Gretel and Hansel: A Creepy Atmospheric Reimagining

Gretel and Hansel is a new adaptation of the classic Grimm fairytale. It stars Sophia Lillis and Alice Krige. Lillis has started in The IT remake and the Sharp Objects miniseries. Krige has started in Star Trek: First Contact, Silent Hill, and The Christmas Prince movies on Netflix. Gretel and Hansel has great pacing and an intense score to compliment the movie.

Gretel is the protagonist and has to survive with her brother Hansel in a harsh unforgiving world. Sophia plays a character a lot more wise then her age suggests. When they get to the old women’s house they talk about fairytales and legends that play into the current plot.

The atmosphere is creepy and keeps the audience captivated as the old woman is nice to the children but is hiding something. She slowly reveals her intentions throughout the movie and it’s a cat and mouse game between Gretel and the old woman. The use of witchcraft is very interesting and well done. It becomes the main plot later in the movie. The use of herbal concoctions and spells also plays a big role. The score is used so well during these and other abstract and dreamlike sequences.

The ending of the movie is ambiguous and while open ended conclusions aren’t always a bad things, this ending could have used more explanation for the average movie goer. The hardcore movie fan shouldn’t have trouble but it may leave audiences a little confused. 🍔🍔🍔 and 1/2 🍔