The Craft

The Craft, released in 1996, is a supernatural horror film that intertwines the lives of four female high school students on a harrowing journey of self-discovery, friendship, magic, and revenge. Directed by Andrew Fleming, the film stars Robin Tunney, Fairuza Balk, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True as the central quartet who start dabbling in witchcraft, spiraling them into an alarming world full of powers they can barely comprehend.

The story starts with Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney), a troubled teenager who moves to Los Angeles and enrolls in a Catholic high school following an attempt to end her own life. The narrative unfolds as Sarah finds herself drawn towards three outcast classmates, Nancy Downs (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie Harper (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle Zimmerman (Rachel True). The trio welcomes Sarah after seeing her display telekinetic powers, believing she is the fourth and final necessary component of their coven.

The girls form a unique bond, born out of their shared experience of feeling misunderstood and marginalized. They find solace in each other's companionship, and their closeness eventually paves the way for their exploration of the occult. The nascent witches dabble in spells and rituals, delighting in the power they have harnessed - a power that seemingly allows them to overcome their individual predicament.

Sarah, who is haunted by her suicidal thoughts and the sudden death of her mother, is initially drawn to the dark arts as a means to gain control over her life. Bonnie, on the other hand, struggles with severe body image issues stemming from a disfiguring accident. Nancy comes from a broken home and deals with neglect and abuse, while Rochelle is often the target of racial prejudice and bullying at school.

As they begin to practice magic, they find out that it is not just an escape but also a compelling tool for vengeance and retribution. Their spells seem to give them control, providing answers to their problems, and wielding power over those who have wronged them. Nancy, in particular, is allured by the ultimate power that could make her invincible, a theme that the film explores in great detail.

The film is layered with critiques of societal expectations on young women, the struggles of teenage years, and the consequences of power left unchecked. The Craft cleverly utilizes the genre of supernatural horror to emphasize these themes, offering an exploration of the dark side of adolescence cloaked in gothic aesthetics.

In this coming-of-age film, the bond of friendship gets tested as their dabbling in witchcraft escalates, and they start growing apart due to their individual struggles and varying degrees of obsession with the newfound power. Their foray into magic takes a dark turn, and their initial euphoria is replaced by fear and gloom.

The Craft builds its narrative on a clear undercurrent of female empowerment, giving each of the characters a moment to shine and a narrative arc that is thoughtful and nuanced. One of the key things about The Craft, which sets it apart from other horror films of the era, is how it portrays women - not as victims but as subjects of power and instigators of action, making the film a notable feminist work within the genre.

While the movie does contain elements of horror, it equally blends elements of teen drama and suspense, resulting in a genre-bending film with a cult following. The performances by the leading cast members are excellent, particularly Fairuza Balk as Nancy, who provides a captivating embodiment of teenage rage turned supernatural.

While subtly critiquing the pitfalls of absolute power, the movie also forefronts the yearning for acceptance, various coming-of-age issues, and the dynamics of female relationships. Throughout, it maintains a gritty, brooding tone, underscored by a rock-tinged soundtrack that perfectly fits the 90s zeitgeist.

The Craft remains a classic within its genre, not only for its compelling exploration of teenage life but also for its clever combination of horror and drama. What sets it apart is its successful subversion of the standard tropes associated with witchcraft and its careful handling of societal issues that remain relevant today despite its mid-90s release. So much more than just a 'teen witch' movie, The Craft is a thought-provoking supernatural adventure that tells a tale of power, friendship, revenge, and consequence.