I wasn’t familiar with the original story this movie is based on, which might be why it feels vaguely recognizable—perhaps I’ve encountered elements of it before. Going into a film without prior knowledge is usually my preferred approach. I had moderate interest in this horror reimagining of Gretel & Hansel, and I was particularly excited to see Sophia Lillis as the lead. My feelings about it are mixed. The production values are quite striking, but the storytelling feels emotionally lacking, especially towards the end. Sophia Lillis is excellent as Gretel. I’ve appreciated her performances in *It* and *It: Chapter Two*, sensing she had a special talent. It seemed like only a matter of time before she found the right role in the right film, and director Oz Perkins should be thankful that she carries much of the story's weight. Lillis portrays Gretel with nuance, displaying a good range of emotions and demonstrating her potential for future horror roles. The affection and sometimes cold interactions between Gretel and her brother create a relationship that feels less like a fairytale and more grounded in reality. Sam Leakey is a pleasant surprise as Hansel, given this is his debut performance. While he’s clearly inexperienced, he didn't bother me and delivered several memorable lines. Alice Krige offers a familiar yet oddly captivating portrayal of the witch. What really drew me into *Gretel & Hansel* are its beautiful visuals and an engaging original score (with a distinct 80s vibe). The production design creates a truly immersive atmosphere, and the music elevates nearly every scene. Galo Olivares' cinematography has a distinctive style that effectively builds tension and suspense. Technically, it was a pleasant surprise; I didn’t expect such a high level of craftsmanship in these areas. Ultimately, any movie succeeds or fails based on its screenplay and characters. While Gretel is well-developed, other characters could have benefited from more attention. The biggest issue is the script itself. It begins with narration and extensive exposition that feels excessive and takes up too much time—some information is repeated later anyway. This also foreshadows (or rather, heavily hints at) connections to the second half’s mystery, making that portion predictable and somewhat dull. The conclusion is equally disappointing. The narrative doesn't quite resolve itself properly, making it difficult to avoid a sense of letdown. It’s the kind of film likely to provoke divided reactions among critics and audiences. Some will be captivated by the technical aspects, while others simply want to be entertained, and the deliberate slow pace might not appeal to them. Overall, *Gretel & Hansel* is an unusual horror film. It boasts technical qualities that rival some of the best in the genre, but its screenplay lacks imagination and overall quality. A predictable plot with a sluggish tempo rarely makes for a good movie. Still, Sophia Lillis delivers an outstanding performance, Galo Olivares’ cinematography is distinctive, the production design creates a very immersive environment, and Robin Coudert's score is particularly memorable. Oz Perkins demonstrates strong directing abilities, but a less compelling second half and a disappointing final act prevent this film from reaching its full potential. Rating: C+

Source on TMDB