The Craft review – cult high-school horror a reminder of the fearless 90s

The 1996 cult classic "The Craft," co-written and directed by Andrew Fleming, is receiving a significant 30th-anniversary rerelease, marking three decades since its initial debut and serving as a potent reminder of the fearless cinematic spirit of the 1990s. The film is widely recognized for its energetic and confident exploration of the often-turbulent sensitivities of teenage anxiety, masterfully blending elements of high-school comedy with a distinct and potent supernatural horror edge. Critics have frequently drawn comparisons between "The Craft" and other notable high-school films that have achieved cult status, such as "Heathers" (1988) and "Mean Girls" (2004). However, "The Craft" distinguishes itself through its significant supernatural underpinnings and moments of genuine, visceral scariness that punctuate its narrative, offering a unique flourish where conventional narratives might lean solely on comedy or sexiness. One such striking visual is described as a "René Magritte mirror" sequence, a disturbing stab of imagery worthy of any straight-ahead chiller.

The movie's central plot revolves around Sarah, compellingly portrayed by Robin Tunney, a shy and studious teenager who is uprooted from her familiar San Francisco environment and relocated to the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles. This move is necessitated by her father's remarriage, bringing her into the orbit of a new stepmother. Sarah grapples with profound depression and unresolved guilt stemming from the tragic circumstances of her mother's death during childbirth. Her arrival at a new, unfamiliar school immediately attracts the attention of a powerful and enigmatic clique, ominously nicknamed "the bitches of Eastwick." This formidable group is led by the charismatic and undeniably badass goth character Nancy, brought to life by Fairuza Balk. Nancy rules over her two devoted disciples: Rochelle, portrayed by Rachel True, and Bonnie, played by Neve Campbell. It is particularly noteworthy that Neve Campbell achieved widespread recognition and cemented her status as a horror genre icon in the very same year, 1996, for her pivotal role in the nascent and groundbreaking "Scream" franchise, a testament to her burgeoning career in scary cinema.

"The Craft" is lauded for its remarkably fearless approach to tackling sensitive and often complex themes within the familiar high-school setting. It presents a compelling "girl-power" narrative that resonated deeply with audiences upon its release and has sustained its cult status through subsequent generations. The film's distinctive visual style is also a key element of its enduring appeal, with the aforementioned "René Magritte mirror" visual sequence being a prime example of its artistic and unsettling aesthetic. The current rerelease serves as a valuable reminder of the distinctive cinematic landscape of the 1990s, a decade characterized by a greater willingness to experiment with genre conventions, push boundaries, and explore darker, more complex themes within mainstream productions. The film's lasting appeal is intrinsically linked to its unique and potent blend of witchcraft, raw adolescent angst, and a palpable sense of dread, firmly establishing it as a significant and influential entry in the supernatural horror subgenre.