Earwig and the Witch 2021
Directed by
Goro Miyazaki
Made by
GKIDS
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Earwig and the Witch (2021). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1990s England, a young witch named Earwig is left at the St. Morwald’s Home for Children by her mother. The matron in charge thinks her name isn’t suitable and changes it to Erica Wigg. Fast forward a few years, and Earwig has grown into a lively 10-year-old who thrives in her orphanage, relishing the freedom and control she holds over her fellow children, particularly her friend Custard. Despite the possibility of being adopted, she defiantly desires to stay where she is.
However, her life takes a sharp turn when a peculiar couple, Bella Yaga and Mandrake, adopt her despite her protests. Upon arriving at their home, Bella reveals her true identity as a witch and makes it clear to Earwig that she was merely chosen for “an extra pair of hands” to assist with household tasks. In exchange for helping, Earwig stipulates that Bella must teach her magic. Eagerly, she engages in preparing spell ingredients and tidying up the workroom, but as days pass without any magic lessons, Earwig’s patience wears thin.
Determined to gain an edge, Earwig discovers that Bella’s cat familiar, Tômasu, can speak. The two hatch a plan to create a spell that grants them immunity from magic, allowing them to escape the drudgery of their chores. In their nighttime experiments, they even concoct a spell to give Bella a literal “extra pair of hands,” hoping to free Earwig from her duties.
Their clever spell succeeds, provoking a furious response from Bella as the unexpected hands start causing havoc. To retaliate, she unleashes magical worms in Earwig’s room, but due to Earwig’s new resilience to magic, the worms pose no threat. The chaos escalates when Earwig pushes back against Mandrake, leading her to uncover the shocking secret that both he and Bella were once members of the band Earwig.
With newfound confidence and power, Earwig cleverly manipulates the household, bending others to her will. In a moment of joy, she even invites Custard over for Christmas. Just as he arrives, an unexpected visitor shakes things up—Earwig’s mother, also a former band member, makes a surprise appearance, adding another twist to her already tumultuous life.
Timeline
Track the key events of Earwig and the Witch (2021) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Earwig's Arrival at the Orphanage
In the early 1990s, a young witch named Earwig is left at St. Morwald's Home for Children by her mother. The matron finds her name unsuitable and renames her Erica Wigg, marking the beginning of her life in the orphanage.
Life as Erica Wigg
Years go by, and Earwig has settled into her life as a lively 10-year-old at the orphanage. She relishes her control over the other children and shows a strong desire to remain in this environment, even as adoption becomes a possibility.
Adopted by Bella and Mandrake
Earwig's life takes a dramatic turn when she is adopted by the peculiar couple Bella Yaga and Mandrake. Despite her protests, she is taken to their home, where Bella reveals her identity as a witch, indicating Earwig is needed for assistance.
Bargaining for Magic Lessons
Once settled in, Earwig quickly realizes she has been chosen merely for chores and not magic training. In a bid to gain some magical knowledge, she strikes a deal with Bella, insisting on receiving lessons in exchange for her help around the house.
Frustration Over Chores
As days turn into weeks without any magic lessons, Earwig's patience wears thin. She becomes increasingly frustrated with her menial tasks and is determined to find a way to escape the drudgery imposed by Bella.
Discovery of Tômasu's Secret
In her quest for magic, Earwig discovers that Bella's cat familiar, Tômasu, can speak. The two form an alliance and begin plotting to create a spell that will grant them immunity from Bella's magic, allowing them greater freedom.
Experimenting with Spells
Together, Earwig and Tômasu engage in secret nighttime experiments, mixing ingredients to create various spells. Their most ambitious attempt is a spell that gives Bella an 'extra pair of hands', intending to disrupt her control over Earwig.
The Chaos Unleashed
The spell to give Bella an extra pair of hands succeeds unexpectedly, resulting in disorder throughout the home. Bella's fury is palpable as she struggles to manage the chaos, leading to an escalating confrontation between her and Earwig.
Worms and Resilience
In retaliation for the chaos, Bella unleashes magical worms into Earwig's room. However, due to Earwig’s newfound resilience to magic, the worms prove powerless against her, turning the tables in their ongoing battle.
Uncovering a Shocking Secret
The tensions peak when Earwig confronts Mandrake, leading her to unearth a surprising secret. Both Mandrake and Bella were formerly part of a musical band named Earwig, adding complexity to their relationship and Earwig's understanding of their world.
Manipulating the Household
Empowered by her discoveries and confident in her abilities, Earwig begins to manipulate those around her. She uses her wit and charm to bend the household dynamics to her will, making her a force to be reckoned with.
Christmas Celebration
In a rare moment of happiness, Earwig invites her friend Custard over for Christmas. Her excitement is palpable as she prepares for the visit, showcasing her desire to maintain connections to her past life at the orphanage.
Mother's Surprise Return
As Custard arrives for the celebration, the atmosphere shifts dramatically with the surprise appearance of Earwig's mother. A former band member herself, her presence brings a whirlwind of emotions and complications to Earwig's already chaotic life.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Earwig and the Witch (2021) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Earwig (Erica Wigg)
Earwig, originally named Erica Wigg, is a clever and rebellious 10-year-old girl who enjoys exerting influence over her peers. She thrives in the orphanage environment, but her world is turned upside down when adopted by the witch Bella and her partner Mandrake. Her resourcefulness and cunning shine as she navigates her challenges with newfound confidence.
The Mandrake
Mandrake is a mysterious figure with a complex history, revealed to be a former band member. His character adds depth to the story, as he grapples with his past while navigating life with Bella and Earwig. His interactions with the characters showcase a blend of indifference and protective instincts.
Bella Yaga
Bella Yaga is a powerful witch who adopts Earwig with ulterior motives, using her as an assistant. She is initially depicted as a stern authority figure but reveals her vulnerability and depth as the story progresses. Bella's desire for control contrasts with Earwig's rebellious spirit, setting up a dynamic conflict.
Custard
Custard is Earwig's close friend within the orphanage, representing innocence and loyalty. His carefree attitude offers a counterbalance to Earwig's cunning nature. While he admires her resourcefulness, he also faces the consequences of her actions, making him a key supporting character in the story.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Earwig and the Witch (2021), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1990s
The 1990s was a decade marked by significant cultural shifts, including advancements in technology and changing social norms. This era saw a blend of traditional and contemporary values, impacting children's upbringing and their relationship with authority. In this setting, Earwig's story unfolds, reflecting the struggles and aspirations of children in a rapidly changing world.
Location
St. Morwald's Home for Children, England
St. Morwald's Home for Children is an orphanage located in 1990s England, serving as a refuge for children without families. The orphanage is known for its strict matron and its lively group of children, who form close bonds despite their challenging circumstances. It's a place of both comfort and conflict, especially for young Earwig, who seeks control and independence in her surroundings.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Earwig and the Witch (2021). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Witchcraft
Witchcraft is a central theme in 'Earwig and the Witch', showcasing the complexities of magical powers and their implications. Earwig's interaction with Bella, a fellow witch, deepens her desire to learn magic while navigating the challenges of her new life. This theme explores the balance between control and freedom, as Earwig uses wit to turn her circumstances to her advantage.
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Childhood Independence
The theme of childhood independence is vividly portrayed through Earwig's determination to assert her individuality. Despite being an orphan, she relishes her autonomy and resists the idea of adoption. This struggle for independence serves as a backdrop to her adventures and conflicts, illustrating her growth and resilience in a world that often seeks to control her.
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