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The Witches 2020
Directed by
Robert Zemeckis
Made by
Warner Bros. Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Witches (2020). 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 1968 Alabama, a young boy finds himself moving in with his grandmother following the tragic loss of his parents in Chicago. To lift his spirits, his loving grandmother, played by Octavia Spencer, gifts him a pet mouse named Daisy. One day, while out buying a box of nails to build a home for Daisy, Charlie encountered a cunning witch who attempted to lure him with a snake and some caramel. Thankfully, his grandmother calls for him, causing the witch to vanish.
Upon recounting this eerie meeting, the boy learns from his grandmother about the terrifying reality of witches. She recounts a chilling story of her best friend, Alice, who fell victim to a witch’s curse, destined to live the rest of her life as a chicken. With urgency, they decide to take refuge at a nearby hotel where her cousin Eston holds the position of executive chef. During their stay, the boy is horrified to learn how to identify witches: they have claws disguised as fingernails hidden beneath gloves, bald heads covered by wig rashes, square feet with no toes camouflaged in sensible shoes, and a purple tint in their pupils. Moreover, their keen sense of smell is used to hunt children.
The following day, the boy, along with Daisy and a rope, heads to a grand hall for some training. On his way, he meets a gluttonous yet friendly boy named Bruno, who is soon whisked away by his mother. Expecting solitude, the boy enters the grand hall only to stumble upon a devious assembly of witches, led by the formidable Grand High Witch. She unveils her nefarious plan to transform all the world’s children into mice using a special potion hidden in confectionery. Bruno, having earlier consumed a chocolate bar laced with the potion, undergoes the transformation and scurries into the vent where the boy and Daisy are hiding. Before he can escape, the Grand High Witch, in a sinister twist, turns the boy into a mouse as well.
In a desperate bid to save themselves, the boy and his grandmother rush back to their hotel room. They unveil their findings about the witches’ sinister plot and realize the Grand High Witch, who cursed Alice, is residing directly below them. Charlie discovers that Daisy was initially a human girl named Mary, who suffered the same fate. Together with Bruno and Mary, they devise a clever scheme to acquire the potion, hoping that Charlie’s grandmother can concoct a remedy to restore them to their original forms. Their plan works, yet when their grandmother fails to create the cure, they instead resolve to sneak the potion into a delicious broth of pea soup intended for the witches’ dinner.
On the fateful evening, while all the witches, with the exception of the Grand High Witch, consume the enchanted soup, they begin transforming into rats, creating utter chaos. Meanwhile, the boy and the mice, now in the Grand High Witch’s room, gather potions to destroy them. In a dramatic standoff, the Grand High Witch confronts the grandmother with lethal intentions; however, the mice cleverly deceive her into consuming her own potion, thwarting her again.
Just before their escape, the grandmother seizes the Grand High Witch’s trunk filled with money and liberates her captive cat, Hades. In a tragic turn, as they make their exit, Hades attacks and kills the Grand High Witch. With no family to return to, Bruno chooses to join Mary, the boy, and their grandmother as they bring the trunk home, forming a new family. Years later, the now older boy and his grandmother share their newfound wisdom, advising young children to beware of the witches lurking around.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Witches (2020) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Tragic Loss
In 1968 Alabama, a young boy faces a devastating change in his life after the tragic loss of his parents in Chicago. He is sent to live with his loving grandmother, who hopes to provide him with comfort during this distressing time.
A Gift of Hope
To uplift Charlie’s spirits, his grandmother gifts him a pet mouse named Daisy. This simple gesture symbolizes the beginning of a new companionship and offers a glimmer of hope for Charlie amid his sorrows.
Encounter with the Witch
While out to buy nails to build a home for Daisy, Charlie encounters a cunning witch. She tries to lure him into her trap with a snake and caramel, but luckily, his grandmother calls him away just in time, causing the witch to disappear.
The Grandmother's Warning
After recounting his strange encounter, Charlie learns from his grandmother about the truth of witches. She tells a chilling tale of her friend Alice, who fell victim to a witch's curse, which instills a deep sense of fear in Charlie.
Refuge at the Hotel
In light of the witches’ threat, Charlie and his grandmother take refuge at a nearby hotel where her cousin Eston works as an executive chef. This place serves as a temporary safe haven for them against the lurking dangers.
Identifying Witches
During their stay, the boy learns the frightening characteristics of witches. They are described as wearing gloves to hide their claws, having bald heads, and possessing a keen sense of smell used to hunt children, heightening the tension and fear.
Training Day
Charlie takes Daisy and a rope to the grand hall for training, but before he understands the dangers, he meets Bruno, a friendly and gluttonous boy. Their brief encounter foreshadows the chaos that is about to unfold.
The Witch's Assembly
Upon entering the grand hall, Charlie stumbles into a sinister gathering of witches, led by the Grand High Witch herself. She reveals her malevolent plan to transform all children into mice using a potion hidden in candy.
Bruno's Transformation
In a horrifying twist, Bruno unknowingly consumes a chocolate bar laced with the witches' potion, resulting in his immediate transformation into a mouse. This shocking event emphasizes the real danger the children are in.
Desperate Escape
After becoming mice, Charlie and his new friends rush back to their hotel room in sheer panic. They unveil the witches' dire plot, realizing that the Grand High Witch, who cursed Alice, resides just below them.
The Truth About Daisy
In a shocking revelation, Charlie discovers that Daisy was once a human girl named Mary, cursed just like Alice. Determined to revert back to human form, they plot to steal the potion necessary for their transformation.
Plan to Retrieve the Potion
Charlie, Mary, and Bruno devise a clever scheme to sneak the potion into a delicious soup intended for the witches' dinner. Their plan is risky but crucial to thwarting the witches' evil intentions.
Chaos at Dinner
During the witches' dinner, as they consume the enchanted soup, chaos ensues when they all begin transforming into rats. This turn of events sets the stage for a confrontational showdown with the Grand High Witch.
Confrontation with the Grand High Witch
In a high-stakes confrontation, the Grand High Witch confronts Charlie's grandmother with lethal intentions. However, in a twist of fate, the mice trick her into consuming her own potion, defeating her.
A New Family
After defeating the Grand High Witch, Charlie's grandmother liberates Hades, the cat, and they all make their escape. Bruno chooses to stay with Charlie and Mary, forming a new family in the aftermath of their harrowing ordeal.
A New Beginning
Years later, the older Charlie and his grandmother reflect on their incredible journey and share their wisdom. They warn children about the dangers of witches, emphasizing the importance of being vigilant.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Witches (2020) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Grandma (Octavia Spencer)
A loving and protective figure, Grandma is deeply aware of the supernatural, sharing her knowledge of witches with her grandson. Her wisdom and resourcefulness shine as she turns maternal instincts into actions to combat evil. She symbolizes strength and resilience, embodying a fierce determination to protect her family.
Hero Boy (Jahzir Bruno)
The protagonist of the story, the Hero Boy exhibits curiosity and bravery when confronted with witches. His evolution is marked by trial and tribulations, showcasing his strong spirit. Throughout his journey, he learns to fight against adversities while forging lasting friendships.
Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway)
The Grand High Witch represents the archetype of evil in the story, seeking to annihilate children. Her cunning nature and deceitful tactics highlight the menacing aspects of witchcraft. Ultimately, she serves as the primary antagonist that the Hero Boy and his allies must defeat.
Bruno Jenkins (Codie-Lei Eastick)
Bruno is a friendly yet gluttonous boy who becomes an ally to the Hero Boy. His initial carefree nature contrasts with the dangers they face together. Bruno's transformation impacts his character growth, as he learns the significance of bravery and camaraderie.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Witches (2020), 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
1968
The events of the movie unfold in 1968, a period marked by social upheaval and cultural change in the United States. It was a time when civil rights movements were gaining momentum and children were increasingly aware of the tales and myths around them. This backdrop heightens the sense of fear and adventure as the boy confronts the supernatural.
Location
Alabama, Chicago, Hotel
The story takes place in 1968 Alabama, where a young boy moves in with his grandmother after a family tragedy in Chicago. Alabama is known for its rich history and Southern hospitality, which contrasts with the urban feel of Chicago. The nearby hotel serves as a central location where the boy and his grandmother uncover the dark secrets of witches.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Witches (2020). 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
The central theme of witchcraft runs throughout the movie as the boy discovers the terrifying realities of witches who disguise their true forms. It highlights the dangers of underestimating evil, depicted by the Grand High Witch and her sinister plot. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of wisdom and vigilance, especially for children.
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Family
Family plays a crucial role in the narrative, particularly the relationship between the boy and his grandmother. Their bond strengthens as they face magical dangers together, showcasing love, bravery, and the idea of creating a new family amidst adversity. The film reminds viewers of the importance of family support in overcoming fears.
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Transformation
Transformation is a key theme, represented by both the literal transformations of the characters into mice and the evolution of their relationships. The boy's journey from a frightened child to a courageous figure illustrates personal growth. As they navigate their new realities, the characters learn to rely on each other and adapt to their circumstances.
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