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Little Witches (1996) Plot Summary & Timeline

Little Witches (1996) movie poster

Little Witches is a 1996 horror and drama film directed by Jane Simpson, running 1 hour 31 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 428 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 11 key events in order, 10 characters, where and when it is set and 4 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for Little Witches.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
11
characters profiled
10
themes explained
4
Little Witches (1996) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 31m
Director
Jane Simpson
Genres
Horror, Drama
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is Little Witches About?

The premise of Little Witches in 314 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In the cloistered halls of a Catholic girls’ school, the quiet rhythm of prayer and study is interrupted one Easter break when a reluctant teen, Faith Ferguson, finds herself sharing a room with a handful of spirited classmates. Among them is the bold and restless Jamie, alongside Erica, Gina, Nicole, and Kelsey. Their world, usually bounded by strict routines and chaste expectations, suddenly feels cramped, and the arrival of a charismatic construction worker, Daniel, adds an unpredictable spark to their already uneasy camaraderie.

Late one night, curiosity leads the group to a hidden chamber beneath the school’s centuries‑old church. There, amid dust‑laden stone, they uncover an ancient spellbook written in Latin—a relic that promises power far beyond the modest confines of their adolescent lives. When Faith, with her keen intellect and fluency in the language, begins to decipher its cryptic verses, the girls are drawn into a tantalizing promise of forbidden knowledge that begins to reshape their identities.

As the verses take hold, the six friends find themselves gradually altered, forming a fledgling coven of witches whose newfound abilities stir both awe and unease. Their playful mischief mutates into a darker, more daring pursuit of the arcane, and the line between innocent rebellion and malevolent intent blurs. The school’s strict authority, embodied by the earnest Sister Sherilyn, watches with growing concern as the girls’ experiments with the occult ripple through the hallowed corridors, hinting at an unsettling clash between youthful curiosity and the ancient forces they have awakened.

The atmosphere balances between the hushed reverence of a religious sanctuary and the electric thrill of untamed magic. Intrigue hangs heavy in the air, as the girls navigate the seductive pull of power, the bonds of friendship, and the looming question of how far they will go before the darkness they summon begins to echo back, testing the limits of innocence and the price of curiosity.

Full plot

What Happens in Little Witches?

The complete story of Little Witches, from the first scene to the last, in 428 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 9 cast member pages.

Spoilers ahead

Faith Ferguson is a relatively shy but intelligent teenager who is heartbroken when her mother informs her that she must spend Easter break at her Catholic girls’ school instead of coming home. She’s roomed with the rebellious Jamie, who initially scandalizes Faith with her wild antics. Despite her misgivings, Faith begins to form a cautious bond with Jamie and the four other teen misfits who had to remain behind — Erica, Gina, Nicole, and Kelsey, and a handsome construction worker named Daniel.

The group becomes intrigued when construction work on the school’s church uncovers a Satanic temple containing the mummified remains of several schoolgirls believed to have vanished almost a hundred years ago. The teens venture into the temple one night while everyone is asleep and discover an ancient book written in Latin. Faith, fluent in Latin, translates the book and learns it describes a spell that could summon a demon from the pits of hell. Jamie and some of the others are eager to practice the spell, but Faith is reluctant due to the spell requiring a virgin sacrifice — especially after learning that the schoolgirls were murdered by a guardian devoted to keeping the spell from being cast. This tension grows as the room is found covered with graffiti warning that summoning the demon will bring death.

Jamie tries to push Faith into going along, even arranging a cruel trick by inviting Daniel to their room and making it appear as if he was trying to rape her. The girls’ young schoolteacher, Sister Sherilyn, provides Faith with guidance and has her bring meals to Mother Clodah, a strange nun bearing a distinctive birthmark on her face. This ends up helping Faith avoid falling under Jamie’s spell by praying with Mother Clodah, though the encounter ends with Mother Clodah’s death after Jamie poisons her meal, believing Mother Clodah to be the guardian.

Jamie, who has taught herself to read Latin, presses forward with the spell and plans to use Faith as the virgin sacrifice, only to discover that Daniel is also a virgin. Horrified by the direction things are taking, Faith seeks help from Sister Sherilyn, who reveals herself to be the guardian. They manage to stop the ceremony in time to save Daniel, but at the cost of Jamie and all of the other girls involved with the spell. The outcome is grave and unequivocal: the attempted rite is halted, yet the tragedy claims the lives of the conspirators, leaving Faith to process the chilling restraint and the price of tampering with forces beyond their comprehension.

Timeline

Little Witches Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

11 key events in the order they happen, from “Faith arrives at the Catholic girls' school for Easter break” to “The ritual ends in catastrophe for Jamie and the others”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.

  1. 1

    Faith arrives at the Catholic girls' school for Easter break

    Faith Ferguson, a shy but intelligent teenager, is heartbroken to spend Easter break at the school rather than go home. She is placed in a dorm with the rebellious Jamie and is introduced to the other misfit girls. The setting establishes the quiet, rule-bound environment she must navigate.

    When:Start of Easter break Where:Catholic girls' school

  2. 2

    Faith meets Jamie and the misfit group

    Jamie's wild antics scandalize Faith at first, but a tenuous bond begins to form between them. Faith also becomes aware of Erica, Gina, Nicole, and Kelsey, the other girls who feel left behind. The dorm room becomes the center of their uneasy camaraderie.

    When:Within the first days after arrival Where:Girls' dorm room

  3. 3

    Discovery of the Satanic temple

    Construction work on the school's church uncovers a hidden Satanic temple containing the mummified remains of schoolgirls missing almost a hundred years. The discovery unsettles the school and hints at a dangerous secret beneath the campus. The temple becomes the looming threat over the group’s next moves.

    When:During construction on the church Where:School church / hidden temple

  4. 4

    Teens enter the temple and find a Latin book

    One night the girls sneak into the temple and uncover an ancient book written in Latin. Faith proves fluent in Latin and translates key passages for the others. The book presents a spell that could summon a demon from hell.

    When:One night Where:Hidden temple

  5. 5

    The spell and the virgin sacrifice dilemma

    The translated text outlines a dangerous spell to summon a demon, but Faith hesitates because it requires a virgin sacrifice and the protection of a guardian. Jamie and the others want to try it anyway, driven by curiosity and bravado. Faith's reluctance creates a growing rift within the group.

    When:Shortly after discovery Where:Temple

  6. 6

    Graffiti warning and the guardian's presence

    The temple room is covered in graffiti warning that summoning the demon will bring death. A guardian remains nearby, keeping watch over the ritual's potential. The tension between curiosity and danger escalates as the group debates proceeding.

    When:Before ritual Where:Temple room

  7. 7

    Jamie stages a cruel trick involving Daniel

    To manipulate Faith, Jamie invites Daniel to their room and makes it look like he is trying to rape Faith. Faith feels betrayed and unsettled by the mock assault, and the trust between them deteriorates. The prank deepens Faith's resolve to resist the spell.

    When:After Faith's reluctance Where:Girls' room

  8. 8

    Mother Clodah's death and Faith's moment of prayer

    Sister Sherilyn asks Faith to bring meals to Mother Clodah, an odd nun with a distinctive birthmark. Faith prays with Mother Clodah, which helps her avoid Jamie's manipulations. However, Jamie poisons Mother Clodah's meal, killing her and worsening the crisis.

    When:During the pre-ritual period Where:Mother Clodah's quarters / dining area

  9. 9

    Jamie ignores Faith and proceeds with the spell using Daniel

    Jamie, having taught herself to read Latin, presses forward with the spell. Daniel is revealed to be a virgin as well, and she chooses him as the sacrifice instead of Faith. The ritual moves toward a dangerous climax as the demon could be summoned.

    When:During ritual preparations Where:Temple / hidden room

  10. 10

    Sister Sherilyn reveals she is the guardian and interrupts the ceremony

    Faith receives crucial help from Sister Sherilyn, who suddenly reveals that she is the guardian charged with stopping the spell. They work together to halt the ceremony before the sacrifice can complete. The plan succeeds in saving Daniel, but not without tragedy.

    When:Climax Where:Temple

  11. 11

    The ritual ends in catastrophe for Jamie and the others

    The ceremony is stopped in time to save Daniel, but Jamie and all of the other girls involved with the spell die. Faith survives, shaken by the price of their pursuit of dark power. The school's secret is exposed, leaving the campus haunted by what could have happened.

    When:End of the ritual Where:Temple

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in Little Witches?

10 characters, among them Faith Ferguson, Jamie and Kelsey: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 9 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • FF

    Faith Ferguson

    Played by Mimi Rose

    A shy yet intelligent teenager who becomes the moral center of the group. Faith translates the Latin text, and her caution keeps the spell from fully advancing. Her faith and rational thinking guide her through danger, and she ultimately helps stop the ceremony with guidance from a guardian.

    • 🎯 Protagonist
    • 🧠 Intelligent
    • 🙏 Faithful
  • J

    Jamie

    Played by Sheeri Rappaport

    The group's rebellious leader who pushes everyone toward the occult ritual. She is cunning, impulsive, and willing to manipulate friends to get what she wants. Jamie's actions drive much of the danger, and her arc ends tragically as the spell unravels.

    • 🔥 Rebellious
    • 🎭 Manipulative
    • 💥 Cruel
  • Clea DuVall as Kelsey in Little Witches

    Kelsey

    Played by Clea DuVall

    One of the misfit teens who sticks with the group and participates in their plans. She embodies loyalty and a willingness to face the consequences alongside her friends. Kelsey represents the kind of peer who is drawn into danger by group dynamics.

    • 🤝 Loyal
    • 👭 Friend
    • 🌟 Supportive
  • N

    Nicole

    Played by Zoe Alexander

    A part of the misfit circle, Nicole is social and observant, providing a mix of humor and realism amid rising tension. She bonds with Faith and the others as the situation grows perilous. Nicole's involvement shows how peer bonds can propel everyone deeper into danger.

    • 🗣️ Outgoing
    • 🤝 Group member
    • 🧭 Curious
  • G

    Gina

    Played by Lalaneya Hamilton

    The skeptical voice within the group, Gina questions Jamie's leadership and the plan's risks. Her caution is tempered by peer pressure, and she finds herself entangled as events spiral beyond control.

    • 🤔 Skeptical
    • 👭 Friend
    • 🧭 Cautious
  • E

    Erica

    One of the teens drawn into the occult intrigue, Erica mixes curiosity with boldness. She participates in the group's risky plans and becomes complicit in the momentum toward the ritual.

    • 🎭 Mischievous
    • 🧪 Experimental
    • 🔥 Passionate
  • SS

    Sister Sherilyn

    Played by Jennifer Rubin

    The compassionate but firm schoolteacher who acts as the guardian of Faith. She provides guidance, helps Faith resist Jamie’s influence, and ultimately reveals her protective role in blocking the ceremony.

    • 🕊️ Guardian
    • 📚 Wise
    • 🙏 Faith
  • MC

    Mother Clodah

    Played by Zelda Rubinstein

    A mysterious nun with a distinctive birthmark, Mother Clodah offers spiritual support and compassion to Faith. Her death, caused by a poisoning, marks a turning point in the group's fight against the ritual.

    • 👼 Mysterious
    • 🕯️ Nurturing
    • 🌀 Enigmatic
  • D

    Daniel

    Played by Tommy Stork

    A handsome construction worker who interacts with Faith and becomes the virgin in the ritual's plans. His character offers a counterpoint to the girls' reckless curiosity and ultimately survives thanks to Faith and Sherilyn's intervention.

    • 💗 Love Interest
    • 🧭 Honest
    • 🛡️ Protective
  • IG

    Illuminati Girl

    Played by Robin South

    A member of the secret group surrounding the hidden temple, part of the network that guards or enforces occult rules. This figure embodies the mystery and danger of the ritual’s shadowy observers.

    • 🕵️‍♀️ Secretive
    • 🗝️ Mysterious
    • 👁️ Watchful
Setting

Where and When Is Little Witches Set?

Little Witches is set in Catholic girls' school and school church. Here is why the place matters to the story.

Where

Catholic girls' school, school church

Set inside a Catholic girls' school, the campus shapes daily life and routines for Faith and her friends. The church on campus becomes a focal point, while construction beneath reveals a long-hidden temple. This blend of ordinary teen life with an ancient, ominous secret creates a claustrophobic backdrop where danger lurks in familiar spaces.

  • 🏫 School
  • ⛪ Church
  • 🗝️ Hidden temple
Themes

What Are the Themes of Little Witches?

4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Forbidden Knowledge and Faith and Guardianship.

  1. 01

    Friendship

    Faith and her misfit peers form a fragile sisterhood that sticks together as danger looms. Trust is tested when pranks escalate into serious risk, forcing them to confront their own boundaries. The group’s loyalty buckles under pressure, then hardens as they face the consequences of their choices. The story ultimately centers on whether true friendship can withstand fear and tragedy.

  2. 02

    Forbidden Knowledge

    A Latin manuscript unlocks a dark ritual, pulling the teens toward powers they barely understand. The act of translating and attempting the spell reveals how curiosity can override caution. The lure of power clashes with moral restraint, highlighting the perils of meddling with forces beyond comprehension. Knowledge becomes a double-edged blade that drives the tension.

  3. 03

    Faith and Guardianship

    Faith's cautious faith and prayer contrast with the occult temptation around her. The guardian role embodied by Sister Sherilyn provides spiritual protection and moral clarity. Faith relies on this guidance to resist manipulation and to counter the ritual's momentum. The presence of guardianship underscores the power of faith as a counterforce to darkness.

  4. 04

    Sacrifice and Consequences

    The plot centers on the danger of sacrificing innocence to summon a demon. Jamie's manipulative drive accelerates toward catastrophe, and the ritual culminates in the deaths of the involved girls. Daniel's fate shifts the balance, sparing him while sealing the price others must pay. The story leaves a lasting reminder of the irreversible costs of meddling with hellish forces.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is Little Witches?

Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Dark
Pacing
Steady
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
High
Ending
Sad

A steadily paced, dark horror film that follows the sinister transformation of Catholic schoolgirls into a deadly coven, creating an anxious and fatalistic atmosphere as innocence is corrupted by ancient evil.

  • sinister
  • occult
  • anxious
  • rebellious
  • claustrophobic
  • melancholic
  • witchcraft
  • teen rebellion
  • supernatural power
  • good vs evil

Content notes: human sacrifice, poisoning, attempted sexual assault (implied trick), demonic summoning, murder.

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Where to watch

Where to Watch Little Witches

Stream it on Artiflix and IndiePix Unlimited, or rent or buy it from Amazon Video. US availability and prices from JustWatch.

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Read next

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FAQ

Little Witches Plot Questions

5 quick answers about Little Witches, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is Little Witches about?

In the cloistered halls of a Catholic girls’ school, the quiet rhythm of prayer and study is interrupted one Easter break when a reluctant teen, Faith Ferguson, finds herself sharing a room with a handful of spirited classmates.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does Little Witches take place?

Little Witches is set in Catholic girls' school and school church. Set inside a Catholic girls' school, the campus shapes daily life and routines for Faith and her friends. The church on campus becomes a focal point, while construction beneath reveals a long-hidden temple.

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in Little Witches?

The story follows Faith Ferguson (played by Mimi Rose), Jamie (played by Sheeri Rappaport), Kelsey (played by Clea DuVall) and Nicole (played by Zoe Alexander); the character guide covers 10 characters in all.

All the characters

What are the main themes of Little Witches?

The summary picks out 4 themes: Friendship, Forbidden Knowledge, Faith and Guardianship and Sacrifice and Consequences.

The themes explained

Who directed Little Witches?

Little Witches (1996) was directed by Jane Simpson and runs 1 hour 31 minutes.

Jane Simpson’s films

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