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Magic Magic (2013) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Magic Magic (2013) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2013 · 97 min · English
Directed by
Sebastián Silva
Budget
$7M

While visiting a remote island in South America, Alicia finds her trip spiraling into a terrifying ordeal when her cousin Sarah unexpectedly leaves. Surrounded by Sarah’s acquaintances, including the enigmatic Brink, Alicia’s sense of security unravels. As she grapples with a growing unease, the line between reality and hallucination becomes increasingly blurred, plunging her into a desperate fight for survival and questioning her own sanity.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (4)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Magic Magic
  8. 8 Every angle

Where to watch

Where to Watch Magic Magic (2013)

Where can you watch Magic Magic? Stream, rent or buy it in the US, including on Tubi TV, Apple TV Store and Fandango At Home: current JustWatch availability with up-to-date prices.

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4 main characters · contains spoilers

Magic Magic Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Magic Magic (2013), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Mike

    Mike is a former stripper trying to make a fresh start with his furniture business. Despite his composed exterior, he deeply values his friendships and is motivated by nostalgia. His journey reflects growth as he confronts his past and embraces new opportunities while rekindling his passion for performing.

    • 🛠️ Businessman
    • 🌟 Leader
    • 🤝 Friend
  • Tarzan

    Tarzan is a fun-loving and adventurous character who provides Mike with shocking news about their former boss. His carefree nature brings excitement to the group dynamic, often acting as the comic relief in their escapades. He is pivotal in rallying the Kings of Tampa for their final hurrah.

    • 🎉 Adventurous
    • 😂 Comic Relief
    • 🤗 Supportive Friend
  • Rome

    Rome is a strong-willed and skilled performer who initially rejects the group's ambitions but later becomes an integral part of their journey. With a commanding presence, she acts as a mentor and supporter, showcasing the importance of female empowerment in the male-dominated world of stripping.

    • 💃 Empowering
    • 🌟 Mentor
    • 🔥 Strong-willed
  • Zoe

    Zoe is a captivating photographer who engages Mike's interest and symbolizes a potential new beginning for him. Through her artistic perspective, she challenges Mike to confront his emotions and provides a glimpse of a life outside of his past. Their interactions reveal Mike's journey towards understanding love and reconnection.

    • 📸 Artist
    • 💖 Romantic Interest
    • 🌎 Dreamer

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:52

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Setting

Where and When Does Magic Magic Take Place?

The setting of Magic Magic (2013): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

The movie takes place in contemporary times, showcasing themes of friendship, nostalgia, and personal growth. Modern elements like social media, contemporary music, and current cultural references feature prominently, providing a relatable backdrop for the characters' journey.

Location

Myrtle Beach, Macau, Mad Mary's

Myrtle Beach is a popular coastal destination known for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife. The beach area is a hub for entertainment, especially during summer, where events like stripping conventions bring people together. Macau, on the other hand, is famous for its bustling casinos and vibrant entertainment scene, making it a fitting backdrop for the ambitions of the characters.

  • 🏖️ Beach
  • 🏙️ City

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:52

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3 major themes

Magic Magic Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Magic Magic (2013) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Friendship

    Friendship plays a crucial role in the film as Mike rekindles ties with his old friends after years apart. Their strong bond is put to the test as they navigate personal issues and unexpected challenges during the road trip. Through laughter and heartfelt moments, they come to realize the importance of support and camaraderie in pursuing their passions.

  • Celebration

    The theme of celebration is central to the movie, culminating in the lively stripping convention at Myrtle Beach. The characters embrace their pasts and find joy in reconnecting with their roots, culminating in a vibrant performance at the convention. The ending scene, featuring fireworks, encapsulates the essence of celebration and togetherness.

  • Love and Growth

    Amidst the adventure, themes of love and personal growth are evident as Mike navigates his feelings for Zoe and reflects on his past relationships. The interactions serve as a catalyst for him to confront his emotions, leading to heartfelt reconciliations and new beginnings, showcasing the journey of understanding oneself and others.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:52

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Character & theme questions

Magic Magic Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Magic Magic (2013): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Magic Magic set?

Magic Magic is set on a remote island in South America. The story unfolds in an isolated and sparsely populated location, far from urban centers, which contributes to the escalating sense of isolation and vulnerability that Alicia experiences throughout the film.

  • remote island
  • south america
  • setting
  • location
  • isolated
Q2

When does Magic Magic take place?

Magic Magic takes place in contemporary times. The film features modern elements including contemporary cultural references, though it does not specify an exact year. The setting feels deliberately timeless, enhancing the psychological thriller atmosphere.

  • contemporary
  • modern
  • time period
  • era
Q3

Who is Alicia in Magic Magic?

Alicia is the protagonist of Magic Magic, visiting the remote South American island. She is the cousin of Sarah and finds herself increasingly isolated when Sarah unexpectedly leaves. As the film progresses, Alicia's sense of security unravels, leading her to question her own sanity as she grapples with terrifying realities and hallucinations.

  • alicia
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • cousin
Q4

Who is Brink in Magic Magic?

Brink is an enigmatic character among Sarah's acquaintances on the island. He plays a pivotal role in the unfolding psychological terror. Brink's mysterious presence and actions contribute significantly to Alicia's growing unease and the blurring lines between reality and hallucination.

  • brink
  • enigmatic character
  • mysterious
  • stranger
Q5

What happens to Sarah in Magic Magic?

Sarah is Alicia's cousin who brings her to the remote island. Her unexpected departure from the island serves as the inciting incident that leaves Alicia surrounded by strangers, triggering the psychological unraveling that defines the film's central conflict.

  • sarah
  • cousin
  • leaves
  • abandon
Q6

What is the main theme of Magic Magic?

The central theme of Magic Magic revolves around the breakdown of mental stability and the blurring line between reality and hallucination. As Alicia becomes increasingly isolated, she enters a desperate fight for survival while questioning her own sanity, exploring how isolation and fear can erode psychological perception.

  • reality
  • hallucination
  • sanity
  • mental breakdown
  • psychology
  • survival
Q7

Is Magic Magic a psychological thriller?

Yes, Magic Magic is classified as a psychological thriller. The film focuses on Alicia's deteriorating mental state as she confronts terrifying experiences in an isolated setting. The genre emphasizes psychological tension, unreliable perception, and the protagonist's internal struggle to distinguish reality from delusion.

  • psychological thriller
  • genre
  • horror
  • mental state
Q8

How does isolation affect Alicia in Magic Magic?

Isolation is a crucial element in Magic Magic. Left alone among Sarah's acquaintances on a remote island, Alicia loses her primary support system. This isolation intensifies her vulnerability, making her increasingly susceptible to the psychological terror that unfolds, ultimately leading her to question her grip on reality.

  • isolation
  • vulnerability
  • alone
  • remote
  • vulnerable

Movie threads

More Movies Like Magic Magic, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Magic Magic tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Uplifting Journeys of Reconnection like in Magic Magic

Stories about friends rekindling bonds and rediscovering passion on a shared adventure. Find movies like Magic Magic that capture the fun and nostalgia of friends reuniting for a shared purpose. If you enjoyed the road trip camaraderie and celebratory performance in Magic Magic, you'll appreciate these similar stories focused on reconnection, personal growth, and uplifting adventures.

  • uplifting
  • nostalgic
  • camaraderie
  • fun
  • sentimental
  • celebratory
  • Tone: light, uplifting, nostalgic
  • Pacing: steady, character driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative typically follows a linear path, beginning with a catalyst that brings the characters together. The journey serves as the main plot, filled with humorous interactions, sentimental reflections on the past, and small, resolvable conflicts that strengthen the group's bond, culminating in a celebratory and happy conclusion.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a core focus on the uplifting power of friendship and nostalgia. They maintain a light emotional weight with a steady, character-driven pacing, ensuring a consistently fun and feel-good viewing experience centered on camaraderie.

Lighthearted Ensemble Adventures like in Magic Magic

Fun-focused stories where a cast of characters shares a lively, low-stakes adventure. Explore movies similar to Magic Magic that focus on a fun-loving group dynamic and a lighthearted adventure. If you liked the camaraderie and upbeat journey in Magic Magic, these films offer more straightforward, feel-good stories with ensemble casts, steady pacing, and an emphasis on fun.

  • fun
  • camaraderie
  • uplifting
  • celebratory
  • ensemble cast
  • lighthearted
  • Tone: light, fun, celebratory
  • Pacing: steady, easygoing
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative structure is simple, often centered around a trip or a specific event that brings the ensemble together. The story unfolds through a series of amusing incidents and bonding moments rather than complex plotting, ensuring the focus remains on the characters' enjoyable interactions and the overall positive atmosphere.

Why they belong together: These movies are united by their unwavering commitment to a light, fun tone and a steady, easy-to-follow pace. They are defined by their ensemble casts, low emotional stakes, and the primary goal of delivering an uplifting and entertaining experience centered on group dynamics.

If you liked this

Movies Like Magic Magic

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Every angle

Magic Magic (2013) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Magic Magic in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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