Nearly three decades after the original film’s release, “Practical Magic 2” revisits the Owens family in a sequel that blends nostalgia with expanded magical lore. Directed by Susanne Bier, the film brings back Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as Sally and Gillian Owens, two witch sisters navigating the legacy of a family curse that has long shaped their lives.
The original 1998 movie focused on the Owens sisters, played by Bullock and Kidman, as they faced the realities of love and loss under a supernatural shadow: any man an Owens woman falls in love with dies tragically. In this follow-up, the story shifts to the next generation, centering on Kylie Owens (Joey King), Sally’s daughter, who has fallen in love despite her mother’s efforts to suppress magic in the family. When Kylie’s boyfriend (Xolo Maridueña) suffers a mysterious accident, she embarks on a journey to England with a powerful spell book in hand, aiming to undo the curse that has haunted their bloodline for centuries.
Bier’s direction marks a tonal shift from the more lighthearted, quirky atmosphere of the original, introducing elements reminiscent of contemporary wizardry tales with a darker undercurrent. The sequel incorporates more pronounced magical effects and visions, moving away from the simpler, “lo-fi” charm that characterized the first film. Lee Pace joins the cast as an English magic expert, recommended by the Owens family’s Aunt Fran (Stockard Channing), who aids the sisters as they confront the deep-rooted curse.
The film further explores familial bonds, with the Owens women—across three generations—grappling with love, loss, and the challenges inherent in wielding supernatural powers. While some characters receive limited screen time, Bullock’s portrayal of Sally remains central, capturing the tension between her protective anxieties and the underlying devotion to her family. Gillian’s character maintains a more carefree approach, though her personal storyline receives less focus compared to her sister’s.
“Practical Magic 2” runs two hours and ten minutes and is rated PG-13 for some violent content, suggestive material, and brief strong language. The film is now in wide release, aiming to attract fans of the original while introducing the Owens family’s mystical world to a new audience. While the sequel carries a degree of sentimental charm and occasional cheesiness, it upholds the spirit of its predecessor, underscored by the enduring chemistry between Bullock and Kidman.