The Witches (2020) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is primarily set in rural Alabama during the late 1960s. The story begins in Chicago, where the young protagonist lives before moving in with his grandmother in Alabama. A luxurious seaside hotel in Alabama becomes the central location where the witches' plot unfolds.

• setting
• alabama
• hotel
• rural

The Witches is set in 1968, a period marked by significant social upheaval and cultural change in the United States. This setting places the story during the civil rights movement era, which adds historical context to the film's backdrop. The 1960s timeframe also contributes to the film's nostalgic, period-specific aesthetic.

• 1968
• time period
• 1960s
• historical setting

The Witches explores several key themes including witchcraft, family, and transformation. The witchcraft theme highlights the dangers of underestimating evil and the importance of vigilance. The family theme emphasizes the bond between the boy and his grandmother as they face magical dangers together. Transformation appears both literally through the characters becoming mice and metaphorically through personal growth.

• themes
• witchcraft
• family
• transformation
• meaning

The witchcraft theme represents the dangers of underestimating evil and the importance of wisdom and vigilance. The Grand High Witch and her sinister plot serve as embodiments of hidden threats that disguise themselves in plain sight. The theme also reinforces that even the most menacing forces can be overcome through courage and resourcefulness.

• witchcraft
• evil
• Grand High Witch
• wisdom
• vigilance

Family is central to the narrative, particularly the relationship between the boy and his grandmother. Their bond strengthens as they face magical dangers together, showcasing love, bravery, and the idea of creating a new family amidst adversity. The film emphasizes that family support is essential in overcoming fears and defeating evil.

• family
• grandmother
• grandson
• bond
• love

Transformation appears both literally and metaphorically in the film. The characters are literally transformed into mice, while their relationships evolve throughout the story. The boy's journey from a frightened child to a courageous figure illustrates personal growth. The characters learn to rely on each other and adapt to their circumstances as they navigate their new realities.

• transformation
• mice
• personal growth
• change

The main character is a young orphan boy, referred to as Hero Boy, played by Jahzir Bruno. After a family tragedy in Chicago, he moves in with his grandmother in Alabama. Throughout the story, he exhibits curiosity and bravery as he confronts the witches and transforms into a mouse, ultimately evolving from a frightened child into a courageous figure.

• Hero Boy
• protagonist
• Jahzir Bruno
• orphan

The Grand High Witch is played by Anne Hathaway in the 2020 adaptation. She portrays the film's primary antagonist, representing the archetype of evil seeking to annihilate children. Hathaway's cunning nature and deceitful tactics highlight the menacing aspects of witchcraft as she leads the secretive group of witches.

• Anne Hathaway
• Grand High Witch
• antagonist
• villain

Grandma, played by Octavia Spencer, serves as the loving and protective figure in the story. She is deeply aware of the supernatural and shares her knowledge of witches with her grandson. Her wisdom and resourcefulness turn maternal instincts into actions to combat evil, symbolizing strength and resilience as she fiercely protects her family.

• Grandma
• Octavia Spencer
• protection
• wisdom

The seaside hotel serves as the central location where the Grand High Witch and her followers gather. It is where the boy and his grandmother uncover the dark secrets of the witches and where the central conflict unfolds. The luxurious yet deceptive environment creates a perfect backdrop for the tension between normalcy and supernatural threat.

• hotel
• seaside resort
• setting
• conference