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31 for 31 part 27: The Craft
High school can be hell, especially if you are a new kid like Sarah (Robin Tunney). However, it is revealed that Sarah has some kinetic abilities when she makes a pencil stand on its point in class. This catches the eye of a trio of other outcasts: Nancy (Furiza Balk), Bonnie (Neve Campbell), and Rochelle (Rachel True).
The girls soon befriend Sarah and reveal that they are into witchcraft. Each of them suffers from bullying or trouble in their lives. The trio explains to Sarah that they worship a deity named Manon and that he will grant them their greatest desires. They also believe that Sarah will complete their coven of Four and eventually convince her to join them.
The girls each cast spells to get their desires. Sarah puts a love spell on Chris (Skeet Ulrich), who had earlier spread a rumor that they had sex after a date; Rochelle seeks revenge on a racist bully; Bonnie wants her scars healed; and Nancy desires power.
The girls' wishes come true in various ways but with unexpected consequences. Nancy becomes even more power-hungry, and the girls soon gain greater magical power. When Sarah begins to have regrets, she has to fight against her former friends.
The Craft came out almost thirty years ago. It was a prime time for teen-centered horror films, and the craft had a unique take on the witch film. It is still a movie that holds up well today. It has become a cult classic and was part of the inspiration for the Katy Perry song “Dark Horse.”
A sequel, The Craft Legacy, was released in 2020. While it featured a cameo by Balk, it was considered a box office bomb. It is a prime example of a movie that does not need a sequel.