The Witches
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Witches
Roald Dahl's "The Witches" (2020 film) is a dark fantasy comedy horror adaptation set in 1960s Alabama, following a young orphaned boy who, with his grandmother, stumbles upon a coven of child-hating witches. Led by the Grand High Witch, these terrifying beings plot to transform all children into mice. The narrative centers on the boy, now a mouse, and his allies as they attempt to thwart the witches' wicked scheme. The film is rated PG and generally considered more suitable for older children, teenagers, and adults due to its intense and frightening imagery, supernatural themes, and violence. Reviewers frequently highlight the potentially disturbing visual effects of the witches and the transformation scenes, suggesting caution for younger viewers. While maintaining some comedic elements, the movie leans heavily into its horror aspects, delivering a vivid and sometimes unsettling interpretation of Dahl's classic tale.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains moderate to high levels of violence, often involving threats and physical harm to children and witches. Transformations are depicted graphically, and witches meet violent ends. The overall tone surrounding the witches' intent to harm children contributes to the severity.
The Grand High Witch disintegrates a dissenting witch with a laser beam, causing her to vanish instantly. Children, including Hero Boy and Bruno, undergo painful transformations into mice, depicted with 'seizer-like behavior, smoke coming out of nose and ears, and explosions.' The Grand High Witch in her rat form is ultimately 'devoured' by her own cat, Hades. The aftermath of a car accident shows a 'lifeless limb' of a deceased parent.
Witchcraft & Occult
Witchcraft and occult themes are central and pervasive in the film. The story revolves entirely around evil witches, their dark magic, potions, and rituals to harm children. The portrayal of witches is grotesque and their powers are significant, including transformations and curses.
Scary & Intense Content
The film contains numerous frightening and intense scenes, particularly due to the witches' grotesque appearances, their cruel intentions, and the graphic depictions of children being transformed. These elements are likely to scare younger viewers and contribute to a suspenseful atmosphere.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
The Witches (2020) is recommended for ages 10 and up. While rated PG, the intensity of the scary visuals, the graphic nature of some transformations, and the consistent thematic elements of children being hunted and endangered by evil witches may be too frightening for younger children. Parental guidance is strongly advised for those under 13.
Good to Know
The film generated controversy due to its portrayal of witches with limb differences, particularly ectrodactyly, leading to accusations of perpetuating bias against individuals with disabilities. Warner Bros. and actress Anne Hathaway issued apologies regarding this issue. Unlike the 1990 adaptation, the 2020 version maintains the book's darker ending where the protagonist remains a mouse.
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