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Parents' Guide to

The Craft: Legacy

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Woke witches in progressive update with language, sexuality.

Movie PG-13 2020 97 minutes
The Craft: Legacy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 14+

Based on 3 parent reviews

sgarza383
sgarza383 Adult
October 31, 2020
age 16+

Very Sexual

I did not finish watching. I thought it would be ok to watch with my kids. Turns out it’s not ok to watch with kids. There are 2 scenes of masturbation and one with the girl doing it. The camera stays on her the whole time as she makes faces and sounds. Stopped watching after that. I think the kids in the story line are suppose to be 15 or 16 and it’s just gross to see that being filmed. The other scene the boy is doing it while watching porn loudly. Doesn’t show what he’s watching but she walks in on him doing it.
Ugzilla
Ugzilla Adult
March 21, 2022
age 16+

Good show for older teens - sexual themes, suicide implied, fairly mature (but somewhat boring for adults)

Older teenagers may enjoy this movie. There are definitely sexual themes. As mentioned, a girl masturbates in one scene, and she is fully clothed/hidden under blankets, but it is fairly clear what she is doing. Another scene, loud pornography sounds are playing and a boy is surprised while masturbating. Nothing is shown, but again, obvious what is going on. Occult themes - obviously... witchcraft, ouija boards, magic stuff happening... makes the movie fun, but some families may prefer to avoid such topics. Suicide is implied, possibly due to the actions of certain characters. One girl is transsexual, although it isn't a big topic in the film from what I recall. A bong is showed, but not used for the usual purposes. There is a scene where a girl experiences her first menstrual cycle in a school classroom setting, and the movie handles it well, but it is a topic I'd prefer to discuss with older teenage boys (as opposed to younger teenage boys). Teenage girls may benefit from seeing a real world scenario where other girls are supportive, and acknowledge that it is natural, could be a good conversation starter. On the positive side, some very positive messages interspersed throughout the movie. Acceptance of new people, strength through differences as opposed to ostracism. Controlling/mean people get some bad results. Some fun scary scenes that teenagers may appreciate... and general teenage angst with which they will relate. And who doesn't love David Duchovny, X-Files star? I guess teenagers may not... because #NotOldLikeParents... But I think they'll like this one.
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

In THE CRAFT: LEGACY, Lily (Cailee Spaeny) moves to a new town with her mom (Michelle Monaghan) to live with Adam (David Duchovny) and his three sons. Lily is befriended by three classmates who ask her to join their coven, but their freshly discovered powers quickly get out of hand.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (4 ):

Today's socially, politically aware teens are likely to enjoy this progressive update of the coven classic that '90s kids grew up with. Writer-director Zoe Lister-Jones offers examples of positive, diverse representation -- including a transgender girl and a bisexual boy -- and uses the film to explore identity politics. Many Gen Z'ers are already talking about all of this stuff with each other, and it's great that Lister-Jones is tapping into that. However, similarly to how main character Lily uses telekinesis to invisibly shove a bully into a wall, The Craft: Legacy's updates/improvements are made with such force that they can feel like a jolt, drawing your attention to the action rather than the outcome.

As a key example, Lily's intended future stepfather, Adam (David Duchovny), is a self-help guru in the realm of the so-called crisis of masculinity. Lister-Jones draws a line in the sand here: Old white males bad, younger generation good ... unless they're being indoctrinated by old white males. In creating a character who will likely inspire many younger viewers to double down on their antipathy toward middle-aged white men, Lister-Jones' noble effort comes off a bit too much like a caricature. For many adults, it might almost feel like satire. But for teens, it will come across more as empowering encouragement that they're the ones who need to light our sociocultural beliefs and institutions on fire and watch them burn.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the identity issues addressed in The Craft: Legacy. What examples of diversity and inclusion did you notice? Do you think teens are more accepting than adults of others' differences?

  • How is this movie similar to and different from the original The Craft?

  • What does the movie have to say about women finding community and support with one another? Why is that important to see in media? Is it typical to see that in the movies?

  • How do the friends demonstrate teamwork and self-control? Why are those important character strengths?

Movie Details

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