The Spell

The events unfold in a contemporary setting with modern schools and family homes, reflecting everyday teen life and middle-class dynamics. The social pressures—bullying, family tension, and striving for status—anchor the drama in a familiar late-20th-century milieu. The action moves between school, home, and a London private school, emphasizing a present-day context rather than a specific historical period.

Most of the action centers in a modern suburban setting beginning in a high school gym where Rita is teased. The story expands to Jo Standish's house, a place tied to the occult rituals that fuel Rita's powers. Later, Rita is sent to a private school in London, shifting the setting to a more formal educational environment while the conflict intensifies.

🪄 Power

The story centers on Rita's discovery and use of dangerous powers that allow control over others. As her abilities grow, relationships—especially with family and Jo Standish—become strained and volatile. The film examines how power can corrupt, isolate, and eventually be wielded as a weapon against those who stand in the way.

👪 Family

Family dynamics drive the plot: rivalry between Rita and Kristina, the mother’s struggle to maintain harmony, and the protective yet complicated bond that develops as secrets are unearthed. The matriarchal portrayal shows both nurture and coercion in equal measure. The climax hinges on family loyalty and the limits of parental power.

🔮 Supernatural

Chanting and occult rituals fuse with teenage turmoil, giving Rita and Jo Standish a dangerous, otherworldly influence. The powers manifest as violent accidents and shifts in control, gradually revealing the true scope of the threats. The resolution uncovers that the supernatural force extends beyond one individual, culminating in a battle of wills between mother and daughter.