Practical Magic

Sally and Gillian Owens grow up in a family famous for its witches, yet they try to keep magic at arm's length. When Gillian's violent boyfriend, Jimmy Angelov, dies, the sisters decide to relearn their craft to deal with the crisis. A nosy police detective, Gary Hallet, keeps sniffing around as odd events ripple through their house in Salem-like New England. In a reckless rush to fix things, they attempt to restore Angelov and inadvertently tether a darker force to their lineage. The accident unleashes danger that could threaten the sisters and their relatives, forcing them to confront secrets about their powers and their heritage.

Directed by Griffin Dunne, Practical Magic adapts Alice Hoffman’s 1995 novel of the same name. Released in 1998 with a budget around 75 million, it stars Sandra Bullock as Sally and Nicole Kidman as Gillian, supported by Stockard Channing and Dianne Wiest.

The film did not receive major nominations. It earned praise for its performances and the way it blends romance, humor, and fantasy, but it did not become a contender at the major award ceremonies.

The movie stands out for its warm chemistry between Bullock and Kidman, and for the comic yet cozy portrayal of magical family life. Aunt Jet and Aunt Frances contribute sharp humor and emotional grounding, helping Practical Magic leave a mark as a late 90s mainstream witch tale.

Reception and themes: Critics described the film as affable rather than groundbreaking, praising its bite sized romance and the sisters dynamic while noting tonal shifts between light comedy and darker magical threats. The story centers on sisterhood, inherited power, and choosing between ordinary happiness and using personal magic to protect loved ones. The setting, script, and performances create a comforting mood even when the plot treads familiar ground. Its appeal endures for fans of cozy fantasy and for audiences who enjoy stylish, character driven fairy tale romance.