There is something rather wonderful about revisiting a film you loved decades ago, particularly when the sequel arrives so many years later. As someone who belongs to the generation that fell in love with the original Practical Magic, I have one piece of advice: if you can, watch the first film again before heading to the cinema. That’s exactly what a friend and I did, and it turned out to be the perfect way to prepare for a magical evening.
Speaking of time passing, somebody clearly forgot to tell Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock! If you’d told me they filmed this sequel the day after wrapping the original, I would have believed you. They look absolutely incredible, but even lovelier is the freshness and familiarity they bring to their characters. Their chemistry is as sharp as ever, and they slip back into their roles so effortlessly that it really does feel like catching up with old friends.
Kidman is a particular treat, bringing a fabulous sassiness and playful energy to her character. It was so much to see her make an entrance to Pata Pata, the iconic South African song made famous by Miriam Makeba. This was such an unexpected and wonderful touch.
Of course, Practical Magic 2 is a fantasy, and you have to give yourself permission to suspend disbelief. But beneath the spells and supernatural happenings lies something surprisingly primal and deeply relatable.
At its heart, this is a celebration of women, female energy, and the extraordinary power that comes when women are free to express themselves. It explores those conversations we have only with each other, the parts of ourselves we sometimes keep hidden from the world, and the freedom we wish we could embrace more openly. There’s a lovely undercurrent of social commentary woven into the story, and it’s kept light so that you get to choose how much of it you take to heart.
The multigenerational element adds another beautiful dimension, reminding us of the strength, wisdom and sometimes delightful madness passed between generations of women. There’s plenty of humour, just the right amount of drama and some wonderfully playful moments. But there’s also nostalgia, emotion and that rare ability to make grown women feel they have permission to dream again.
We were genuinely moved by it. We laughed, we reminisced, we cried and, perhaps most importantly, we left the cinema feeling seen.
Even if you haven’t watched the original, there’s plenty here to enjoy. But for those of us who remember falling under its spell the first time around, this sequel is an especially beautiful gift.
Practical Magic 2 has already been showing in cinemas for a few weeks, so don’t leave it too long to catch it on the big screen.
If there’s one sequel you see this year, make it this one.