'The Craft' Will Always Be A Cult Classic To Me
This might explain my love for "witchy" pop culture.
Shortly after my fifth birthday, I sat criss-cross, applesauce in front of my biological dad’s TV screen to watch The Craft. I used to love reading the back of VHS covers to learn about a movie’s plot, so I already knew it was about witches. But it was the front cover that made me ask, “Can I see this?”
Since it was rated R, my dad had every reason to tell me “no.” Instead of doing that, he smiled and said, “Of course, baby girl.” Why? Well, I’d already seen the likes of Nightmare on Elm Street, Halloween and Friday the 13th, so it was a little too late to decide a movie about witches was too much for my young eyes.
Truthfully, my dad saw how much I enjoyed horror and supernatural movies at a young age. Once he realized I was a fan of storytelling (thanks to short stories that raised eyebrows at school), he started introducing me to other titles I’d never seen.
But I didn’t know how much of an impact The Craft would have on me until the credits rolled.
The Premise of The Craft Touches On Issues Young Students Face Growing Up
Let’s address the elephant in the room. Fairuza Balk, Robin Tunney, Neve Campbell, and Rachel True didn’t play popular characters. In fact, their performances shone a light on different outcasts at a large Catholic school. Besides people believing they may be witches, here’s a breakdown of where their social hierarchy stood:
1. Fairuza Balk as Nancy Downs
2. Neve Campbell as Bonnie Harper
3. Rachel True as Rochelle Zimmerman
4. Robin Tunney as Sarah Bailey
Films like Clueless had already introduced me to the sometimes daunting nature of high school students, but this was the first time I’d seen something cinematic through the lens of the “not so cool kids.”
From the “poor girl” to “the new girl,” The Craft did an excellent job of portraying how society loves to alienate those it labels different. It exposes the unfair judgement imposed on students who can’t control their socioeconomic statuses, race, or skin conditions. And if you dared to explore your sexuality in the midst of these “slights,” the masses had even more reason to treat you like a pariah.
Nancy, Bonnie, Rochelle, and Sarah experienced eye rolls, snarky comments, and harassment from other students as they grappled with their realities. It’s what allowed them to form a beautiful sisterhood so they didn’t have to battle things alone. It’s also the same thing that eventually fractured them.
When Shame Turns Into Revenge & Power-Hungry Pursuits
What started off as a bond that felt like it had a sturdy foundation turned into a literal fight that no longer involved Nancy, Rochelle, Bonnie, and Sarah’s classmates. The three girls unfairly turned on Sarah after welcoming her into their circle because they found themselves swayed by Nancy’s uncontrollable power. One could argue that she’d always had sadistic tendencies hidden under her lack of social prowess, but it really spread once she realized she wasn’t completely helpless.
Following her lead were Bonnie and Rochelle’s realization they had the tools to torment those around them. Whether it was the latter’s physical harm or Bonnie’s inflated ego once her skin cleared, the girls misused the occult’s gifts to them. But not Sarah. Not only was it clear she didn’t need anything extra because she was born a natural witch, it was also apparent Nancy began to resent her. In turn, so did the other girls.
By the end of the film, all but three of the girls lost their powers and it was bittersweet to see. The saddest part of The Craft is the end where viewers see Nancy’s arms bound as she fights to break free in a mental institution. According to her, she’s still a witch and won’t let go of her “crazed” behavior.
Overall, The Craft explores the toll bullying takes on young students and what happens when the “underdogs” decide to take matters into their own hands. While the roles were eventually reversed towards the end of the movie, it was clear not everyone thrived in their new positions.