced with the prejudice of their community, one sister remains and tries to start a family and the other runs away to find a new life somewhere far away. Circumstances bring them back together and the strength of their bond is tested like never before.
The film stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman and features Stockard Channing, Dianne Wiest, and Aidan Quinn.
Cait’s Take: In the words of SNL’s Stefan, “This movie has everything.”
A curse. A coven. Demonic possession. Romance. Girl gang, sisterly love vibes.
“Practical Magic” is one of those movies that requires you to pop a bottle of your favorite wine, snuggle up with a cozy blanket, and cry on the phone with your bestie as you watch it. “Practical Magic” delivers on all the chick flick wants of romance and fun, but it carries this very compelling message of female power and the importance of sisterhood. As a self-proclaimed witchy woman, it’s a must-watch in the fall and October but it honestly is a great choice any time.
This is another one of those movies that fall into the category of #AutumnPorn. The New England setting is simply idyllic and oh-so-seasonal. “Practical Magic” is more than just a yearly tradition for myself and my “coven”, it’s a promise that someday we’re all gonna be eccentric old ladies living in a big house and drinking midnight margaritas.
“Practical Magic” is available with an HBO Now subscription or you can find it on Amazon for purchase or rental.
Caitlin is a lean, mean writing machine based in Austin, TX. Her love of film began when she was shown “Rosemary’s Baby” way too early in life. Bylines include The Financial Diet and Film Inquiry. Caitlin is a member of the Online Association of Female Film Critics and the Women Film Critics Circle.