Gretel & Hansel Review: A Stylistic But Stumbling Retelling

Introduction

Gretel & Hansel arrives as a reimagining of the classic Grimm fairy tale, promising a darker, more mature take on the familiar story of two children lost in the woods and a sinister witch. From the outset, the film signals its intent to twist expectations, not just with its titular inversion, but with a narrative that positions Gretel as the undeniable focal point. Audiences anticipated a chilling, atmospheric journey, and while the film delivers on visual flair, its execution proves to be a mixed bag.

The Lead Dynamic & The Action

The film quickly establishes Sophia Lillis's Gretel as the story's anchor, with Samuel Leakey's Hansel often relegated to a secondary, almost prop-like role. The true star power, however, ignites when Alice Krige enters the scene as the Witch. Her performance is nothing short of captivating, delivering lines with a self-serving manipulation and philosophical undertones that completely steal the show. The silent tension within the witch's cabin, particularly between Gretel and the Witch, forms the film's most compelling moments.

Osgood Perkins attempts an "entertaining yet interesting tone," often shifting between a veiled reality and a much darker truth. At times, the film veers into a "Mandy-like" aesthetic, with sudden bursts of synthesized music and stark red lighting. While these moments are visually striking and intriguing, they often feel disconnected from the rest of the film, as if plucked from a different cinematic universe. The ambition is clear, but the commitment to these stylistic departures is not.

Cameos, Nostalgia & Narrative Stakes

The central twist of this retelling involves the Witch seeing potential in Gretel, hinting at an apprenticeship rather than immediate consumption. This provides a fresh angle, yet the narrative often struggles to maintain a consistent purpose. The woods are filled with "creepy imagery," but these visuals sometimes feel arbitrary, leading to a sense that there are "about 10 witches" when, in fact, there is only one. This lack of clear narrative justification for certain atmospheric elements dilutes their impact.

The film also suffers from a disjointed directorial vision. It begins with the feel of a "student film from 2005," shot on what appears to be a Canon XL2, before transitioning to a higher-budget aesthetic upon reaching the cabin. This jarring shift, coupled with the occasional "Mandy-esque" interjections, creates a sense that the film was directed by "three different people" rather than a singular, cohesive voice.

Tone, Direction & Creative Freedom

The inconsistent tone is perhaps Gretel & Hansel's most significant hurdle. While the "Mandy-like" sequences are individually cool, their sporadic appearance makes them feel out of place, as if the filmmakers couldn't quite commit to a full-blown stylistic plunge. Budgetary constraints also appear to have impacted the final product; a visual effects scene that "would have been sweet" ultimately falls flat, suggesting a compromise between ambition and resources.

Adding to the film's narrative clutter is an entirely superfluous voiceover. This narration, often detailing Gretel's thoughts, feels like an "afterthought" and could have been easily conveyed through action or visual storytelling. Its presence is distracting and ultimately undermines the film's attempts at subtle tension.

The Final Verdict

Gretel & Hansel is a film of intriguing ideas and uneven execution. It offers a fresh, dark perspective on a beloved fairy tale, anchored by a truly memorable performance from Alice Krige. However, its inconsistent tone, disjointed direction, and unnecessary narrative choices prevent it from fully realizing its potential. While not a cinematic triumph, it's also far from a disaster—it simply "happened." For those seeking an atmospheric, albeit flawed, horror experience, it might just hit the spot, especially if viewed with a relaxed critical eye.