Why yes, I Would See Practical Magic 2 Again for the Color Palette Alone

Last week my friend and I went to see the new movie, Practical Magic Two. The long-awaited sequel to the original. And guess what, I Would See Practical Magic 2 Again for the Color Palette Alone.

Spoiler-free — other than the fact that this movie contains witches, pie and an intoxicating amount of jewel-toned velvet and black chiffon.

I went to see Practical Magic 2 this weekend, and while I expected magic, sisterhood and plenty of nostalgic witchiness, I did not expect to spend the entire movie whispering to my friend:

“I am obsessed with this color palette.”

And I have to say, I have browsed some reviews online and very much over the negativity. This movie was fun, seasonal, sweet, emotional and pretty to look at. Sometimes cheesy and awkward: yes. But what idly flick isn't!

Anyways...

The movie is visually delicious.

Imagine a Nancy Meyers movie wandering into an old English apothecary after dark. Add a little Anthropologie, a handful of crystals, some black chiffon and the deepest, moodiest jewel tones imaginable.

That is the world of Practical Magic 2.

A Color Palette Worth Going Back For

The colors feel like October slowly becoming November.

There are two completely different greens working together: dark pine and evergreen shades, followed by sudden flashes of vivid chartreuse. Nicole Kidman wears this sharp, almost electric yellow-green beautifully—it is bright, strange and slightly otherworldly without losing the movie’s earthy warmth.

Then come the blues: deep ocean, rich sapphire and softer moments of misty periwinkle. Sandra Bullock spends much of the film in saturated blue and black, making her feel grounded and elegant against all the unruly greenery, glowing amber glass and warm wooden interiors.

Purple appears everywhere in varying intensities: violet, plum, dusty mauve and an especially gorgeous dark burgundy with a muted purple undertone. Instead of reading as overtly Halloween, these colors feel aged, romantic and luxurious.

And underneath all those jewel tones is a warm foundation of dark maple wood, antique gold, creamy lace, weathered paper and candlelight.

There is plenty of black, too—black cats, sheer black sleeves, dark dresses, shadowy rooms and mysterious little objects. But the darkness never feels cold. The cream, amber and maple tones keep everything glowing.

My unofficial Practical Magic 2 palette:

Chartreuse green
Pine velvet
Deep sapphire
Periwinkle haze
Witch’s plum
Dark burgundy
Maple wood
Amber glow
Candle cream
Midnight black

Nancy Meyers Meets the Witchy Anthropologie Girl

The interiors are filled with exactly the sort of things I want to stare at: crystals, gardens, dark carved wood, old cloth-covered books, shiny trinkets, amber bottles, herbs and mysterious potion ingredients.

Even the kitchen scenes are beautiful. There are cream walls, glowing windows, warm wooden cabinets and colorful pieces of glass that catch the light like tiny jewels.

The costumes carry the same energy. There are soft, sheer layers, chiffon, velvety greens, saturated blues, burgundy, black and delicate antique-looking lace. Everything feels slightly enchanted without becoming costume-like.

The film’s visual world was created by an accomplished team: cinematographer Simon Duggan, production designer Tom Burton and costume designer Alexandra Byrne. Film production credits⁠

And Then There Was the Apple Pie

Even the food matched the aesthetic. That Apple Pie! My vegan version of Caramel Apple Pie is here btw.

There is a scene involving apple pie and custard that felt like an exquisite autumn food photograph brought to life. The pie had a golden, buttery-looking crust and generous cubes of cinnamon-spiced apple that appeared tender but not mushy. Then came the thick, creamy custard, which Sally enthusiastically dove into with a spoon.

I haven’t had custard in forever - vegan custard isn’t exactly something I encounter every day - and suddenly I needed apple pie with custard immediately.

Honestly, recreating that scene as a vegan recipe may now be necessary.

Sweet, Funny and Surprisingly Emotional

The film itself is sweet, funny and emotional. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman remain completely delightful together, and their chemistry provides some of its funniest and warmest moments.

I barely remembered what happened in the original Practical Magic - I may have only half-watched it the first time - but that didn’t prevent me from enjoying the sequel.

Yes, the story contains quite a bit of sadness and more death than I expected, so consider that a gentle emotional-content warning. There are also a few decidedly cheesy moments. But somehow, inside this warm and witchy universe, the cheesiness works.

It’s earnest. It’s nostalgic. It’s magical. And it feels like the perfect movie to see with a friend on an early-fall evening.