The Witches of Eastwick

The Witches of Eastwick 1987

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Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of The Witches of Eastwick (1987). 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.


Alexandra Medford, Jane Spofford, and Sukie Ridgemont are three discontented women residing in the charming town of Eastwick, Rhode Island. Alex, a sculptor, navigates life as a single mother, while Jane, a recently divorced music teacher, grapples with her inability to conceive. Sukie, a columnist for the local newspaper Eastwick Word, balances her life with six kids. Each of them has faced the hardships of lost relationships; Alex’s husband has passed away, Jane’s has left her, and Sukie’s has walked out. Unbeknownst to them, they form a coven, convening weekly to share their thoughts on their ideal partners.

When a mysterious man acquires the town’s iconic Lenox Mansion, his presence piques the interest of the entire town, save for Felicia Alden, the devout spouse of newspaper editor Clyde Alden, who also happens to be Sukie’s boss. She instinctively senses that the newcomers’ intentions are sinister.

During a recital hosted by Jane, this enigmatic figure makes a memorable entrance, stirring up gossip. As Sukie receives flowers from him, she remembers his name—Daryl Van Horne. The excitement escalates when Sukie’s pearl necklace breaks, sending beads scattering and causing Felicia, who had earlier mocked Daryl’s name, to tumble down the stairs, resulting in a broken leg.

In an unexpected twist of fate, Daryl’s seductive charm intrigues Alex the next day; although he initially offends her with his remarks, she finds herself manipulated into compliance after attempting to leave. Later, during a calm conversation, he captures the attention of the reserved Jane, leading to a wild and passionate duet on the cello that ends in flames, leaving Jane utterly enthralled.

Daryl’s charm soon attracts all three women, igniting feelings of jealousy and rivalry among them. To their astonishment, they discover their shared magical abilities when they accidentally levitate a tennis ball. As they embrace their newfound powers, they decide to share Daryl, but the townspeople, incited by Felicia’s rumors, begin to ostracize them. When the women’s loyalty falters, Daryl leads them into a dark spell directed at Felicia, who, after a violent episode, meets her demise at the hands of her husband in a fit of rage.

Following Felicia’s untimely death, the trio opts for separation to regain control over their chaotic powers. Heartbroken over their abandonment, Daryl exploits their deepest fears: Alex envisions herself surrounded by snakes, Jane experiences rapid aging, and Sukie endures unbearable pain. Recognizing that only through witchcraft can they rid themselves of Daryl, they agree to feign reconciliation.

The following morning, with Daryl distracted, Alex crafts a voodoo doll using his hair and wax, hoping to weaken his hold on them. To their astonishment, as they perform acts of harm to the doll, Daryl feels each impact, leading him to a church filled with worshippers where he, overcome with rage, curses the witches before, astonishingly, regurgitating cherry pits, just like Felicia.

In a frenzy, Daryl storms back to exact revenge on the witches, but as they attempt to act nonchalantly, he shows up disheveled and furious. His fury drives the situation further into chaos, ultimately breaking the doll and transforming Daryl into a colossal monster. In their desperate bid for survival, the witches toss the doll into a fire, diminishing Daryl to a shriveled homunculus before he vanishes entirely.

Eighteen months later, the women share a reformed life in Daryl’s mansion, each with a bouncing baby boy. As the children play, Daryl re-emerges, this time on a wall of television screens, beckoning them to “give Daddy a kiss.” However, the united women swiftly shut off the screens, preventing Daryl from reclaiming any shred of his past power.

Timeline

Track the key events of The Witches of Eastwick (1987) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.


Introduction of the Three Women

Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie are introduced as discontented women living in Eastwick, Rhode Island. Each of them struggles with their own issues, including loss, divorce, and motherhood.

Eastwick, Rhode Island

Formation of the Coven

Unaware of their magical potential, the three women begin meeting weekly to discuss their ideal partners. These gatherings mark the beginning of their transformation into a coven.

Daryl Van Horne Arrives

The arrival of Daryl Van Horne, a mysterious man, creates a buzz in the town as he acquires the Lenox Mansion. His charm captivates the interest of the women, stirring emotions and curiosity among all townsfolk.

Lenox Mansion, Eastwick

Recital Incident

At a recital hosted by Jane, Daryl makes an unforgettable entrance, drawing attention and gossip. Moments later, Sukie receives flowers from him, which leads to a chain of chaotic events.

Breaking of the Necklace

Sukie's pearl necklace unexpectedly breaks, scattering beads across the floor. Felicia, having mocked Daryl earlier, tumbles down the stairs, resulting in a broken leg, further entrenching the rivalry between Daryl and Felicia.

Alex's Indecision

Daryl captivates Alex with his charm, leading her to feel manipulated after initially trying to resist his advances. This sets the stage for a complicated relationship fueled by Daryl's seductive allure.

Jane's Cello Duet

In a passionate interaction with Daryl, Jane is drawn into a wild cello duet that ends in flames. This event leaves her enthralled and deepens the bond between her and Daryl.

Discovery of Powers

The three women accidentally discover their magical abilities when they levitate a tennis ball together. This moment marks their acceptance of their powers and the beginning of their bond as a coven.

Escalation of Rivalry

As their feelings for Daryl grow, so does jealousy and rivalry among the three women. They attempt to share Daryl, but the townspeople, misled by Felicia’s rumors, ostracize the women.

Eastwick

Felicia's Demise

Daryl leads the women into a dark spell aimed at Felicia, resulting in her tragic death at the hands of her husband in a fit of rage. This event significantly shifts the dynamics of the townsfolk and the women’s relationships.

Struggling with Powers

After Felicia's death, the trio decides to separate to regain control over their chaotic powers. Daryl exploits their fears, manipulating each woman and revealing the consequences of their magical abilities.

Crafting the Voodoo Doll

In a bid to free themselves from Daryl's influence, Alex creates a voodoo doll using Daryl's hair. The women discover that what they do to the doll directly affects Daryl, adding a layer of peril to their plan.

Confrontation with Daryl

Daryl, enraged by the witches' actions towards the voodoo doll, storms back to confront them. In a chaotic scene, his fury leads to transformation, pushing the confrontation to a climactic breaking point.

Destruction of the Doll

In a desperate attempt to rid themselves of Daryl’s menace, the witches burn the voodoo doll. This action diminishes Daryl to a shriveled homunculus, severing his grip on them.

Eighteen Months Later

Eighteen months after their harrowing experiences, the women find themselves thriving in Daryl's mansion, each with a baby boy. Despite Daryl's reappearance on television screens, they stand united in shutting him out.

Eighteen months later Daryl's Mansion

Characters

Meet the characters that bring The Witches of Eastwick (1987) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.


Alexandra Medford (Michelle Pfeiffer)

Alexandra Medford is a strong-willed sculptor and single mother, navigating life after the loss of her husband. Her artistry reflects her complex emotions and desire for independence. As she confronts her feelings for Daryl, she grapples with both attraction and manipulation.

🎨 Artist 💪 Empowerment

Jane Spofford (Susan Sarandon)

Jane Spofford is a recently divorced music teacher struggling with feelings of inadequacy due to her inability to conceive. Her character embodies vulnerability but also a hidden strength. Her passionate moment with Daryl reveals her deep desire for connection.

🎶 Musician 💔 Heartbroken

Sukie Ridgemont (Cher)

Sukie Ridgemont is a witty columnist and devoted mother of six. She balances her chaotic home life with her aspirations and desires. Her lively personality often masks her insecurities, making her journey toward empowerment a compelling arc.

📰 Journalist 👩‍👧‍👦 Caregiver

Daryl Van Horne (Jack Nicholson)

Daryl Van Horne is the charismatic and enigmatic newcomer who draws the three women into a world of magic and chaos. His seductive charm disguises an underlying malevolence, leading to a tumultuous relationship with each of the witches. His transformation into a monstrous figure symbolizes the consequences of unchecked desire.

🌪️ Charmer 😈 Manipulator

Setting

Uncover the settings of The Witches of Eastwick (1987), 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

The events unfold in a contemporary setting, highlighting the struggles and dynamics of modern womanhood. The narrative encapsulates themes of empowerment, jealousy, and the supernatural, resonating with relatable emotions in today’s world.

Location

Eastwick, Rhode Island, Lenox Mansion

Eastwick, a picturesque town in Rhode Island, serves as the backdrop for this enchanting tale. Known for its charming community, the town becomes a hub of intrigue and mystery as the arrival of a new resident stirs excitement. The iconic Lenox Mansion, with its grandeur and dark secrets, plays a pivotal role in the women's transformative journey.

🏡 Town 🏰 Mansion

Themes

Explore the core themes of The Witches of Eastwick (1987). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.


🧙‍♀️

Witchcraft

The theme of witchcraft is central to the story, as three women discover their magical abilities through their bond and shared desires. Their coven symbolizes empowerment and rebellion against societal norms. However, their powers also lead to catastrophic consequences, illustrating the fine line between control and chaos.

💔

Loss and Healing

Each character grapples with personal loss, navigating their newfound paths in life. The story explores how grief and healing intertwine, highlighting the importance of companionship and support among women. Their journey transforms despair into strength, allowing them to reclaim their identities.

🔥

Desire and Rivalry

Desire fuels the rivalry among the three women as they vie for the attention of Daryl. This theme showcases how attraction can complicate friendships and lead to jealousy. Ultimately, their shared desire for empowerment bonds them, despite the initial competition.

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