Practical Magic

 

Practical Magic is a late 90s cult classic that blends witchcraft, romance, and family drama. Following two sisters, Gillian and Sally Owens, played by Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock respectivly. Raised by their eccentric aunts in small-town New England, the story follows these women as they navigate a family curse that threatens to keep them from ever finding lasting happiness.

I decided to watch Practical Magic after hearing all the buzz about the upcoming sequel and realizing I had never seen the original. I went in knowing very little about the plot, which made the unfolding story, filled with unexpected twists, feel fresh and engaging. Some of those turns were a little over the top, but I think that they were part of the movie’s charm, balancing supernatural suspense with cozy romance.

What struck me most was how the film quietly embedded a serious and cautionary theme of domestic violence within its whimsical story. A toxic relationship becomes one of the movie’s darkest threads, reframing the family curse not just as a mystical tale of doomed love, but as a metaphor for cycles of abuse and the strength required to break them. Considering Practical Magic was released in the late ’90s, its willingness to showcase this issue so directly gave the film an added weight and relevance beyond its romantic-fantasy surface.

Like many cult favorites, the film succeeded because of its emotional contrasts. Kidman’s fiery, impulsive Gillian and Bullock’s steady, cautious Sally ground the story with performances that felt genuine and layered. Their chemistry made the bond of sisterhood believable and moving.

While the soundtrack was not very memorable, the visuals were impressive. The film leaned into its New England setting with an atmospheric charm. It’s the type of film that is perfect for fall with its quaint town setting, candlelit rituals, and autumn leaves that felt both cozy and eerie. The aesthetic aged beautifully, making it an enduring comfort-watch even as the story dipped into darker waters.  

In the end, Practical Magic was more than a romantic fantasy. It was a story about survival, sisterhood, and the courage to face both prejudice and abuse. It may lean into melodrama, but its heart was an engaging story with strong performances that made it become a beloved classic that still resonates today.