November is a strange month for everybody. With Halloween over, Thanksgiving arriving, and the initiation of Christmas celebrations, it's that month that hypes up everybody. In addition to all the good food, shopping, and family/friends gatherings, movies are one element that keeps the excitement going. The 1987 fantasy comedy, The Witches of Eastwick might just be the perfect addition to the list of movies to watch this month.
Interestingly, the season is not the only reason why The Witches of Eastwick should be watched. Regardless of it being quite old, the film has much to say about society. It is also one of those films that might have changed course in terms of certain tropes and themes. With Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon, and Jack Nicholson, all coming under one roof, literally and metaphorically, the film is so powerful that it is hard for the audience to take their eyes off the screen. From the plot to the performance and the themes, The Witches of Eastwick is simply brilliant. Of course, there might be certain events in the film that might still feed into certain uncomfortable tropes. Nonetheless, George Miller has attempted to do something different with this film, and it is the perfect time to tap into it and see what it is all about.
Nostalgia Through the Cast
Even if one has been living under a rock for the past few years, the names Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon, and Jack Nicholson might ring a bell. Interestingly, The Witches of Eastwick has given all these actors significant roles, with Nicholson taking over the role of Daryl Van Horne, the key antagonist, and the three female actors taking over the roles of the key protagonists. Their performances are one major reason why this film has become quite successful.
The trio, Alexandra (Cher), Sukie (Pfeiffer), and Jane (Sarandon) are three best friends who have very different personalities. Additionally, they go through drastic character changes, especially Jane. On the other hand, Daryl is introduced as the "your average horny little devil" who seems to be the answer to the trio's prayers. For those who are familiar with Nicholson's Jack Torrance, Daryl might not seem much different. The addition of the comedy and the taking away of the horror (up to a certain extent) might be the only difference.
Debate on Feminism and Female Empowerment
Another reason that makes this film quite powerful is the female lead. Even with their different personalities, they seem to be empowering one another. From the very beginning of the film, it is shown how Jane is sexually harassed at school by the principal, in turn, pointing out the power men carry. The way in which these three are quite independent women who are divorced and are relying on their friendship for constant consolation and escape from their mundane lives makes it very empowering to watch. Alex and Sukie being single parents following their careers is another powerful addition that taps into feminist ideologies. With Daryl entering the town, the girls are easily swooned in by his "charm". Of course, Alex does try to defy it through her powerful monologue that shows how "disgusting" Daryl is. Yet again, he wins as she sleeps with him.
Following this, we see the "witches" realizing who Daryl is and defeating him in a battle of magic and witchcraft. However, they do end up getting pregnant by him and giving birth to three boys. On one hand, the way in which they chase him out by teaming up gives way to female empowerment. It indicates how, regardless of how "charming" the man is, they will always put themselves above a cunning male. On the other hand, it can also be seen as a very un-feminist film where the man ends up winning. This is pointed out by Horsford as she shows how the women saying that they miss Daryl at the end of the film shows how "despite the trials of dealing with Daryl, the women still aren’t entirely happy without him in their lives".
There seems to be a fluctuation between the ideas of feminism and trying to conform to the stereotypes of women needing men to survive. Chaney analyzes this as she says:
The movie feels like it’s trying to tell us something, but it holds its tongue so firmly in its cheek that it’s hard to grasp exactly what it’s saying.
Unapologetically Sexually Charged
When a film is blatant in pointing out how normal sex is, it becomes very sex-positive and sex acts as a driving force. That is exactly what Miller does. With Daryl being quite clear about how horny he is and the women realizing what they want in terms of sex, the film does not hold back. This is very clearly seen in Jane as her whole character changes when she has "passionate" sex. Moreover, the way in which she makes the first approach makes the scene even more powerful.
There are even hints that Daryl and the trio might be having sex, together, at the same time, in turn, discreetly nodding towards "unconventional" sexual interactions. Of course, the film goes on to illustrate how all this is regarded as taboo since the village starts casting these characters aside. Nonetheless, the way in which they seek out what they want and satisfy themselves makes this film quite powerful.
Perfect Goodbye to The Spooky Season
Even though The Witches of Eastwick acts as the perfect film to watch during the Halloween season, it contains certain elements that might remind one of the upcoming Christmas celebrations. In fact, the film begins with a very cheerful tune, in turn, making it seem joyful. Additionally, the comical element merges well with the fantasy element and the lack of horror makes this film quite ideal to watch in a month like November.
All in all, The Witches of Eastwick is an enjoyable film that surely captures the essence of Halloween as well as the post-Halloween season.