Dir. Oz Perkins | Now Streaming On: Prime Video | Rating: 3/5

As the title suggests, this storyline flips the original fairytale on its head, and focuses mostly on Gretel as the main character. Having just turned 16, Gretel is desperately trying to find her bearings in young womanhood while being the sole provider for her brother. She’s objectified and looked down upon for the bulk of the film, until she is given the chance to recognize her true power as a witch. ⁠
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If you’ve seen The Witch, or other stories and films like it, Gretel & Hansel may feel very “same same.” It’s a clear narrative on the dark feminine, gender roles, revenge, and the power of what we don’t see. Most witchcraft horror tends to fall into this stereotypical theme, a young misunderstood and mistreated girl finds the power in herself that was kept or taken from her. Gretel & Hansel also lacks in strong scares, relying on the atmosphere and the gore of the last act to sell it as a horror film. ⁠
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What redeems Gretel & Hansel, is its drop dead gorgeous visual appeal and the acting of Sophia Lillis. The setting of this film sells the dread and mystery that may fall flat for some viewers. And Lillis, who became a household horror name after she swept away fans as Beverly Marsh in Muschetti’s It (2017), carries the bulk of the script in this film. It’s an incredible feat for an 18 year old with only supporting cast roles prior to this project. ⁠
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Know Before You Watch: Features death, blood. ⁠⁠