Nearly three decades after the original film charmed audiences with its blend of whimsy and gothic flair, Practical Magic is returning with a legacy sequel set to premiere in theaters on September 10. Directed by Susanne Bier, Practical Magic 2 will continue the story of sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian Owens (Nicole Kidman), while also introducing a new generation of witches: Sally's daughters, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams).
As the young witches mature, they must grapple with a curse that has plagued their family for centuries, decreeing that any man who falls in love with an Owens woman will meet an untimely demise. The narrative gains momentum when Kylie, the elder daughter, begins to discover her own formidable dark abilities. In an effort to break the curse, her family seeks assistance from unexpected allies.
The Enduring Appeal of Practical Magic
The 1998 film, directed by Griffin Dunne and based on Alice Hoffman's novel, followed Sally and Gillian Owens, sisters with contrasting personalities—one bookish, the other rebellious—residing in a Massachusetts town with their witch aunts. The story traced the Owens women's lineage back to Salem, exploring their growth, relationships, and the burdens of their family curse.
Despite its release amidst a decade featuring other popular witch-themed media like The Craft and Charmed, Practical Magic underperformed at the box office and received mixed critical reviews. Its true audience found it later on home video, embracing the very elements that critics had found unconventional. Sandra Bullock recalled in a Variety interview that the initial reception was met with a puzzling silence, with industry observers questioning the film's multiple tones and focus on female characters.
While initially marketed as a "chick flick," the film's strength lay in its complex portrayal of sisterhood and familial bonds, with romantic entanglements serving a secondary role. Sally, despite possessing greater magical talent, feared her abilities, while Gillian openly embraced her uniqueness. Critics also noted the film's tonal shifts, moving from melodramatic events like Sally's husband's death to darker moments involving Gillian and her abusive boyfriend, Jimmy, contrasted with lighter, memorable scenes like the Midnight Margaritas party.
One particularly striking sequence involves Sally and Gillian attempting to revive Jimmy's corpse, bickering through the spell as they use whipped cream to draw a pentagram. This scene exemplifies the film's ability to balance dark subject matter with humor and quirkiness.
The film's setting in a picturesque Victorian-era house by the sea further enhanced its charm. The Gothic aesthetic, combined with the vibrant colors and film grain, created an immersive atmosphere. Ultimately, it was the chemistry between Kidman and Bullock that anchored the film, making it a rewatchable experience that defied easy genre classification.
Practical Magic 2 is set to continue this legacy, introducing the next generation of Owens witches to a new set of challenges and magical explorations.