Witches
Witches

Movie spotlight

Witches

2014
Movie
6 min
English

When a witch in a close-knit coven finds something better to do on a Saturday night, old resentments bubble to the surface.

Insights

IMDb6.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes85%
Metacritic72/100
Google Users86%
Director: Roald DahlGenres: Fantasy, Horror, Family

Plot Summary

A young orphan boy, Luke, goes to live with his grandmother in England. She tells him about real witches, who disguise themselves as ordinary women but hate children and plan to exterminate them. Luke accidentally stumbles upon a convention of witches, led by the terrifying Grand High Witch, who are plotting to turn all children into mice. He must find a way to stop their evil plan before it's too late.

Critical Reception

The 1990 film adaptation of Roald Dahl's 'The Witches' is a beloved dark fantasy classic, praised for its blend of genuine scares and dark humor, making it a memorable viewing experience for both children and adults. While some found its tone occasionally too frightening for very young viewers, its inventive creature design and Anjelica Huston's iconic performance as the Grand High Witch were widely lauded.

What Reviewers Say

  • Anjelica Huston delivers a memorably wicked performance as the Grand High Witch.

  • The film successfully balances a frightening tone with dark humor, true to Dahl's style.

  • Visually creative with effective practical effects that hold up well.

Google audience: Audience reviews frequently highlight the film's effectiveness in being both scary and entertaining, with many appreciating its faithfulness to the spirit of Roald Dahl's book. The performance of Anjelica Huston is consistently praised as a standout element.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Special Visual Effects.

Fun Fact

During the transformation scene where the Grand High Witch removes her mask, Anjelica Huston had to wear a complex prosthetic and makeup that took hours to apply each day.

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