The Witches of Eastwick is a 1987 dark fantasy comedy film directed by George Miller and based on John Updike’s novel of the same name. The story takes place in the quiet, picturesque town of Eastwick, where three women — Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie — lead ordinary lives filled with loneliness and longing. Each of them has experienced disappointment in love and feels something is missing in her life. One stormy night, the three gather to share their frustrations, unknowingly summoning a mysterious stranger who will soon turn their peaceful town upside down.
The stranger, Daryl Van Horne, played by Jack Nicholson, arrives in Eastwick soon after their conversation. He is a wealthy, eccentric, and seductive man who quickly becomes the center of attention. Daryl seems to know exactly how to appeal to each of the three women’s desires. He flatters them, tempts them, and eventually draws them into a strange, passionate, and magical relationship. The women discover that when they are with him, they possess unusual powers — the ability to make their wishes come true. What begins as a dreamlike escape soon turns dark and dangerous as Daryl’s true nature begins to emerge.
At first, Alexandra, Jane, and Sukie feel liberated by their newfound power. They are no longer bound by the expectations of their small-town society. They dance, laugh, and indulge in the pleasures Daryl offers them. Yet, behind Daryl’s charm lies manipulation and control. The women begin to notice his sinister influence over their lives and the chaos he brings to Eastwick. Townspeople start to suffer, relationships crumble, and fear spreads.
As Daryl’s hold on them strengthens, the women realize that their powers are both a gift and a curse. They come to understand that Daryl is not just an eccentric man but a demonic figure feeding on their emotions. The three witches must unite their strength to free themselves from his control. Using their intelligence and magic, they turn against him, creating a plan that exposes his arrogance and ultimately drives him away.
In the end, Daryl disappears as mysteriously as he arrived, leaving behind his mansion and a trail of chaos. Yet the women are transformed by their experience. They learn to embrace their individuality and power without needing a man to define them. The final scene suggests that although Daryl is gone, his influence lingers, hinting at the dangerous allure of temptation and the strength of female solidarity.
The Witches of Eastwick blends humor, horror, and social satire, exploring themes of desire, independence, and morality. Through its mix of supernatural charm and dark comedy, the film delivers both entertainment and insight into the complexity of human wishes and the consequences of getting exactly what we want.
