Reviews: Gretel and Hansel (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Horror, Thriller, Mystery, Fantasy
Subgenres: Mystery, Psychological, Survival, Thriller, Dangerous Exploration, Folk Horror, Teens, Wilderness, Witchcraft
This in-depth review of Gretel and Hansel (2020) explores its story, characters, and scares in detail, offering insights for every horror fan.
Gretel & Hansel (2020) takes a dark, gothic twist on the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, reimagining the story through the perspective of Gretel (Sophia Lillis) as she leads her younger brother Hansel (Samuel Leakey) through a haunted, desolate landscape. After being forced from their home, the siblings stumble upon a mysterious house belonging to the eerie and enigmatic Holda (Alice Krige), a witch with sinister intentions.
Gretel & Hansel (2020) – A Dark, Visually Stunning Reimagining of a Classic Fairy Tale
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
Unlike traditional adaptations, this version leans heavily into horror, folklore, and psychological themes, exploring Gretel’s coming-of-age journey, power dynamics, and the temptation of dark magic. The film presents Gretel as the true protagonist, emphasizing her growing independence, self-discovery, and internal battle between morality and ambition. The eerie slow-burn storytelling builds an unsettling atmosphere, making this more than just a simple fairy tale adaptation—it’s a meditation on fear, destiny, and power.
Acting and Cinematography
Sophia Lillis delivers a compelling and mature performance as Gretel, bringing both vulnerability and strength to the character. Alice Krige, as the menacing Holda, steals every scene she’s in, exuding both wisdom and horror with a mesmerizing presence. While Samuel Leakey does a fine job as Hansel, his character takes more of a backseat, emphasizing the film’s central focus on Gretel’s journey.
The true star of the film is its cinematography. Director Oz Perkins crafts a haunting, dreamlike atmosphere, using stark lighting, haunting shadows, and mesmerizing symmetrical compositions that feel straight out of a dark fairy tale painting. The use of bold colors, particularly deep oranges and blues, creates a hypnotic aesthetic, reminiscent of classic folk horror films like The Witch (2015). Every frame feels meticulously crafted, making the film visually captivating even when the story slows down.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Oz Perkins is known for his slow, atmospheric horror storytelling, and Gretel & Hansel is no exception. He builds unease through eerie silence, unsettling visuals, and methodical pacing rather than relying on jump scares or conventional horror tropes. His vision transforms a well-known fairy tale into something fresh, poetic, and nightmarish.
Strengths:
- Visually Stunning Cinematography – The film is aesthetic perfection, featuring hauntingly beautiful compositions that feel both magical and terrifying.
- Unique Take on the Fairy Tale – The darker, more psychological interpretation adds depth and originality to the well-known story.
- Strong Lead Performance – Sophia Lillis carries the film with a nuanced, engaging portrayal of Gretel.
- Atmospheric Horror – The film builds tension through mood, silence, and disturbing imagery, creating an eerie, slow-burn experience.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues – The slow-burn approach may frustrate viewers looking for a more traditional horror experience.
- Minimalist Plot – While the visuals and themes are strong, the narrative can feel thin and stretched at times.
- Lack of Immediate Scares – Some horror fans may find the film too subdued, as it focuses more on mood than on terrifying moments.
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
Gretel & Hansel (2020) is a visually striking, eerie reimagining of a classic fairy tale, prioritizing atmosphere and artistry over traditional horror beats. While its slow pace and minimal narrative may not appeal to all audiences, it offers a fresh, unsettling take on the Grimm story, led by strong performances and haunting cinematography.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Gretel and Hansel Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 6.04/10
- IMDB: 5.5/10
- MetaCritic: 6.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 6.3/10
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