The Witches
Movie Trailer
Release Date
October 22, 2020 (HBO Max)
Genre
Fantasy, Comedy, Family
Cast & Crew
- Anne Hathaway as The Grand High Witch
- Octavia Spencer as Grandma
- Jahzir Bruno as The Boy
- Chris Rock as the voice of Older Hero Mouse
- Stanley Tucci as Mr. Stringer
- Kristin Chenoweth as Daisy / Mary (voice)
- Codie-Lei Eastick as Bruno Jenkins
Director
Robert Zemeckis
Other Movies Director is Known For
- Forrest Gump (1994)
- Back to the Future (1985)
- The Polar Express (2004)
- Cast Away (2000)
Producer
- Robert Zemeckis
- Jack Rapke
- Guillermo del Toro
- Alfonso Cuarón
- Luke Kelly
Writer
- Robert Zemeckis
- Kenya Barris
- Guillermo del Toro
Based on the book The Witches by Roald Dahl
Budget
$60 million
Production Company
- Warner Bros. Pictures
- ImageMovers
- Double Dare You Productions
- Necropia Entertainment
Running Time
106 minutes
Languages
English
Maturity Rating
PG
Content Advisory
- Mild scary scenes
- Fantasy violence
- Thematic elements
Movie Story
The Witches is a dark fantasy comedy based on Roald Dahl’s beloved 1983 novel of the same name. The story is set in the 1960s and follows a young boy (Jahzir Bruno) who, after being orphaned, goes to live with his loving grandmother (Octavia Spencer) in rural Alabama. As the boy and his grandmother bond, she shares stories about witches—real, terrifying creatures who despise children and live among humans in disguise.
When the boy and his grandmother travel to a luxurious seaside hotel for a getaway, they unknowingly check in at the same time as a convention of witches, led by the glamorous but evil Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway). The witches are plotting to turn all the children in the world into mice using a magical potion. The boy stumbles upon their nefarious plan, and in a twist of fate, he is transformed into a mouse by the Grand High Witch.
Despite his new form, the boy, with the help of his grandmother and a fellow transformed child, Bruno Jenkins (Codie-Lei Eastick), devises a plan to stop the witches before they can carry out their scheme. The film blends humor, adventure, and a touch of darkness as the young heroes face off against the witches in a battle of wits and bravery.
The Witches stays true to the whimsical and slightly eerie tone of Dahl’s original work, while also incorporating modern elements and a vibrant visual style. The movie explores themes of courage, love, and the importance of standing up against evil, all wrapped in a family-friendly fantasy adventure.
Special Effects
The special effects in The Witches are a major component of the film, bringing to life the fantastical elements of Roald Dahl’s story. The transformation scenes, where children are turned into mice, are achieved through a mix of CGI and practical effects. The design of the witches, particularly the Grand High Witch, includes exaggerated features like her elongated mouth and claws, which are rendered using digital effects to create a menacing yet whimsical appearance. The film’s vibrant and colorful visuals are enhanced by the special effects, which add to the magical and slightly spooky atmosphere.
Box Office Performance
The Witches was released directly on HBO Max in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a limited theatrical release in some international markets. As a result, the film’s box office performance was limited, but it gained a substantial audience through streaming. The movie received mixed reviews, with praise for its visual style and performances, particularly Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of the Grand High Witch, though some critics felt it didn’t capture the full magic of Dahl’s original story.
Filming Locations
- Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden, England, UK
- Alabama, USA
- Surrey, England, UK
Notable Quotes
- “Witches are real, and they hate children.” – Grandma
- “A child… turned into a mouse! What a triumph!” – The Grand High Witch
- “When a witch finds a child, there’s only one thing she can do… get rid of them!” – The Grand High Witch
Behind-the-Scenes
The film is a reimagining of both Roald Dahl’s novel and the 1990 film adaptation directed by Nicolas Roeg. Robert Zemeckis, known for his innovative use of visual effects in films like Back to the Future and The Polar Express, brought his expertise to the project, aiming to create a version of The Witches that was both faithful to the source material and fresh for modern audiences.
Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of the Grand High Witch drew significant attention, with the actress embracing the character’s over-the-top villainy and physical transformation. The film’s production design and costumes were also highlights, with the 1960s setting providing a rich backdrop for the story.
Guillermo del Toro, who co-wrote and produced the film, contributed to the film’s darker elements, drawing on his experience with fantasy and horror. The film’s mix of humor and scares is in keeping with the tone of Dahl’s work, appealing to both children and adults.
Awards
- Nominated for the Critics’ Choice Super Award for Best Actress in a Superhero/Fantasy Movie (Anne Hathaway)
- Nominated for the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Score in a Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film (Alan Silvestri)
Final Verdict
The Witches is a visually engaging and entertaining adaptation that brings Roald Dahl’s classic tale to life with a modern twist. While it may not surpass the original 1990 adaptation, the film offers a fun and spooky experience for families, with Anne Hathaway’s performance as the Grand High Witch being a standout. The film’s special effects, production design, and overall sense of whimsy make it a worthwhile watch for fans of fantasy and Dahl’s work. It’s a magical, if somewhat uneven, journey that captures the spirit of the original story.
IMDb Rating
5.4/10