"Relax, its just magic", so goes the tagline of the 1996 cult (or is that occult?) classic The Craft. The film's four lead witches quickly learn, however, just how dark and less than relaxing magic can be. At once a classic warning to be careful what you wish for and a tale of modern girl power the film offers all of the requisite Halloween thrills and chills with a side of 90's nostalgia. This Halloween, curl up with some of that old black magic courtesy of The Craft.
The story begins with Sarah and her widowed father moving to Los Angeles. Her awkward adjustment at her new school is made all the more difficult after the class heartthrob spreads rumors about her when she rejects his sexual advances. Even though the rumors leave her ostracized, she soon draws the attention of class misfits and would be witches Nancy, Rochelle, and Bonnie. When Bonnie witnesses Sarah using telekinesis to balance a pencil the girls welcome Sarah as the fourth member of their witches' coven. What Sarah assumes is harmless fun quickly reveals itself to be something more when the curses that the girls' cast begin coming true. As the girls' magic strengthens, so too does their desire for vengeance and power. Before you can say abrakadabra the coven find themselves in a downward spiral into the depths of dark magic, and its up to Sarah to pull them all out before its too late.
The film aptly blends adolescent drama with supernatural thrills for a Halloween treat that satisfies throughout the year. The film avoids resorting to such clichés as black cats, old crones, and cauldrons and instead offers viewers a foursome that is equal parts formidable and relateable. Rochelle's battles with racist bullies and Bonnie's insecurity and trauma following a disfiguring car accident prove believable and heartfelt. Similarly, Sarah's efforts to overcome survivor's remorse and depression in the wake of her mother's death are nothing short of haunting. Perhaps most devastating is Nancy's hellish home life in which the film implies she suffers emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. The girls' efforts to use their powers to improve their lives speaks to the desire for something better in us all. Even their attempts to use magic to exact revenge on those who have wronged them appeals to our sense of schadenfreude. As the story continue, however, they find that they aren't satisfied with their powers and begin seeking revenge beyond merely righting the wrongs that were exacted on them. In this way the film provides a spooky twist on a classic tale of the corrupting influence of power. This element of the film is particularly resonant in the midst of today's social justice movement in which marginalized groups claim to be seeking justice even as they actively crusade for revenge. Much like the film's witches these 'social justice warriors' cling to their perceived victim status rather than working to improve their lot in life and use this status to wield influence over others. As a result, The Craft is in some ways even more relevant now than it was upon its release nearly thirty years ago. For a devilishly good time join the coven with The Craft.
The film casts a spell thanks to the work of its cast. Christine Taylor is a villain that viewers will love to hate as Rochelle's racist bully, Laura. Skeet Ulrich aptly maneuvers between goofy charm and sinister chauvinism as school heartthrob Chris. Rachel True conveys intelligence and resilience as Rochelle. Neve Campbell perfectly captures Bonnie's vulnerability and yearning to belong. Robin Tunney infuses Sarah with a strength, wisdom, and compassion that will have viewers rooting for her until the film's final twist. Even in the midst of a bewitching ensemble cast Faizura Balk dominates the film as victim turned villain Nancy. In Balk's hands Nancy is more than just another wicked witch and instead is a charismatic, relatable, and complex character certain to tempt viewers to the dark side.
At once an otherworldly cautionary tale and an apt portrait of modern adolescence The Craft makes for wickedly enjoyable viewing. Through its mix of supernatural thrills and teen angst the film relates a spooky tale that will cast a spell throughout the year. The film's performances remain bewitching nearly thirty years after its release. This Halloween, break out your broomstick and take to the skies with Sarah, Nancy, Rochelle, and Bonnie in The Craft.
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| Relax, it's only magic |
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