Witches 2020: A Netflix Review

Hey guys, let's dive into the 2020 adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic, "The Witches," which landed on Netflix and got everyone talking! This flick, directed by Robert Zemeckis, brings a fresh, albeit sometimes creepy, spin to the beloved story of a young orphan boy who stumbles upon a coven of real-life witches. When his parents tragically pass away, he's sent to live with his amazing grandmother in a quaint English village. Sounds cozy, right? Well, things take a sharp turn when they check into a luxurious hotel, only to discover it's hosting a secret, sinister gathering of witches from all over the world, led by the formidable Grand High Witch. Now, this isn't just any witch hunt; these witches have a plan to turn all the children in England into mice! It's a high-stakes adventure filled with magic, danger, and a whole lot of mouse-related mayhem. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Anne Hathaway as the Grand High Witch, Octavia Spencer as the wise and wonderful Grandmother, and Jahzir Kadeem Bruno as the brave young hero. We also get a memorable performance from Chris Rock as the narrator, adding his unique comedic timing to the dark fairy tale.

What really sets this "Witches" adaptation apart, and what you'll definitely want to chat about, is its visual style and tone. Zemeckis opted for a more CGI-heavy approach compared to the 1990 version. The witches themselves are portrayed with a more grotesque and unsettling design, complete with elongated limbs, sharp teeth, and unsettling facial features. This decision definitely leans into the horror aspects of Dahl's original novel, which can be quite dark and scary for younger audiences. While some viewers appreciated this bolder, more frightening take, others found it a bit too much, missing the slightly more whimsical (though still menacing) feel of the earlier film. The CGI, while impressive in places, sometimes feels a little too polished, occasionally detracting from the immersive experience. However, the performances are undeniably strong. Anne Hathaway fully commits to the Grand High Witch, creating a villain who is both terrifying and oddly captivating. Her performance is a standout, bringing a unique flair to a character that has become iconic. Octavia Spencer, as always, brings warmth and wisdom to her role, grounding the fantastical elements with her relatable portrayal of a loving grandmother who knows more than she lets on. The dynamic between Bruno and Spencer is heartwarming and forms the emotional core of the story. The film definitely tries to capture the essence of Dahl's storytelling – the idea that evil can hide in plain sight, often disguised as something seemingly ordinary. The contrast between the seemingly idyllic hotel setting and the underlying sinister plot is effectively maintained, keeping you on the edge of your seat.

The narrative structure follows Dahl's book quite closely, focusing on the boy's transformation into a mouse and his subsequent quest with his grandmother to stop the witches' evil plan. The filmmakers made a bold choice to maintain the ending from the book, which differs significantly from the 1990 movie's ending. This choice gives the story a more bittersweet and realistic (in a fairy tale sense) conclusion, emphasizing themes of love, acceptance, and finding strength in adversity, even when things don't neatly tie up with a bow. This ending, while potentially less satisfying for those expecting a purely happy ending, adds a layer of depth and maturity to the film that resonates long after the credits roll. It’s a great conversation starter, for sure! We see the boy and his grandmother choosing to live together, embracing their new reality and facing the future with courage. It's a powerful message about finding happiness and purpose regardless of external circumstances. The film does an admirable job of balancing the fantastical elements with genuine emotional weight, making it more than just a children's movie. It's a story about overcoming trauma, the power of family (both blood and chosen), and the enduring human spirit in the face of unimaginable challenges. The inclusion of African American culture, through the characters of the boy and his grandmother, adds a rich and vibrant dimension to the storytelling, celebrating heritage and resilience.

Now, let's talk about those witches, guys. The visual effects used to create the witches are definitely a major talking point. The decision to make them look genuinely monstrous, with features like claws, large noses, and gaping mouths, was a deliberate choice to align with the darker, more menacing tone of Dahl's book. While the 1990 film's witches were more subtly unsettling, this version goes all out, making them truly nightmarish. Some of you might love this intense visual representation, finding it incredibly effective in conveying the danger and evil they pose. Others might find these witch designs a bit too grotesque, perhaps even off-putting, and might prefer the more human-like disguise of the witches from the earlier adaptation. It's a classic case of artistic interpretation, right? The filmmakers wanted to ensure the witches felt like a genuine threat, and they certainly achieved that with these unsettling designs. The animation of their movements, particularly the way they contort and move unnaturally, adds to their otherworldly and terrifying presence. It's a testament to the power of modern CGI when used to create something truly alien and disturbing. We also see the witches’ disguises when they are not in their true forms, which adds a layer of deception and intrigue. They look like ordinary women, but underneath lies a terrifying secret. This duality is a key element of the story, highlighting how evil can lurk beneath a seemingly normal facade. It’s a theme that Dahl was a master at exploring.

Overall, "The Witches" (2020) on Netflix is a visually striking and ambitious adaptation that doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of Roald Dahl's classic tale. It’s a film that sparks debate and offers plenty to discuss, from its CGI-heavy aesthetic to its unsettling witch designs and its faithful, yet poignant, ending. If you're a fan of Dahl's work and appreciate a darker, more intense take on fairy tales, this version is definitely worth a watch. It's a thrilling ride that reminds us that sometimes, the scariest monsters are the ones hiding in plain sight. It's a great movie for a cozy night in, but maybe keep the lights on, just in case! What did you guys think? Let me know in the comments below! Did the new witch designs scare you, or did you love them? And what about that ending? I'm curious to hear all your thoughts on this magical, and slightly menacing, Netflix offering.