π¬ Practical Magic 2 (2025) β Review
Director: Anne Fletcher
Main Cast: Sandra Bullock (Sally Owens), Nicole Kidman (Gillian Owens), Florence Pugh (Cassie Owens), Anya Taylor-Joy (Lila Owens), Richard Madden (Ethan Blackwood), Stockard Channing (Aunt Frances β flashbacks), Dianne Wiest (Aunt Jet β flashbacks).
β¨ Introduction
More than 25 years after the cult classic Practical Magic (1998), Warner Bros. returns to the enchanting Owens family with Practical Magic 2 (2025). Combining romance, gothic fantasy, and sisterly bonds, the sequel dives deeper into the Owensβ magical lineage, balancing modern witchcraft themes with heartfelt storytelling. Fans of the original will find themselves wrapped in nostalgia, while new viewers are invited into a world where love, loss, and magic intertwine.
π Storyline
Set decades after the first film, the Owens sistersβSally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman)βare now older, wiser, and guardians of their familyβs magical legacy. Both have daughters of their own: Cassie (Florence Pugh), Sallyβs fiercely independent child, and Lila (Anya Taylor-Joy), Gillianβs free-spirited daughter.
The Owens women find themselves confronting the lingering family curse: any man who dares to truly love an Owens woman is doomed to die. When Ethan Blackwood (Richard Madden), a historian researching witch bloodlines, falls in love with Cassie, the curse is once again awakened. The younger generation must decide whether to break the cycle once and for all, while Sally and Gillian are forced to revisit their past, confront old traumas, and embrace the fullness of their power.
π Performances
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Sandra Bullock brings quiet strength and maternal warmth as Sally, grounding the film with emotional depth.
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Nicole Kidman once again lights up the screen as Gillian, her fiery charisma balancing Sallyβs steadiness.
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Florence Pugh is outstanding as Cassie, delivering both fierce independence and vulnerability as she wrestles with love and legacy.
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Anya Taylor-Joy gives Lila an ethereal, mischievous quality that makes her a magnetic presence.
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Richard Madden adds gravitas and passion as Ethan, embodying both the allure and danger of loving an Owens woman.
Together, the ensemble delivers the same magic-laced chemistry that made the original unforgettable, while injecting new energy through the younger cast.
π₯ Visuals & Atmosphere
The cinematography blends New England gothic charm with modern fantasy spectacle. The Owensβ ancestral house is more stunning than everβrich with candlelit interiors, overgrown gardens, and spell-laden attics. The magic effects are handled with elegance, favoring atmospheric enchantments and natural elements (wind, moonlight, fire) over flashy CGI.
πΆ Music & Soundtrack
The soundtrack pays homage to the original with new renditions of Stevie Nicksβ mystical songs, including a haunting reprise of βIf You Ever Did Believe.β The score alternates between tender piano melodies for intimate moments and swelling orchestration for magical climaxes, deepening the emotional resonance.
π Themes & Tone
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Family & Sisterhood: At its heart, the story remains about women supporting one another through darkness.
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Legacy & Identity: The younger generation grapples with what it means to inherit both love and a curse.
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Love & Sacrifice: The central questionβcan true love survive fate?βdrives the drama.
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Magic as Healing: Unlike the darker tones of the original, the sequel leans into magic as empowerment and restoration.
The tone is gothic, romantic, and bittersweet, with moments of humor woven into its darker narrative.
β Strengths
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Strong performances from both original stars and new cast.
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A rich, atmospheric visual style that honors the original.
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Emotional depth tied to universal themes of love, loss, and family.
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Nostalgic callbacks that delight longtime fans.
β Weaknesses
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Some pacing issues, especially in the second act.
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The villainous elements of the curse could feel underexplored compared to the family drama.
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Fans expecting lighthearted magic may find it heavier than anticipated.
π¬ Verdict
Practical Magic 2 (2025) is a hauntingly beautiful sequel that deepens the Owens family saga with a mix of gothic romance, generational drama, and enchanting atmosphere. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman effortlessly reclaim their roles, while Florence Pugh and Anya Taylor-Joy bring a vibrant new energy that secures the future of the franchise. More reflective than whimsical, the film resonates with themes of legacy, healing, and the enduring power of love.
π Final Rating: 8.1/10 β A spellbinding, emotionally rich return that honors the original while conjuring fresh magic for a new generation.