Biggest surprise here is that it took so long for a sequel to 1996 teen-witch favourite The Craft, to materialise, considering its considerable status and popularity for over two decades and catchy soundtrack.
Unforgettable quote: ‘We are the Weirdos’ is one of many call backs linking the first instalment to this direct follow up concentrating on new to town girl befriending an adolescent coven hoping she will be ‘the fourth’, ensuring a completion to their brimming black magic abilities.
Like the necromancing goth girls of the original, this group of young wiccans are played by a quad of relatively unknown, impressive talent including Zoey Luna, Lovie Simone, Gideon Adlon and best on screen Cailee Spaeny as Lily, the latter steps up beyond the at times ordinary young-adult orientated screenplay.
This terrific actress is surely at the beginning of a long-distinguished career after incredible turns in two outstanding 2018 films you sadly may have missed, Bad Times at the El Royale, Vice.
Their witchcraft is about taking care of business powered by sisterhood starting with overriding the meanness of the school bully, then going onto bigger, more tragic circumstances.
Add a side plot with Lily’s mum Helen, ageless Michelle Monaghan moving in with boyfriend, somewhat excellent when menacing, David Duchovny and his three sons, yes three.
This sequel is certainly telegraphed from the beginning.
There’s entertainment to be had within this slick BlumHouse production directed by marvellous auteur Zoe Lister-Jones (Band Aid 2017).
Although not necessary, it will pay dividends on a few aspects if you view the 94 archetype first, especially a major impact in the closing moments.
★★ 1/2
Drama, Fantasy | USA, 2020 | 12A | Digital Download | 23rd October 2020 (UK)| Sony Pictures Releasing | Dir.Zoe Lister-Jones | Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, Zoey Luna, Michelle Monaghan, David Duchovny.
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