“Your blood. My blood. Our blood.”
Well, I can’t say I saw this coming. Of all the movies to get a sequel, this film wasn’t even on my list. Though when I think about it, maybe I shouldn’t be surprised given that the first film was an adaptation of a series with four books in it. In 1998, Sandra Bullock’s and Nicole Kidman’s chemistry is what made the first one work, and it is the same in this sequel. In fact, it’s as if no time has passed as the pair play off one another with ease. The gang is all back for the most part with the exception of Goran Visnjic (which isn’t surprising given that he was the previous film’s antagonist) and Aidan Quinn (although is character is referenced, with Diane Wiest and Stockard Channing returning as well). The film is noteworthy for Channing because it marks her first theatrical release in 13 years. Also joining the film are Joey King, Maise Williams, Xolo Mariduena, and Lee Pace.
“When you have someone who knows who you were, and who you will always be, there is no deeper tie, no stronger bond.”
Based on the final book in the series, the film splits focus between the Owen sisters (Bullock and Kidman) and Sally’s (Bullock) eldest daughter Kylie (King) as their family curse, that any man that they love dies, targets the younger generation. When Kylie’s boyfriend (Mariduena) has an accident that renders him into a coma, Sally is forced to confess their family’s generational curse. Feeling betrayed, Kylie sets out to break the curse, setting her own dark magical path. Desperate to protect her daughter, Sally and her sister Gillian race after her before Kylie is lost forever.
“You’re afraid of your power.”
Speaking of power, that was the main detail that I felt the film was lacking. The magic. In this story, the magic is talked about more than it’s seen. The curse is the focal point, obviously, but in the first film as well as this one, it is hinted at how powerful Sally’s magic is, but we only see very few displays of it. While this reserved approach is consistent with the first film, which I presumed was constrained by a limited special effects budget, here in this film, I expected more. More spellcasting and more displays of physical magic. The displays that we did get were great but weren’t enough to satisfy my appetite. I would also like to have liked some more detail on the origin of the curse and the ancestor who cast it. It’s rare that I suggest something like this, but this film could have benefited from some flashback sequences. The film also hints at the dark path that Kylie ventures down (left-handed magic), but it’s never fully explained, just that it is dark and dangerous magic. I wanted more about this too. There needed to be more development of these details to improve the film’s story quality.
As is, the story quality is fine. It’s straightforward and matter-of-fact. It employs a red herring trope to mask the film’s true villain. Speaking of which, need more of the villain as well in regard to their motivation. Overall, I think the issue with why the film felt underdeveloped was many important details are glossed over or spoken in a matter-of-fact way rather than visually shown. That works for a book; not so much for a movie.
The film did have good points. As I said, Bullock and Kidman’s chemistry is the best thing in the project. Their bond shifts seamlessly between profound emotional depth and playful, bickering comedy. Bullock’s portrayal as the grounded, dryly humorous Sally is a perfect foil to Kidman’s fiery and slightly chaotic Gillian. It’s been nearly three decades since the first film, but I could hardly tell, the way the pair just seemed to pick up where they left off. Joey King’s character is the film’s heart, as much of the journey is seen through her eyes. King gives a balanced performance, showcasing her character’s naivete and desperation. Then there’s Pace as the film’s enigma and love interest to Bullock’s character. This was another good pairing because you can feel the angst and tension between the characters from the moment they lock eyes. She doesn’t trust him, but she feels drawn to him, and vice versa. This also tees up some pretty good comedic opportunities for Kidman’s character as the two seem to forget her presence when they are looking at one another.
The film reaches a satisfactory conclusion, but I still feel like there is much more story that could be told. And while I am skeptical of the potential for another sequel, I rule out the idea of a possible prequel, as two of the books in the series actually follow different characters such as younger version of Wiest’s and Channing’s characters, and there is a story that follows the ancestor that cast the original spell. A prequel of either would provide greater context, but if I had to choose, I think I’d rather have a story about their ancestor. I won’t hold my breath on the prospect of this coming to pass. But I won’t rule it out either.
