The Witches
dir. Nicolas Roeg · 1990
A young boy named Luke stumbles upon a secret convention of witches while staying at a hotel with his grandmother. As he overhears their sinister plans to turn children into mice, the whimsical atmosphere quickly darkens, blending humor with horror. Watching this film feels like a thrilling ride through a fantastical world where childhood fears manifest into tangible threats, all while maintaining a playful tone that invites laughter amidst the tension.
While staying at a hotel in England with his grandmother, Helga, a young boy named Luke inadvertently spies on a convention of witches. The Grand High Witch reveals a plan to turn all children into mice via a magical formula. When they discover the eavesdropper, the witches test the formula on him. Now, with the help of Helga and hotel manager Mr Stringer, Luke the mouse must fight back against the witches.
Talking points
- the role of fear in childhood
- the portrayal of witches in media
- humor as a coping mechanism
- the dynamics of family relationships
