Magic in the Moonlight Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A grumpy magician tries to debunk a psychic, accidentally falls in love, and then they argue about whether magic is real, all while wearing really nice clothes in the South of France.

🍿 Magic in the Moonlight: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Stanley Crawford

In 1928 Berlin, Stanley Crawford, a celebrated magician known as Wei Ling Soo, is renowned for his illusions. Behind the persona, Stanley is a cynical debunker of fraudulent spiritualists, a man of logic and reason. He’s invited by his friend Howard to the French Riviera to investigate Sophie Baker, a young American spiritualist who has captivated a wealthy family.

Arrival at the Catledge Estate

Stanley arrives at the opulent Catledge estate in the South of France, where he meets the family: Grace, her son Brice, and her daughter Caroline and her husband George. Brice is completely enamored with Sophie and her supposed abilities, while Caroline and George remain skeptical. Stanley observes Sophie’s séances, attempting to find a logical explanation for her apparent powers.

Stanley’s Shifting Beliefs

Despite his initial skepticism, Stanley finds himself increasingly baffled by Sophie’s abilities, particularly her knowledge of personal details. As he spends time with her, and especially after a visit to his beloved Aunt Vanessa, Stanley begins to question his staunch rationalism. He even finds himself attracted to Sophie, adding to his internal conflict.

The Turning Point

A car accident involving Aunt Vanessa leads Stanley to a moment of intense vulnerability. In the hospital, he finds himself praying for her recovery, demonstrating a shift in his hardened beliefs. However, this is short-lived, as he soon reverts to his skeptical mindset, suspecting Sophie’s involvement in the events.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Stanley Crawford (Colin Firth): A cynical magician and staunch atheist who seeks to debunk spiritualists but finds himself falling for one.
• Sophie Baker (Emma Stone): A charming and enigmatic spiritualist who captivates those around her with her supposed psychic abilities.
• Howard Burkan (Simon McBurney): Stanley’s childhood friend and fellow magician who enlists Stanley to investigate Sophie.
• Aunt Vanessa (Eileen Atkins): Stanley’s wise and insightful aunt, who provides him with emotional support and guidance.
• Brice Catledge (Hamish Linklater): A wealthy and somewhat awkward ukulele-playing man who is deeply enamored with Sophie.
• Mrs. Baker (Marcia Gay Harden): Sophie’s mother, who is complicit in her daughter’s spiritualist act.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Stanley: “I can’t forgive you, only God can forgive you.” – Stanley says this sarcastically to Sophie after discovering she’s a fraud, highlighting his atheism.
• Stanley: “Precisely my point.” – Stanley replies after Sophie points out he does not believe in God, underscoring his inability to forgive.
• Sophie: “It’s not entirely unappealing.” – Sophie admits this about Stanley’s obnoxious personality, hinting at an underlying attraction.
• Stanley: “Life may or may not have a purpose, but it is undoubtedly touched with a bit of magic.” – Stanley reflects about life after finding the love and that the magic could exist in a different forms.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $16,800,000
• Domestic Gross: $10,539,326
• Worldwide Gross: $51,029,361

💥 Magic in the Moonlight Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely adored this movie! It was like stepping into a glamorous dream in the South of France. Colin Firth’s snarky character was so fun to watch, and Emma Stone brought this magical spark to the screen. The observatory scene under the stars was so romantic, I felt like I was right there with them! It made me think about believing in something more than just facts and logic. It’s definitely one I’ll watch over and over.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Woody Allen films”
  • “Lovers of romantic comedies with a touch of period charm”
  • “Those interested in themes of skepticism vs. faith”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild suggestive content”
  • “Some thematic elements related to spiritualism”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “Colin Firth is brilliant, but the script lacks the spark of Woody Allen’s best work. The film is visually appealing and entertaining, but the romantic chemistry feels forced, making the overall experience somewhat underwhelming. Allen explores themes of rationality versus intuition, yet it doesn’t fully connect. It’s a decent movie, but not groundbreaking.
• RogerEbert.com: “Magic in the Moonlight is a charming and witty romantic comedy, elevated by its leads, Firth and Stone, who have delightful chemistry. Allen’s script is sharp, playful, and tackles big themes with a light touch. The film may not reach the heights of his masterpieces, but is still a highly enjoyable and visually appealing film, boasting a fantastic performance from Atkins.
• Variety: “This is Allen in lighter mode, but his trademark wit is in full effect. Firth is perfectly cast as the cynical magician, while Stone brings charm and mystery to the role of the psychic. The gorgeous setting in the South of France adds to the film’s appeal and will surely please fans of Allen’s sophisticated romantic comedies. A great experience.

Audience Reactions

The witty banter between Colin Firth and Emma Stone makes the movie so enjoyable and fun.: The dialogue is incredibly sharp and makes every scene a pleasure to watch.

The beautiful costumes and scenery of the French Riviera create a stunning and immersive atmosphere.: The visuals are breathtaking and add so much to the movie’s overall charm and appeal.

Overall Consensus: A lighthearted and charming romantic comedy that offers a visually appealing and entertaining experience, even if it doesn’t reach the depth of Woody Allen’s best works. It’s the kind of movie you watch to escape and feel good.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Wei Ling Soo, Stanley’s on-stage persona, is a reference to Chung Ling Soo, the stage name of William Ellsworth Robinson (1861-1918), a popular magician who also tried to debunk spiritualists.”
• “The movie was filmed in the Villa Eilenroc, located in Cap d’Antibes, France, which served as the Catledge family’s estate.”
• “Woody Allen explores themes of rationalism versus irrationality, illusion versus reality, and the possibility of finding magic in everyday life.”

🖥️ How to Watch Magic in the Moonlight?

Currently, “Magic in the Moonlight” is available for rent or purchase on various platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential streaming availability on services like Hulu or Netflix in your region. Digital retailers offer the movie for purchase, allowing you to own a digital copy. Physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can often be found online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Magic in the Moonlight, you might like these similar films:

• Midnight in Paris (2011): Shares Woody Allen’s signature style with a romantic, fantastical premise and exploration of different eras.
• Scoop (2006): Another Woody Allen film with a similar lighthearted, comedic mystery plot and exploration of belief versus skepticism.
• Death Defying Acts (2007): Set in the 1920s with a focus on magic and illusion, and a developing relationship between a magician and a woman with secrets.
• The Illusionist (2006): Features a magician and explores themes of illusion, deception, and love in a turn-of-the-century setting, appealing to fans of magic and romance.

🛒 Magic in the Moonlight Related Products

• The Complete Short Prose of Woody Allen: A comprehensive collection of Woody Allen’s writing showcasing his humor and wit; read the mind behind Magic in the Moonlight. Perfect for fans who love his unique storytelling style.
• The Art of Magic: Mastering the Illusionist’s Craft: Learn the secrets of stage magic, from simple card tricks to elaborate illusions; discover real-world magic and take on challenges. A perfect companion for those fascinated by Stanley Crawford’s profession.
• Ouija Board Classic Game: Experience the mystery of spiritual communication. Perfect for fans who are curious about the world of psychics and mediums like Sophie.
• Vintage Style Flapper Dress: Step back in time with this elegant 1920s-inspired flapper dress. Perfect for fans who want to capture the sophisticated style of the movie and channel Emma Stone’s character Sophie’s style.

🎧 Soundtrack

Magic in the Moonlight features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “You Do Something To Me” – performed by Leo Reisman and His Orchestra
• “I’ll Get By” – performed by Ruth Etting
• “Tiger Rag” – performed by The Mills Blue Rhythm Band

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Colin Firth & Emma Stone: “Myths about Woody Allen are true” – Magic in the Moonlight

Ever wondered what it’s like to work with Woody Allen? Colin Firth and Emma Stone spill the tea in this interview, confirming some of the rumors! It’s a fascinating peek behind the curtain, and you won’t believe what they say.

✨ Rate