Bewitched
Out in California's San Fernando Valley, Isabel is trying to reinvent herself. A naïve, good-natured witch, she is determined to disavow her supernatural powers and lead a normal life. At the same time, across town, Jack Wyatt, a tall, charming actor is trying to get his career back on track. He sets his sights on an updated version of the beloved situation comedy Bewitched (1964), re-conceived as a starring vehicle for him in the role of the mere-mortal Darrin. Fate steps in when Jack accidentally runs into Isabel. He is immediately attracted to her and her nose, which bears an uncanny resemblance to the nose of Elizabeth Montgomery, who played Samantha on Bewitched (1964). He becomes convinced she could play Samantha in his new series. Isabel is also taken with Jack, seeing him as the quintessential mortal man with whom she can settle down and lead the normal life she so desires. It turns out they're both right, but in ways neither of them ever imagined.
Working with a substantial budget of $85.0M, the film achieved a steady performer with $131.4M in global revenue (+55% profit margin).
2 wins & 13 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Bewitched (2005) exhibits precise dramatic framework, characteristic of Nora Ephron's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 10-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 42 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.8, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Characters
Cast & narrative archetypes
Isabel Bigelow / Samantha Stephens
Jack Wyatt
Nigel Bigelow
Iris Smythson
Ritchie
Main Cast & Characters
Isabel Bigelow / Samantha Stephens
Played by Nicole Kidman
A genuine witch who wants to live a normal life and takes a role in a TV remake of Bewitched, unaware she's being used by her narcissistic co-star.
Jack Wyatt
Played by Will Ferrell
A fading movie star desperate to revive his career through a Bewitched TV remake, initially manipulative but eventually falls for Isabel.
Nigel Bigelow
Played by Michael Caine
Isabel's charming warlock father who appears and disappears at will, encouraging her to embrace her magical heritage.
Iris Smythson
Played by Kristin Chenoweth
Jack's dedicated but long-suffering personal assistant who manages his chaotic life and career.
Ritchie
Played by Jason Schwartzman
The director of the Bewitched remake who tries to navigate Jack's ego and the production's challenges.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Isabel Bigelow lives as a real witch in Los Angeles, frustrated with using magic and wanting a normal life. Meanwhile, Jack Wyatt is a washed-up movie star desperate for a comeback, settling for a TV remake of "Bewitched.".. Significantly, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
At 52 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 51% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Notably, this crucial beat False defeat: Isabel overhears Jack admit to his agent that he cast her specifically because she's an unknown who won't steal focus - she was never meant to be an equal partner. She realizes she's been playing a role in his life, not being seen for who she really is., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 77 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Isabel quits the show and walks away from Jack entirely, returning to her old life. Jack's comeback falls apart without her. Both lose what they wanted - Isabel loses her chance at normal love, Jack loses his career revival and the woman he's actually fallen for., reveals the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 82 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Jack goes on Letterman and publicly declares his love for Isabel, admitting his mistakes and revealing his authentic feelings on national TV. Isabel sees his vulnerability and authenticity. She uses magic to appear on the show. They reconcile, both accepting each other's true selves., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Bewitched's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 10 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs a 15-point narrative structure framework that maps key story moments. By mapping Bewitched against these established plot points, we can identify how Nora Ephron utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Bewitched within the comedy genre.
Nora Ephron's Structural Approach
Among the 5 Nora Ephron films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Bewitched takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Nora Ephron filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Nora Ephron analyses, see Julie & Julia, You've Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Isabel Bigelow lives as a real witch in Los Angeles, frustrated with using magic and wanting a normal life. Meanwhile, Jack Wyatt is a washed-up movie star desperate for a comeback, settling for a TV remake of "Bewitched."
Theme
Isabel's father Nigel tells her: "You can't deny who you are." The central question: Can you find love and success by being your authentic self, or must you perform a role?
Worldbuilding
Dual setup: Isabel wants to abandon witchcraft for normal life and real love. Jack needs an unknown actress for his "Bewitched" remake who won't upstage him. Both worlds are established with their wants and flaws.
Resistance
Jack pursues Isabel for the role. Isabel is reluctant, seeing it as the opposite of normal life. Her father and Aunt Clara encourage her. Jack charms and manipulates her, revealing his self-centered nature.
Act II
ConfrontationPremise
The fun and games: Isabel navigates Hollywood while hiding her real magic. She falls for Jack while trying not to use powers. Jack enjoys his comeback. The show becomes a hit. Comic situations arise from Isabel's real magic vs. TV magic.
Midpoint
False defeat: Isabel overhears Jack admit to his agent that he cast her specifically because she's an unknown who won't steal focus - she was never meant to be an equal partner. She realizes she's been playing a role in his life, not being seen for who she really is.
Opposition
Isabel struggles with the betrayal but continues the show. She begins using magic to sabotage Jack on set - making him flub lines, look foolish. Jack doesn't understand what's happening. Tension escalates between them as Isabel's hurt turns to anger.
Collapse
Isabel quits the show and walks away from Jack entirely, returning to her old life. Jack's comeback falls apart without her. Both lose what they wanted - Isabel loses her chance at normal love, Jack loses his career revival and the woman he's actually fallen for.
Crisis
Dark night: Isabel retreats to her magical world, accepting she can't be normal. Jack realizes he genuinely loves Isabel for who she is, not for what she can do for his career. Both process what they've lost.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Jack goes on Letterman and publicly declares his love for Isabel, admitting his mistakes and revealing his authentic feelings on national TV. Isabel sees his vulnerability and authenticity. She uses magic to appear on the show. They reconcile, both accepting each other's true selves.