Gretel & Hansel Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two kids get kicked out, find a sugar momma who’s secretly a witch, and the girl boss of a sister has to decide whether to save her useless brother or embrace her dark destiny and become an influencer…in the woods.

🍿 Gretel & Hansel: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Desperate Times

In a famine-stricken land, Gretel and her younger brother Hansel are forced to leave their home after their mother, driven to desperation, can no longer provide for them. They set out into the dark woods in search of work and sustenance, facing the harsh realities of a world where survival is a daily struggle. Their journey begins with a sense of hope, quickly replaced by the grim reality of their situation.

The Huntsman and the Mysterious Illness

Lost and vulnerable, the children encounter a huntsman who offers them shelter and warns them of dangers lurking in the forest. They also stumble upon a possessed man, further highlighting the supernatural elements at play. These encounters underscore the pervasive sense of unease and foreshadow the darker events to come.

The House in the Woods

Drawn by the scent of food and the promise of safety, Gretel and Hansel discover a peculiar house in the woods, inhabited by an enigmatic woman named Holda. She welcomes them with open arms, offering them food and a place to stay in exchange for simple chores. However, Gretel senses something amiss, a disquieting atmosphere that hints at a sinister secret.

Holda’s Dark Intentions

As the children settle into their new surroundings, Gretel begins to experience strange visions and uncover disturbing truths about Holda. She realizes that Holda is a witch with a dark past and malevolent intentions, and that they are in grave danger. The seemingly benevolent shelter transforms into a prison, and the siblings must find a way to escape before it’s too late.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Gretel (Sophia Lillis): A resourceful and protective teenager who is forced to fend for herself and her brother, discovering a dark power within her.
• Hansel (Samuel Leakey): Gretel’s younger brother, naive and dependent, who is lured by the promise of food and safety.
• Witch (Alice Krige): A sinister and powerful woman who dwells in the woods, preying on children to sustain her dark magic.
• Mother (Fiona O’Shaughnessy): The children’s desperate and ultimately neglectful mother, who sends them away due to dire circumstances.
• The Hunter (Charles Babalola): A compassionate but cautious man who offers temporary aid to Gretel and Hansel, directing them on their path.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Witch: “Say that again and I will turn your tongue into a flower, to remind you how pretty and dumb and temporary you’ve chosen to be.” – The Witch says this to Gretel, showcasing her disdain for those who underestimate her.
• Gretel: “This is your power, to see what is hidden and take it.” – Gretel says this as voiceover, reflecting on her newfound abilities and embracing her destiny.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,347,654
• Worldwide Gross: $22,304,357

💥 Gretel & Hansel Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went in expecting a jump-scare fest, and honestly? It wasn’t that. It was more like a creepy, unsettling fairytale that really got under my skin. Sophia Lillis was fantastic as Gretel, and the witch was seriously nightmare-inducing. I loved the visuals, and the way they made the woods feel both beautiful and terrifying. That scene in the cellar? *shivers* Definitely not for everyone, but if you like atmospheric horror, give it a try.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark fantasy and gothic horror films.”
  • “Viewers who appreciate atmospheric and visually stunning movies.”
  • “Those interested in feminist reinterpretations of classic fairy tales.”
  • “Audiences who enjoy slow-burn horror with psychological elements.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Disturbing imagery.”
  • “Thematic elements involving witchcraft and child endangerment.”
  • “Occasional frightening scenes.”
  • “Mild language.”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Gretel & Hansel is a visually striking and atmospheric horror film that leans heavily on its gothic aesthetic. While the plot meanders at times, Sophia Lillis delivers a captivating performance as Gretel, drawing viewers into her character’s dark journey of self-discovery. The film’s unsettling mood and Alice Krige’s chilling portrayal of the witch create a genuinely creepy experience.
• Variety: “Oz Perkins’ reimagining of Hansel and Gretel is a visually arresting and atmospheric horror film, though it lacks scares. The film boasts strong performances, particularly from Sophia Lillis, and a striking aesthetic. However, its slow pace and lack of suspense may leave some viewers wanting more, despite the film’s merits.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography was gorgeous, like every scene was a painting.: Most viewers praised the film’s stunning visual style and haunting atmosphere.

Alice Krige nailed the witch role – absolutely terrifying!: Krige’s performance as the witch was widely applauded for its creepiness and effectiveness.

Overall Consensus: Gretel & Hansel is a visually striking and atmospheric horror film that may appeal to fans of slow-burn, gothic fairy tales. However, its deliberate pace and lack of traditional scares may not satisfy all viewers.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is a reimagining of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, emphasizing Gretel’s perspective and her journey into womanhood and power.”
• “Director Osgood Perkins aimed to create a visually striking film, using a 1.55:1 aspect ratio to give the film a claustrophobic and unsettling feel.”
• “The film incorporates elements of folk horror, drawing on traditional European folklore and witchcraft.”

🖥️ How to Watch Gretel & Hansel?

As of October 2024, ‘Gretel & Hansel’ is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, and can be rented or purchased on Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for broadcast availability. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) are also available for purchase at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Gretel & Hansel, you might like these similar films:

• The Witch (2015): Both films are atmospheric horror stories set in the past, exploring themes of witchcraft, family, and isolation with slow pacing.
• Hagazussa: A Heathen’s Curse (2017): Features similar themes of isolation, witchcraft, and a descent into madness in a historical setting.
• Snow White: A Tale of Terror (1997): A dark and gothic retelling of a classic fairy tale with horror elements.
• A Dark Song (2016): A modern horror film with a focus on occult practices and rituals with strong female lead.

🛒 Gretel & Hansel Related Products

• Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters [Blu-ray]: For fans wanting more action-packed witch-hunting, this Blu-ray features Jeremy Renner and Gemma Arterton as grown-up Hansel and Gretel, blasting witches in style. Enjoy non-stop action and dark fantasy elements.
• The Witch: A New-England Folktale [Blu-ray]: If you enjoyed Gretel & Hansel’s atmospheric horror, this acclaimed film offers a similar tone and setting. Explore themes of witchcraft and paranoia in 17th-century New England with stunning visuals and a chilling narrative.
• Grimm’s Complete Fairy Tales: Immerse yourself in the original source material that inspired the film. This collection includes all the classic Grimm’s fairy tales, offering a deeper understanding of the stories and their origins. A beautifully bound edition.
• Witch Hat: Step into your own dark fairy tale with this classic witch hat. Perfect for cosplay, Halloween, or adding a touch of gothic flair to your everyday style. Embrace your inner enchantress!

🎧 Soundtrack

Gretel & Hansel features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Holda” – performed by ROB
• “Forest” – performed by ROB
• “The Cellar” – performed by ROB

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

A Tragic Twist on The Grimmest Fairy Tale

Ever wonder where the *really* dark stuff comes from? This video dives deep into the original Hansel & Gretel fairytale, and trust me, it’s way more messed up than you think! It really gives you a new perspective on the story, so you should check it out.

Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters – Movie Review by Chris Stuckmann

Want to know if ‘Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters’ is worth your time? Chris Stuckmann breaks it down in this review, and honestly, it’s a wild ride. You might not agree with everything he says, but it’s definitely entertaining!

✨ Rate