FantasyHorror

Gretel & Hansel

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 31, 2020

Genre
Horror, Fantasy

Cast & Crew

  • Sophia Lillis as Gretel
  • Samuel Leakey as Hansel
  • Alice Krige as The Witch (Holda)
  • Jessica De Gouw as Young Holda
  • Charles Babalola as The Hunter

Director
Oz Perkins

Other Movies Director is Known For:

  • The Blackcoat’s Daughter (2015)
  • I Am the Pretty Thing That Lives in the House (2016)

Producer
Brian Kavanaugh-Jones, Fred Berger

Writer
Rob Hayes (Screenplay), based on the story by the Brothers Grimm

Budget
$5 million

Production Company
Orion Pictures, Automatik Entertainment

Running Time
87 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
PG-13

Content Advisory

  • Disturbing imagery
  • Dark themes of witchcraft and death
  • Mild violence

Movie Story
“Gretel & Hansel” is a dark and twisted retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Set in a grim medieval landscape, the film follows siblings Gretel (Sophia Lillis) and Hansel (Samuel Leakey) as they are forced to venture into the woods after being driven from their home by poverty and despair. As the elder sibling, Gretel is the more cautious and protective of the two, guiding her younger brother through the treacherous terrain in search of food and shelter.

Their journey takes a sinister turn when they encounter a mysterious and seemingly benevolent old woman (Alice Krige) living in an isolated house deep in the forest. Although the woman offers them food and a place to stay, Gretel begins to sense something is terribly wrong. As they spend more time in the old woman’s home, Gretel discovers dark secrets about the witch’s true nature, as well as her own latent powers that are tied to the witch’s magic.

The film slowly builds tension through its haunting atmosphere, with eerie visuals and unsettling sound design that emphasize the malevolence lurking beneath the surface. Gretel must confront her fears and make difficult choices to protect her brother from the witch’s clutches, ultimately leading to a climactic battle where she must decide whether to embrace or reject the power she holds within her.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Gretel & Hansel” are subtle yet effective, creating a pervasive sense of dread throughout the film. The visual design, including the witch’s house and the ominous forest, enhances the story’s dark and otherworldly atmosphere. The film’s use of lighting and shadow plays a crucial role in building suspense, while the practical effects, especially in depicting the witch’s sinister transformations, add to the film’s eerie and gothic tone.

Box Office Performance
“Gretel & Hansel” had a modest box office performance, grossing approximately $22 million worldwide against its $5 million budget. The film received praise for its atmospheric horror and visual style, though its slow pacing and abstract narrative divided audiences.

Filming Locations

  • Dublin, Ireland

Notable Quotes

  • “It’s not for eating. It’s for being eaten.”
  • “Be careful with that, dear. I’d hate for you to start something you can’t stop.”

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Oz Perkins aimed to create a film that combined the eerie, timeless quality of a folk tale with modern horror elements. The film’s unique visual style was heavily influenced by German Expressionism, particularly in its use of stark contrasts and geometric compositions. Sophia Lillis, known for her role in “It,” brought depth to the character of Gretel, portraying her as both vulnerable and powerful as she faces the darkness within and around her.

Awards

  • Nominated for Saturn Award: Best Horror Film

Final Verdict
“Gretel & Hansel” is a visually stunning horror film that offers a fresh take on a classic fairy tale. Its deliberate pacing and abstract storytelling may not appeal to all viewers, but for those who appreciate atmospheric horror with a gothic twist, it is a haunting and memorable experience. The film’s dark visuals, combined with a strong performance by Sophia Lillis, make it a noteworthy addition to the genre.

IMDb Rating
5.9/10

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