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Some movies become our favorites by the time we leave the theaters, while some take decades to make a place on our watchlist. Practical Magic is one such movie that struggled to find its audience back in 1998.
But after a decade or so, we loved it so much that the creators had to bring back a sequel. The movie now has a completely different reputation, a loyal following, and has become a Halloween staple; and that too, with only a 31% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. Clearly, its disappointing start wasn’t the end.
So, what was so special about Practical Magic that made it a cult classic even after making only $51 million (Box Office Mojo) at the box office?
1. Practical Magic Isn’t Really A Movie About Magic Or Witchcraft
This is the thing I have loved most about Practical Magic and Practical Magic 2 as well. It doesn’t follow the formula of a witch movie. Instead of making it completely supernatural, we get to see other themes like friendship, family, and marriage.
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While we see Sally growing up wanting nothing to do with magic and even creating a spell to stay away, Gillian is just the opposite. She likes adventures, loves to be in love, and so much more. But the way the movie grows from this point is what I loved the most.
We see Sally falling in love, getting married, becoming a mother, dealing with grief, and then, again, falling in love again. Whereas Gillian has her own problems to deal with. Even though there’s no shortage of witchcraft and drama, there are plenty of other themes that just make any non-witch lover relate to them too.
2. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman’s Sisterhood Gave The Movie Its Heart
While there’s no shortage of romance in the Practical Magic movie, it’s definitely not the movie’s IT factor for me. I feel the sisterhood that Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman brought to the movie became one of its strongest bonds.
Even though the two sisters are poles apart, they show up for each other, no matter where they are or what they are up to. When Gillian gets trapped in an abusive relationship, Sally immediately comes to her rescue. Even after they end up killing the lover-cum-abuser, they stick together and try to fix their mistake.
The heartbreaking moment for me comes when Jimmy’s evil spirit takes over Gillian, and Sally finally accepts the magic she has spent years avoiding and hugs her sister with every bit of strength.
3. The Cozy Halloween Aesthetic Can’t Be Ignored
The Owens family in Practical Magic deserves its own fanbase, and on top of it, the decor is to die for. The dreamy kitchen candles, cozy outfits, and even the music all add to the movie’s charm. Even if you are someone who doesn’t really enjoy the storyline of the movie, you’ll surely stay for the small-town feels and fall vibes.
And the best part being, it doesn’t follow in the footsteps of a horror movie when it comes to decor. You’ll hardly see the cobwebs or dark rooms throughout the movie. I believe that, over the years, the aesthetic decor of the movie, when ‘aesthetic’ wasn’t even a term, became part of the reason we go back to it every fall.
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