Cinema VinesPractical Magic 2, the long‑awaited sequel to the 1998 hit, arrives on screen with a more restrained tone, trading the original’s chaotic shifts for a straightforward romantic fantasy. Directed by Susanne Bier—known for projects such as Bird Box and The Night Manager—the film is adapted from Alice Hoffman’s 2021 novel The Book of Magic, itself a continuation of the 1995 book that inspired the first movie.
The story centers on the Owens family curse, a spell cast by an ancestor whose heart was broken. In the original film, the curse was broken by the sisters Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman), but the sequel reveals that the spell still lingers. After Sally’s second husband dies, she chooses to distance herself from witchcraft, keeping the family’s mystical heritage hidden from her daughters, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams). While Kylie pursues art and Antonia trains to become a nurse, Sally lives with her eccentric aunts, Jet (Dianne Wiest) and Franny (Stockard Channing).
Kylie falls in love with Gideon (Xolo Maridueña), only for him to be hit by a car and enter a coma. The heartbreak forces her to confront her lineage and travel to England in an attempt to lift the curse and revive Gideon. The film features classic witchy elements—ravens, a grimoire, spells, a handsome academic and a warlock with a grudge—yet the magical aspects are noticeably pared down.
Despite the reduced supernatural focus, Bullock and Kidman’s chemistry remains a highlight. Their performances keep the narrative engaging, providing a charming counterbalance to the film’s more subdued tone. Critics note that the movie feels neither a dark exploration of obsession nor a light‑hearted rom‑com, instead occupying a middle ground that leans on the actresses’ star power.
With a runtime of 130 minutes, Practical Magic 2 offers a blend of family drama, romance, and a touch of magic, delivering a familiar yet fresh take on the beloved franchise.
