Dark Retelling of the Grimm's Fairy Tale Classic: Gretel & Hansel
In a captivating twist on the classic Grimm's fairy tale, the film "Gretel & Hansel" offers a dark re-imagining of the beloved story. Screenwriter Rob Hayes has adapted the ancient morality story, reversing the names of the characters in the title.
Set during a time of famine in a cursed land, the story follows a 15 or 16-year-old girl named Gretel who lives with her mother and 8-year-old brother in a small village. Gretel is responsible for taking care of her younger brother, but she yearns for independence.
As Gretel and her brother venture into the unknown in search of food and work, they encounter the enigmatic Holda, a character who holds a peculiar fascination for Gretel but ultimately turns on her, marking a shift from the original fairy tale. Alice Krige's portrayal of Holda captures the character's initial admiration, but her resentment towards Gretel grows over time.
The film explores elemental fears such as loss of innocence, betrayal, and deception, while also serving as a female empowerment story from Gretel's point of view. Producer Brian Kavanaugh-Jones describes it as such, with Sophia Lillis, who plays Gretel, believing that "Gretel & Hansel" reinterprets the fairy tale for adults to remember how terrifying it truly is.
Metaphor and allegory run deep in the film, with themes of mirrors, food, and moral fragility woven throughout. Images of bread, for instance, recall Biblical tales of resurrection and rebirth. The motif of triangular shapes can be found in the geography, architecture, and costume design of the film, adding to its haunting atmosphere.
Director Oz Perkins was inspired by the old-fashioned morality lesson in the story, and sought to depict a darker version of the original fairy tale. Sandra Yee Ling notes that the film contains terrifying messages that parents have conveyed to their children since time immemorial, such as "don't trust strangers" and "don't take candy from strangers."
The production company behind the film is not explicitly stated, but "Gretel & Hansel" was recognised as a perfect fit for the film company Automatik. Oz Perkins' vision for the film is undoubtedly a unique and chilling take on a well-known story, offering a fresh perspective on the fears and struggles that have haunted humanity for centuries.
