The Witches (2020 film)

The Witches (2020) is a dark fantasy comedy film directed by Robert Zemeckis, and co-written by Zemeckis, Kenya Barris, and Guillermo del Toro. It is the second feature-length film adaptation of the 1983 children's novel of the same name by Roald Dahl, following Nicolas Roeg's 1990 film. The film stars Anne Hathaway, Octavia Spencer, Stanley Tucci, and Jahzir Bruno, with Chris Rock as the narrator.

The plot centers around a young boy who stumbles upon a convention of witches in a hotel, led by the Grand High Witch. His grandmother, a wise and resourceful woman, helps him navigate the danger and find a way to stop the witches' evil plans to turn all children into mice.

While the film retains the core storyline of the book, it diverges in several aspects, including setting the story in 1960s Alabama, rather than England and Norway. It also presents a different visual style for the witches and alters certain plot details.

The Witches (2020) was initially intended for theatrical release but was released on HBO Max in the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film received mixed reviews, with critics praising the performances, particularly Hathaway's, but criticizing its inconsistent tone and reliance on CGI. Some also took issue with the film's depiction of limb differences, leading to accusations of ableism. Despite the mixed reception, the film generated significant viewership on streaming platforms.