Watch Gretel & Hansel

Gretel & Hansel is a dark and twisted reimagining of the classic fairy tale by the same name. Directed by Oz Perkins, the film stars Sophia Lillis as Gretel and newcomer Samuel Leakey as Hansel, with Alice Krige playing an eerie witch. The movie follows the siblings as they journey through a macabre forest in search of food and shelter, only to stumble upon the home of the malevolent witch who lures them in with her sweet promises of a feast.

Set in a seemingly medieval-era countryside, the movie is visually stunning and utterly captivating. The color palette is muted and earthy, with dark greens and browns dominating the screen. The costumes and set design all lend to an overall grim and oppressive atmosphere, which is fitting given the darker tone of the story. There is a sense of foreboding throughout the film, as though something terrible is looming just around the corner.

Sophia Lillis as Gretel is a believable and relatable protagonist, with her wide-eyed innocence contrasting nicely against the darkness of the world around her. Her delivery is nuanced and her performance is nuanced throughout the movie as she struggles to keep her younger brother safe, despite the odds against them both. Samuel Leakey, in his first film role, is also quite good as Hansel, bringing a sense of childlike wonder and vulnerability to his character.

Alice Krige is absolutely haunting as the witch. Her portrayal is eerie and unsettling, with her sharp features and piercing gaze lending her an otherworldly quality. She is truly the stuff of nightmares, and her presence on screen is enough to send chills down the spine of even the bravest viewer. Her performance is a standout, and she steals every scene she's in.

The plot of the movie follows close to the original fairy tale, with Gretel and Hansel venturing into the woods in search of work and sustenance, only to find themselves at the mercy of a witch who wishes to devour them. However, this retelling takes some liberties with the story, fleshing out the characters and adding a dose of feminist commentary. The movie is definitely more about Gretel than it is about Hansel, and examines the bonds of sisterhood and the power of feminine intuition in a compelling way.

Throughout the movie, there are hints of darker themes bubbling under the surface. There are references to violence and sexual violence, and the witch's house is littered with symbols of death and decay. There are also supernatural undercurrents, with Gretel experiencing vivid dreams and visions that may or may not be real. The movie does not shy away from exploring these darker elements, and the result is a film that is not for the faint of heart.

Overall, Gretel & Hansel is a stunning and haunting film that is sure to stick with viewers long after the credits roll. The performances are top-notch, the visuals are breathtaking, and the story is compelling in all the right ways. While it may not be for everyone (especially those who are easily frightened), for those who appreciate a darker take on a classic tale, this movie is a must-see.

Gretel & Hansel is a 2020 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5 and a MetaScore of 64.