This movie is not about the Gretel and Hansel that everyone grew up hearing about. It is not a loving fairy tale filled with fun adventures. This film really does bring the original Grimm’s tale to life. The movie is creepy but it is not scary.
The film starts by introducing the main character Gretel, she is trying to find a job as the help. However, the lord of the house is only interested in her virginity and if she’s submissive. However, Gretel is not one to comply with society’s rules. When confronted with these questions, she stands her ground and leaves the place. She has the energy of an activist, she doesn’t believe in her timeline’s society rules. From that scene it is clear that Gretel is more than a peasant girl, there is something more for her.
As the story goes on, it is expressed that Gretel is like a mother figure to her brother. She feeds him and helps him out, since her mom is crazy and is trying to get rid of her. After the mother throws an axe at Gretel, her and Hansel leave home and try to go to another town where they could survive. On their journey, they come across a small house. Hansel approaches the home to see if there was any spare food for them. They are taken in by the owner of the home where she feeds them and keeps them safe. All that she wants is for the kids to help her out with things around the house. However, the witch is only interested in Gretel because she sees a power inside of her. The witch then reveals to Gretel that she is a witch and sees the same gift inside of Gretel. The witch then helps Gretel learn how to use it but in order to achieve the highest power Gretel must do the unspeakable.
Throughout the film, there is a constant message of being your own person and fighting for what you believe is right. Even though Gretel could have finally found a way out of her misery, she chose to save those she loved and to learn on her own through light instead of darkness.
Overall, the movie is a little slow moving but it is entertaining. There could have been more dialogue and a bit more action. It mostly revolves around the creepy aura of the witch. There were many unanswered questions but it was still a nice change from a happily ever after.
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