Kathy Najimy (left), Bette Midler (center), and Sarah Jessica Parker (right) as the Sanderson Sisters. (Photo courtesy of IMDB/Walt Disney Pictures)
Many Halloween films have become nationwide treasures, being rewatched year after year during the month of October. While many of these films are beloved, few have retained the timeless appeal of “Hocus Pocus,” a film that has transitioned from 90’s media into a Halloween classic.
Starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Bette Midler and Kathy Najimy as the beloved Sanderson sisters, “Hocus Pocus” tells the tale of Max Dennison, a teenager who accidentally resurrects these infamous Salem witches after lighting a supernatural black flame. Once Max resurrects them, they set out to steal the lives of Max and his friends, causing a race against time to stop them before sunrise on All Hallows’ Eve.
“Hocus Pocus” is known to be a charming and comedic film yet it incorporates one of history’s darkest chapters, the Salem witch trials, into its film. The Salem witch trials ensued from 1692 to 1693 in Salem, Massachusetts defined by the execution of women accused of witchcraft. According to Britannica, the origins involved Betty Parris and her cousin, Abigail who were part of a wealthy theological Salem family. These girls soon began exhibiting strange behaviors—behaviors now related to illnesses such as epilepsy and Lyme disease—which led to them blaming non-theological outcasts as bewitching the two. This led to hysteria among the Salem community where multiple outcasts and soon regular participants of society were marginalized and accused of witchcraft.
The Sanderson Sisters Performing “I Put a Spell on You” (Photo courtesy of Disney Wiki/Walt Disney Pictures)
The trials were used as the foundation for the Sanderson sisters as they were hanged and executed after taking the life force of a young girl. Although the Sanderson sisters committed an unspeakable act, their actions are played for humor rather than disgust. In doing so, “Hocus Pocus” transforms a sinister piece of history into one of whimsy and comedy which has led to the reimagining of witches throughout cinema.
Rather than envisioning witches as figures of pure horror and dread, this film turns witches into theatrical and exaggerated characters whose eccentric personalities create humor. The sisters are covered in theatrical costumes consisting of vivid colors and bright hair dye for their frizzy hair, making them look eccentric rather than sinister. The film also consists of their constant familial bickering to create another sense of humor rather than fear. Although they plan to commit despicable acts, they are written as playful characters whose plans never seem to go right. This complete transformation of what a witch could be allows the film to create the recognizable Halloween icons that keeps audiences coming back year after year.
Beyond redefining the central image of a witch, the over-the-top performances of the Sanderson sisters reinforces the film’s distinguished character. Even during the sisters’ most despicable acts, they are able to create humor, shown in their iconic “I Put a Spell on You” performance. As the sisters are hunting down Max and his friends, they follow them to a Halloween party where they choose to enchant the audience. They give a choreographed performance of the 1956 song “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins as they always choose to include theatrics in their plans. Moments like these reflect the ability of the film to balance the supernatural with the ridiculous.
Omri Katz (left) as Max Dennison and Thora Birch (right) as Dani Dennison in “Hocus Pocus” (Photo courtesy of IMDB/Walt Disney Pictures)
“Hocus Pocus” perfectly captures the comfortable atmosphere of autumn that is perfect for a Halloween film. Much of the film takes place outdoors where scenery like orange leaves falling to the ground and cloudy weather can be seen. As the film takes place during Halloween, children dressed in a variety of costumes as they trick-or-treat can also be seen in the background. This allows for a perfect fall atmosphere that brings a sense of comfort to its audience. Many associate a perfect Halloween film with one that incites terror whether it is through dark shadows or frightening jumpscares. However, “Hocus Pocus” creates a supernatural atmosphere that invites the comfortability of fall with the dark subject matter to create a Halloween classic.
As many Halloween costumes come and go with new film releases, the Sanderson sisters are always seen on the night of Halloween, showing its influence cannot be overstated. Its recognizable characters and comfortable atmosphere has allowed the film to be a recurring part of Halloween where fans become excited to celebrate the season by bringing these eccentric yet lovable witches into their lives. Whether it is singing “I Put a Spell on You” throughout the month or sitting with friends and family to watch the film, the magic of “Hocus Pocus” lives on every October.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Arsema Mulushewa at Arsema.Mulushewa@colorado.edu.
