Gretel & Hansel

The co-production Gretel and Hansel is most certainly an impressive movie and has a very good, heavy atmosphere. It seems to be trying to be an innovative take on a classic fairy tale, although if they had decided to make a more original movie, it could have been better. However, they decided to take something familiar and twist it into something else, which I thought did not really work. (24/06/2020)

A bedtime story as bedtime horror. A good idea (that was long overdue) with a very distinctive execution and an emphasis on an almost surrealist atmosphere and hopelessly dark setting. It’s a pity that they had neither the courage nor enough money for more creative and striking stuff and that there are moments that it feels cheap and succinct. Nevertheless, an extraordinary experience with a convincing Sophia Lillis and a purposeful narration that is not a disgrace to cinema. 60% (08/04/2020)

A very atmospheric spectacle with obviously weaker production values that, despite its limitations, manages to mediate an evocative experience in an appealing chamber thriller with horror elements. Sort of a typical "minor film" that manages to capitalize on undeniable creative talent with a hackneyed (though still attractive) subject and at the same time bring at least some originality to its concept. (25/10/2020)

The anticipated horror adaptation of the famous fairy tale is in the end just a better average, but I still think it's worth a look. It's definitely not the guilty pleasure romp of 2013, this is a much slower and artsier narrative that relies heavily on dreamy and attractive visuals (the pastel colours and the forest are gorgeous) and the performances are solid. The talented Sophia Lillis won our sympathy back in It, and Alice Krige as the witch is disturbingly brilliant. I think the PG-13 rating hurts the film, and the finale could have been delivered more atmospherically or even action-packed, but I wasn't bored and the polished form made it a decent watch. Story***, Action>No, Humor>No, Violence>No, Entertainment***, Music***, Visuals****, Atmosphere****, Suspense**. 6/10. (10/04/2020)

Despite the promising atmosphere and idea, boredom reigned too often for my taste in this forest of terror. It wasn't a waste of time, but it didn't make me want to take another look at Hansel and Gretel as the far superior The Witch literally forced me to do a few years ago. (17/08/2020)