Reviews: The Witches (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Comedy, Adventure, Family
Subgenres:
Where does The Witches (2020) stand among horror films? Our review examines the scares, pacing, and what makes it unique in the genre.
The Witches (2020) is a reimagining of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book, directed by Robert Zemeckis. The story follows a young boy (Jahzir Bruno) who, after losing his parents, moves in with his loving grandmother (Octavia Spencer). When they visit a luxurious hotel, they unknowingly stumble upon a convention of witches, led by the terrifying Grand High Witch (Anne Hathaway), who is plotting to turn all children into mice.
The Witches (2020) – A Visually Vibrant but Hollow Adaptation
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The film remains mostly faithful to Dahl’s original story but takes some liberties with the setting and character backgrounds. While it attempts to retain the book’s dark humor and eerie charm, the execution often feels tonally inconsistent. The themes of good vs. evil, childhood resilience, and the dangers lurking in plain sight are present, but the storytelling feels rushed and underdeveloped compared to the beloved 1990 adaptation.
Acting and Cinematography
Anne Hathaway delivers an over-the-top performance as the Grand High Witch, leaning into an exaggerated European accent that some might find entertaining while others will see as distracting. While she exudes menace in some scenes, her portrayal lacks the chilling subtlety of Anjelica Huston’s performance in the 1990 version.
Octavia Spencer is the heart of the film, giving a warm and grounded performance as the boy’s protective grandmother. Jahzir Bruno does a fine job as the protagonist, though his character feels less compelling than previous portrayals.
Visually, the film is a mixed bag. Zemeckis brings his signature CG-heavy style, resulting in some imaginative but overly polished visuals. The transformation sequences and creature designs are creepy yet cartoonish, which might work for younger audiences but lacks the practical effects magic of the 1990 version. The cinematography and set design are vibrant, capturing a lavish yet unsettling atmosphere, but the heavy reliance on CGI diminishes the film’s sense of realism and tension.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Zemeckis is known for his ability to blend fantasy with cutting-edge visual effects, but The Witches feels too glossy and artificial to truly immerse viewers in its dark fairy-tale world. The film struggles with pacing issues, rushing through crucial moments while spending too much time on unnecessary visual spectacle.
One of the film’s biggest weaknesses is its lack of genuine horror and suspense. The 1990 adaptation balanced whimsy and terror masterfully, whereas this version feels sanitized and more comedic than unsettling. The Grand High Witch’s character design, with her wide, Joker-like mouth and clawed hands, has moments of creepiness but lacks the subtle menace needed to make her truly terrifying.
Final Verdict & Score: 5/10
The Witches (2020) is a visually creative but ultimately shallow adaptation that struggles to justify its existence alongside the superior 1990 version. While Anne Hathaway’s flamboyant performance and Octavia Spencer’s warmth offer some entertainment value, the film’s inconsistent tone, excessive CGI, and lack of real suspense make it a forgettable retelling rather than a modern classic.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- The Witches Rating Scores
- Our Score: 5/10
- Overall Score: 5.03/10
- IMDB: 5.4/10
- MetaCritic: 4.7/10
Look here for more movies starting with T and here you can find 2020 movies to watch on your favorite streaming service.