THE CRAFT: LEGACY (2020)

Genre: Supernatural
Director: Zoe Lister-Jones
Cast: Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon, Lovie Simone, Zoey Luna, Nicholas Galitzine, Michelle Monaghan, David Duchovny
Runtime: 1 hr 35 mins
Rating: NC16 (Sexual References)
Released By: Sony Pictures
Official Website: 

Opening Day: 29 October 2020

Synopsis: In Blumhouse’s continuation of the cult hit The Craft, an eclectic foursome of aspiring teenage witches get more than they bargained for as they lean into their newfound powers. 

Movie Review:

Witchcraft makes a fascinating theme in movies and the original Craft is a supernatural hit that deals with more than that just witchcraft. It’s one that touches on traumatic teenager issues such as insecurities, BGR, domestic violence and the danger of indulging in witchery.

More than two decades later, we have the reimagined sequel to it entitled The Craft: Legacy. Proudly brought to you by Blumhouse productions known for their sometimes cheap horror takeaways.

Written and directed by actress Zoe Lister-Jones, Legacy is a mix of the original cult hit with elements tailored for the tik-tok generation. There are references and throwbacks to the Andre Fleming version of course but it doesn’t really matter if you are too young to catch the 1996 one. As mentioned, this is a reimagined tale, in other words not exactly imaginative nor is it original.

The story opens with Lily (Cailee Spaeney) and her mother, Helen (Michelle Monaghan) on their way to their new home where Helen’s boyfriend, Adam (David Duchovny) and his three sons lived. Adam is a successful self-help guru for men though Lily seems to feel slightly apprehensive upon meeting him. Well, there’s probably more than meet the eyes where Adam is concerned. But the story needs to move on.

After an unfortunate accident that involves ahem menstruation, Lily went on to make friends with three other girls, Frankie (Gideon Adlon), Tabby (Lovie Simone) and Lourdes (Zoey Luna). Coincidentally, the trio are searching for the last girl to complete their coven and Lily with her mysterious powers happen to be the chosen one. And thus comes a series of montages where we see the group of girls dabbling with their newfound superpowers and their first victim happened to be the class bully, Timmy (Nicholas Galitzine).

Instead of focusing the core of the story on the four girls, Legacy somehow diverts all its available resources on Lily presumably its budget concern or a creative decision. First, Lily puts a love spell on Timmy which is a no-no when it comes to witchcraft. As the rest of the girls put it, they are doing witchcraft for the whole of the community not for the benefit of one self. Ok, point taken. Then Lily discovered she is actually adopted and Helen never reveal the fact to her until now. Wait, and there is seemingly a far more sinister presence lurking around Lily and he wants Lily to voluntarily surrender her powers to him.

In an ideal scenario, we should experience more emotional connection between the girls. There is a thing called friendship which is sadly entirely left out. For a movie that deals with witchcraft, there is never a proper explanation or execution of witchcraft except a couple of brief scenes. The girls seem to be born conveniently with supernatural powers liked a comic book superhero. Zoe Lister-Jones attempts to work in a strong message about toxic masculinity against female empowerment. It’s a shame as it just comes across as dopey and awkward.

The Craft: Legacy fails miserably compared to its predecessor on the whole. The CG is awful. The third act feels rushed especially with the motives and sudden appearance of the villain character. The entire process feels like a low-cost TV pilot despite Cailee Spaeney’s likeable performance.

Movie Rating:

(What makes the original so effective are sorely lacking in this legacy)

Review by Linus Tee