The season of the witch arrived early this year with the release of Practical Magic 2 (2026), but as a devoted fan of witchy media, I’m not complaining.
The sequel to the nostalgic classic Practical Magic (1998) brings us back to the Owens sisters: Sally (Sandra Bullock) and Gillian (Nicole Kidman), plus, of course, the beloved aunts, Jet (Dianne Wiest) and Franny (Stockard Channing).
This time, the story centres on Sally’s decision to withdraw from the magical world after the events of the first film. But keeping her daughters, Kylie (Joey King) and Antonia (Maisie Williams), in the dark about their heritage only causes new problems. This lack of information sparks a whole new set of issues, pushing the Owens women to work together to defeat the dark forces that pose threats to their family. Again.
What the sequel does well is highlight that there’s always more to every story. Practical Magic 2 expands the Owens lineage, shifting its focus towards Maria Owens — the ancestor whose curse haunted the bloodline. The film digs into the question of why Maria created this curse in the first place, adding texture to the mythology.
There’s a familiar charm here, at times echoing other witchy staples such as Twitches (2005) and Halloweentown (1998). Still, for me, this sequel doesn’t quite hold the same magic as the original.
While watching it on the big screen felt like coming home — even with the characters older and their lives changed — the film clearly wants to push the younger generation forward, and I just didn’t feel that connected to Sally’s daughters.
Another aspect of the movie I had a hard time coming to terms with was how ominous it felt in comparison to the first one. Practical Magic dealt with mature themes (such as abuse and grief), but it balanced out those darker moments with the backdrop of a whimsical atmosphere that softened the edges. Practical Magic 2, overall, feels heavier.
On the other hand, the dialogue holds onto the wit and wisdom of the original. I was overjoyed by the tiny bursts of humour and the callbacks. The sequel also preserves several crucial elements: the sisterhood, the magic at the heart of the story, and the Owens’ house, which remains an essential character in its own right. I’m also happy to report that the witches keep the brilliant costume design and aesthetic I adored from the first film. Another thing I appreciated is the emphasis on platonic and filial love.
I did have some more gripes, unfortunately.
The most poignant aspect of Practical Magic lies in the Owens curse: the women are destined to lose their true loves, as any man they fall for is fated to die. It’s a powerful narrative engine, creating conflict within the family and with the world around them, and it allows for the sequel to have something solid to draw from.
But it also makes me wonder — why did none of the writers choose to explore sapphic Owens witches? It feels like a missed opportunity — especially since Antonia is canonically queer in Alice Hoffman’s The Book of Magic (2021), which inspired the sequel. And from what we know, the curse only applies to male love interests, making the absence of queer storylines even more noticeable. Last, but certainly not least, the music was a big deal for me: I went in worried about it. Practical Magic included songs from Stevie Nicks and Joni Mitchell, the perfect voices to soundtrack witches’ lives; luckily, Practical Magic 2 didn’t let me down in that regard.
Now, having seen the sequel, I’m looking forward to continuing my tradition of rewatching Practical Magic in October.
I’ll admit, neither of the Practical Magic movies are perfect, but this fictional family of witches means a great deal to me, and I hold them near and dear to my heart. While Practical Magic 2 may not become an annual rewatch, it’s a film I can see myself returning to.
All in all, the sequel carries forward the traditions of magic, sisterly love, and harnessing one’s power.
Sure, it may not be the greatest sequel, but I did step out of the theatre having had a blast.
If you’re a fan of witchy cinema, want to know what the Owens women have been up to for the last 28 years, or simply want to ease out of summer and into the fall season, I’d say it’s absolutely worth the watch.
