Happy Fall!
It’s officially October, which means the time for autumnal leaves and pumpkin spice everything is upon us. As the Halloween season kicks into gear all around us, I simply couldn’t think of a better way to ease into the average witch’s favorite time of year than an old favorite of mine, “Practical Magic” — especially with a sequel on the horizon!
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman star as wayward witch sisters Sally and Gillian Owens in some of the most iconic performances of their careers. In 1998, at the time of this film’s release, both stars were arguably at the height of their powers in Hollywood. Fresh off romantic comedy hit “Two Weeks Notice” and action thriller “Speed,” Bullock was just achieving the pinnacle of a career that would make her an icon. Kidman, on the other hand, was more of a rising talent, with just a few credits to her name, one of which was “Days of Thunder,” starring opposite her future husband, Tom Cruise.
“Practical Magic” is a midnight margarita and a warm blanket all wrapped into one. The aesthetics alone scream fall in every frame, whether it’s the Stars Hollow–esque setting or the warm, candlelit corners of the Owens household. It’s the kind of film you save for this time of year, when the chill in the air is still a pleasant surprise and orange leaves crunch underfoot with every step. The homey atmosphere is undeniable, and even if the subject matter was stripped of all magic and spellcasting, I still have a sneaky feeling that this would remain a fall essential.
While the romantic subplot between Sally and her dream man is undeniably the secret sauce that helps the entire film come together, the true heart of this film is the bond the sisters share. Anyone who has a sister knows the truth behind the way the sisters interact—whether it’s their fights or their most tender moments, the film captures a truth that few films can. Through the lens of witchcraft, it encapsulates the wild, nonsensical love sisters have for one another. It’s a type of girlhood that echoes all the difficulty that comes with being a sister, all while showcasing the true undercurrents that pull them together in the end, again and again.
“Practical Magic” is one of those movies that always feels familiar, even on the first watch. Now, as a younger sister myself, I may be biased—but stories about sisterhood will always manage to capture what it is to be a woman more eloquently than most other frameworks. There is something about that indelible bond, that unshakable force, that makes room for two girls to be every version of themselves—the angry, the caring, the protective, and the vindictive. And the Owens sisters are prime examples of this, showcasing every side of womanhood despite the relatively quick runtime.
Not to mention, the unity of women just so happens to be the movie’s thesis—and the final moments always warm my heart and make me want to dance around my kitchen. And what better way is there to start fall?
