
The Craft (1996)
A Catholic school newcomer falls in with a clique of teen witches who wield their powers against all who dare to cross them -- be they teachers, rivals or meddlesome parents.
Details
Budget
$15,000,000
Rating
7/10 (1896 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Columbia Pictures, Red Wagon Entertainment
About The Craft
The 1996 film "The Craft" blends horror, drama, and fantasy elements to explore themes of magic and female friendship. It centers on a newcomer to a Catholic school who joins a group of teenage witches. These young women begin using their newfound powers against those who challenge them, including teachers and romantic rivals. The narrative delves into the complexities that arise when adolescent desires and occult practices intersect.
The film's use of keywords like "witch," "black magic," "sorcery," and "gothic" establishes its supernatural tone, while "puberty," "outsider," and "female friendship" ground it in the experiences of its teenage characters. The plot involves various magical interventions, including a "love spell," which lead to both empowerment and unintended consequences, echoing the concept of "karma."
With a runtime of 101 minutes, "The Craft" maintains a focus on the dynamics within the coven as their powers grow and their individual struggles surface. The film's critical reception includes a 57% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 55/100 on Metacritic, alongside an IMDb rating of 6.5 based on over 118,000 votes, indicating a mixed but notable impact on audiences and critics alike.
Why you might be searching for The Craft
People often search for "The Craft" due to its memorable visual style and specific, often unsettling, magical sequences. The queries reflect a focus on distinct scenes, such as shapeshifting, disfiguring hexes, and ritualistic acts involving pictures. The film's themes of teenage female power, occult practices, and dramatic confrontations resonate with viewers, leading to searches that recall specific plot points or character appearances, like a girl in a mesh shirt and choker, or distinct group interactions in unique settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Craft" on Philo, AMC+ (via Apple TV Channel or Amazon Channel), and Sundance Now. It's also available to buy or rent on platforms like Amazon Video, Apple TV, and Fandango At Home.
No, "The Craft" is not based on a true story. The concept for the film came from a collaboration between producer Douglas Wick and screenwriter Peter Filardi, who researched witchcraft for the initial draft.
At the end of "The Craft," Sarah defeats Nancy, who had become unstable and dangerous due to her abuse of power. Sarah binds Nancy, leading to Nancy being committed to a psychiatric hospital, delusional and believing she can fly. Sarah then reveals to Bonnie and Rochelle that their powers were stripped by Manon because they misused them, and demonstrates that she still retains her own power.
"The Craft" is often considered a cult classic from the 90s, praised for its appealing cast and its take on teen nonconformity and female independence, despite some critics finding its latter half too reliant on special effects. Many viewers find the film's characters relatable due to their troubled backgrounds and struggles.