Directed by
Dorian Walker
Made by
Trans World Entertainment (TWE)
As Louise Miller’s 15th birthday approaches, her desire for popularity and the attention of star quarterback Brad Powell](/actor/brad-powell) grows stronger. Yet, Brad is infatuated with cheerleader Randa, leaving Louise on the outskirts as an underclassman, usually in the company of her equally uncool best friend Polly. The situation worsens when their English teacher, Mr. Weaver, mocks a passage from Louise’s diary, which accidentally becomes attached to her assignment, deepening her insecurities. After a disappointing audition for the school play, Louise rides her bike home, only to be unexpectedly and purposely hit by Brad’s convertible, as he is distracted by Randa riding alongside him.
In a quest to find a connection to the world around her, Louise discovers a mystic named Madame Serena, who persuades her to partake in a palm reading. The seer uncovers that Louise is a witch on the brink of awakening her powers on her upcoming 16th birthday. When the day finally arrives and nobody shows up for her party, Polly reveals that the majority of their classmates chose to attend Randa’s competing celebration instead. As Louise tosses and turns that night, the prediction from Serena takes root — she will soon unlock her magical abilities.
The very next day, Louise’s drama teacher, Ms. Malloy, gifts her a necklace featuring an ancient amulet hidden among the costumes. Ms. Malloy claims this talisman will bring Louise good luck, and almost instantly, Louise begins to notice a shifting sense of self. Shortly thereafter, Randa invites her to join a group outing to an upcoming school dance. Initially accompanied by the annoyingly friendly David, Louise finds comfort in wearing the amulet. When she inadvertently manifests Brad’s presence to speak with her, she realizes that the amulet has indeed granted her newfound powers. However, her excitement is quickly dampened when, in a moment of carelessness, she transforms her teasing younger brother Richie into a dog, only to rectify her blunder by bathing him back to human form.
As Louise journeys deeper into her mystical abilities, she learns from Serena that she is the reincarnation of Modesty Miller, a witch born in 1636. The amulet she now wears is a relic from this magical ancestor, and its arcane secrets are gradually revealing themselves within her. With burgeoning competence, Louise begins to master elemental magic, conjuring winds and rains at will. As she casts a love spell to enchant Brad, he becomes hopelessly entranced. Simultaneously, Louise gains sweet revenge on Mr. Weaver by utilizing a voodoo doll that resembles him, leading to a comical embarrassment in front of the entire class. Her magic extends to matchmaking, aiding Ms. Malloy in finding love and helping Polly gather the courage to challenge Rhet to an impromptu rap battle.
In pursuit of elevating her social standing, Louise approaches Serena about how to become the most adored girl at school, holding up a picture of her idol, Shana, for inspiration. Serena obliges, providing her with a potion contingent on acquiring a personal belonging from the pop star. Determined, Louise leverages her growing powers to sneak into Shana’s concert, charming the singer into giving her an iconic jacket.
As her peers begin to idolize her, Brad notices and ultimately invites her to a secluded, abandoned house where he kisses her for the first time. However, Louise starts to wonder if Brad’s interest stems from her magic or genuine feelings for her. Her rising popularity continues to bother Polly. Louise’s status skyrockets after she unintentionally wishes herself the leading role in the school play by casting a curse on the original lead. Eventually, Brad proposes that she accompany him to the dance, but feelings of guilt arise within Louise as she acknowledges that her magic has negatively impacted others.
Seeking to amend her missteps, Louise learns from Serena that the essence of true magic lies in self-belief. Together, they attend the dance, and Louise decides to relinquish the amulet while pledging to embrace her authentic self. As Brad breaks free from her magical influence and walks across the dance floor to be with her, he expresses his real affection for who she truly is, rather than the veil of popularity. As they dance and share a heartwarming kiss, Louise finally embraces the importance of being genuine, surrounded by those who truly care for her.
Louise's 15th Birthday
As Louise Miller's 15th birthday approaches, she feels the pressure to fit in and gain popularity. Her main desire is to catch the attention of star quarterback Brad Powell, who is unfortunately infatuated with cheerleader Randa, leaving Louise feeling isolated.
Mocking Incident
Louise's insecurities deepen when her English teacher, Mr. Weaver, mocks a passage from her diary. This incident occurs when the diary page gets attached to her assignment, amplifying her feelings of inadequacy.
Bike Accident
After a disappointing audition for the school play, Louise rides her bike home. This ride takes a turn for the worse when she is hit by Brad's convertible, which he drives while distracted by Randa.
Meeting Madame Serena
In her search for connection and understanding, Louise encounters a mystic named Madame Serena. She participates in a palm reading, which reveals that she is a witch on the brink of awakening her powers just before her 16th birthday.
16th Birthday Celebration
On the day of Louise's 16th birthday, she is heartbroken when no one shows up to her party. Instead, her classmates choose to attend Randa's party, deepening her feelings of loneliness and unworthiness.
Gift from Ms. Malloy
The day after her birthday, Louise's drama teacher, Ms. Malloy, gifts her a necklace featuring an ancient amulet. Ms. Malloy suggests that the amulet will bring good luck, leading Louise to experience a shift in her self-perception almost immediately.
Invitation to the Dance
Randa invites Louise to join a group outing to the upcoming school dance. Initially accompanied by the overly friendly David, Louise feels empowered by the amulet and begins to realize her newfound magical abilities.
First Use of Magic
Louise excitedly discovers her ability to manifest Brad's presence through her magic. However, this excitement is dampened when a careless spell turns her younger brother Richie into a dog, which she quickly resolves by reverting him back to human form.
Discovery of Ancestry
Louise learns from Madame Serena that she is the reincarnation of Modesty Miller, a witch from 1636. This lineage reveals the amulet as a relic from her ancestor, gradually unlocking her latent powers.
Conjuring Magic
As Louise grows more confident in her abilities, she successfully masters elemental magic, controlling winds and rain. This newfound power allows her to cast a love spell on Brad, resulting in his enchantment.
Voodoo Doll Revenge
In retaliation for Mr. Weaver's mockery, Louise uses a voodoo doll that resembles him, which leads to humorous embarrassment in class. This act marks a shift in Louise's relationship with her peers as she embraces her magical side.
Potion for Popularity
Determined to become the most beloved girl at school, Louise approaches Serena for help, who provides her with a potion. Louise must first acquire a belonging from her idol, pop star Shana, to make it work.
Sneaking into the Concert
Using her magic, Louise sneaks into Shana's concert and charms the singer into giving her an iconic jacket. This act boosts her popularity at school significantly, marking a transformation in her social status.
Kiss From Brad
Brad finally takes notice of Louise, inviting her to a secluded house where they share their first kiss. As Louise revels in the moment, she begins to question whether Brad's feelings are genuine or influenced by her magic.
Understanding True Magic
Realizing the impact of her magic on others and feeling guilt over her actions, Louise seeks guidance from Serena. During the dance, she chooses to give up the amulet and embrace her true self, which leads Brad to confess his feelings for her without any magical influence.
Louise Miller
Louise is a relatable and earnest teenager who yearns for popularity and acceptance. Initially insecure, her journey of self-discovery is beautifully portrayed as she navigates the challenges of adolescence. Her transformation from an overlooked underclassman to a confident young woman showcases her growth and resilience.
Brad Powell
Brad is the charming star quarterback, embodying the typical 'popular guy' archetype. His initial infatuation with cheerleader Randa places him at the center of Louise's aspirations. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his relationship with Louise transcends mere physical attraction.
Polly
Polly is Louise's loyal best friend, representing the supportive yet sometimes overshadowed friend. Throughout the film, she encourages Louise while grappling with her own insecurities about their friendship dynamics. Polly's character adds depth to the exploration of true friendship amidst social pressures.
Madame Serena
Madame Serena is a mystic who serves as a catalyst for Louise's journey into witchcraft. Her guidance helps Louise unlock her magical potential and discover her heritage. Serena embodies wisdom and the idea that true power comes from self-belief, ultimately shaping Louise's character arc.
Time period
1980s
The film encapsulates the quintessential elements of the 1980s, a decade characterized by distinctive fashion, pop culture, and teenage angst. High school life during this period typically involved cliques, first loves, and a longing for acceptance, making it a relatable era for many viewers.
Location
High School, Abandoned House, Concert Venue
The story unfolds primarily in a high school setting where social dynamics play a crucial role. An abandoned house serves as a backdrop for pivotal romantic encounters, highlighting the mystery and excitement of adolescent love. Additionally, a concert venue is featured, representing the allure of celebrity and the desire for acceptance.
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Self-Discovery
The journey of self-discovery is central to Louise's narrative as she navigates the complexities of adolescence. Empowered by her newfound magical abilities, she learns to embrace her true self instead of conforming to the pressures of popularity. The film ultimately emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-acceptance.
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Magic and Empowerment
Magic serves as a metaphor for inner strength and empowerment throughout the film. Louise's witch powers symbolize her ability to shape her reality and influence her social standing. However, the narrative teaches that true empowerment comes from within, rather than relying solely on external magic.
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Love and Relationships
The exploration of love and relationships is portrayed through Louise's interactions with Brad and her friendships. The film addresses the complexities of teen romance and the impact of genuine emotional connections versus superficial attraction. Ultimately, it showcases the value of authentic relationships built on trust and understanding.
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