High school can be a miserable experience. There's bullying, social anxiety, awkward relationships, and the constant pressure to fit in. Most teenagers deal with these problems by listening to music, changing their appearance, or hiding in their bedrooms. The girls in The Craft decide that witchcraft is a better option. And honestly, considering some of the people they're dealing with, it's hard to blame them.
Released in 1996, this supernatural horror film follows Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney), a troubled teenager who moves to Los Angeles with her father and stepmother. Struggling to fit in at her new Catholic school, Sarah catches the attention of three outsiders: Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle (Rachel True). The girls are interested in witchcraft and believe Sarah possesses unusual powers that could help them complete their circle.
Naturally, what begins as a harmless experiment in supernatural friendship quickly turns into a series of increasingly dangerous decisions. The girls discover that their spells actually work, which is fantastic news until everyone starts using magic to solve ordinary teenage problems. A little revenge here, a love spell there, perhaps a curse or two. What could possibly go wrong?
The movie's greatest strength is its cast. Robin Tunney gives Sarah an appealing mixture of vulnerability and strength, making her the audience's entry point into the increasingly bizarre world of teenage witchcraft. Neve Campbell brings a quieter presence as Bonnie, while Rachel True's Rochelle faces bullying and racial prejudice that give her character a more grounded motivation for joining the group.
But Fairuza Balk absolutely steals the show as Nancy Downs. She's intense, unpredictable, and increasingly terrifying as her character becomes consumed by the power the girls have discovered. Balk gives Nancy a genuinely unsettling quality, transforming what could have been a typical rebellious teenager into someone who seems to be enjoying the opportunity to become a full-blown supernatural menace. If there's one person you wouldn't want holding a grudge against you, it's Nancy.
Director Andrew Fleming understands that the movie needs more than supernatural tricks to work. The atmosphere is dark and moody, with gothic imagery, creepy locations, and an appropriately sinister soundtrack. The film captures the mid-'90s alternative aesthetic perfectly, from the clothing and hairstyles to the music and general sense of teenage alienation.
The special effects are a little dated by modern standards, but they fit the movie's personality. The story is less interested in explaining the mechanics of magic than exploring what happens when insecure teenagers suddenly gain enormous power. The answer, unsurprisingly, involves jealousy, revenge, and some spectacularly poor judgment.
There are moments when the movie leans heavily into familiar horror clichés, and some of the character development could have been stronger. The final act also becomes increasingly theatrical, but the performances, especially Balk's, keep everything entertaining. The film's central message about power, responsibility, and the dangers of letting resentment control your decisions gives it more substance than its supernatural premise might suggest.
The Craft also arrived at exactly the right moment. Its blend of horror, teen drama, and alternative culture made it a cult favorite, particularly among audiences who appreciated its outsider characters and darker approach to high school life.
Final Verdict: 7.5/10
The Craft is a stylish, entertaining supernatural thriller with a terrific cast and one of the most memorable villainous performances of 1990s teen cinema. Fairuza Balk is worth the price of admission alone, and the movie remains a fun reminder that teenage friendship can be complicated. Especially when everyone involved has access to supernatural powers and absolutely no interest in making sensible decisions.
Released in 1996, this supernatural horror film follows Sarah Bailey (Robin Tunney), a troubled teenager who moves to Los Angeles with her father and stepmother. Struggling to fit in at her new Catholic school, Sarah catches the attention of three outsiders: Nancy (Fairuza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle (Rachel True). The girls are interested in witchcraft and believe Sarah possesses unusual powers that could help them complete their circle.
Naturally, what begins as a harmless experiment in supernatural friendship quickly turns into a series of increasingly dangerous decisions. The girls discover that their spells actually work, which is fantastic news until everyone starts using magic to solve ordinary teenage problems. A little revenge here, a love spell there, perhaps a curse or two. What could possibly go wrong?
The movie's greatest strength is its cast. Robin Tunney gives Sarah an appealing mixture of vulnerability and strength, making her the audience's entry point into the increasingly bizarre world of teenage witchcraft. Neve Campbell brings a quieter presence as Bonnie, while Rachel True's Rochelle faces bullying and racial prejudice that give her character a more grounded motivation for joining the group.
But Fairuza Balk absolutely steals the show as Nancy Downs. She's intense, unpredictable, and increasingly terrifying as her character becomes consumed by the power the girls have discovered. Balk gives Nancy a genuinely unsettling quality, transforming what could have been a typical rebellious teenager into someone who seems to be enjoying the opportunity to become a full-blown supernatural menace. If there's one person you wouldn't want holding a grudge against you, it's Nancy.
Director Andrew Fleming understands that the movie needs more than supernatural tricks to work. The atmosphere is dark and moody, with gothic imagery, creepy locations, and an appropriately sinister soundtrack. The film captures the mid-'90s alternative aesthetic perfectly, from the clothing and hairstyles to the music and general sense of teenage alienation.
The special effects are a little dated by modern standards, but they fit the movie's personality. The story is less interested in explaining the mechanics of magic than exploring what happens when insecure teenagers suddenly gain enormous power. The answer, unsurprisingly, involves jealousy, revenge, and some spectacularly poor judgment.
There are moments when the movie leans heavily into familiar horror clichés, and some of the character development could have been stronger. The final act also becomes increasingly theatrical, but the performances, especially Balk's, keep everything entertaining. The film's central message about power, responsibility, and the dangers of letting resentment control your decisions gives it more substance than its supernatural premise might suggest.
The Craft also arrived at exactly the right moment. Its blend of horror, teen drama, and alternative culture made it a cult favorite, particularly among audiences who appreciated its outsider characters and darker approach to high school life.
Final Verdict: 7.5/10
The Craft is a stylish, entertaining supernatural thriller with a terrific cast and one of the most memorable villainous performances of 1990s teen cinema. Fairuza Balk is worth the price of admission alone, and the movie remains a fun reminder that teenage friendship can be complicated. Especially when everyone involved has access to supernatural powers and absolutely no interest in making sensible decisions.
Review posted
November 10, 2026