Craig Rees offers a fresh and darkly creative take on the classic children’s story with his latest horror project, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Death and Porridge.” This film blends dark fantasy and horror, creating an experience that is both intriguing and unsettling.
The movie opens with a dreamlike flashback sequence that effectively sets the eerie tone. From there, we follow the characters to the infamous house in the woods, a setting that Rees transforms into a character of its own. Visually, the film impresses with its dark, atmospheric cinematography that captures the creepy beauty of the forest and the house. The score, albeit a little disjointed, enhances the tension throughout.
Reminiscent of home invasion classics such as Bryan Bertino’s “The Strangers” (2008), the movie blends tension and weirdness while utilizing practical techniques to create a disturbingly real experience. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to overlook the lackluster performances from much of the main cast. However, Olga Solo’s memorable performance as Goldilocks is particularly unsettling and deranged, helping to carry the film during her scenes.
The bears are now menacing figures, with Daddy Bear emerging as a particularly foreboding presence. Mama Bear and Baby Bear add their own forms of horror, contributing to the film’s overall sense of dread. However, their chosen look for the movie was perhaps a little too child-like and simple, and didn’t come across as terrifying as it perhaps should have been.
Rees’ overall interpretation of the characters is both brutal and interesting, and surprisingly more gory than one might expect. Indeed, the gore, while abundant, is effectively used, peaking in its final act.
“Goldilocks and the Three Bears: Death and Porridge” is a bold and imaginative reworking of a beloved tale. It challenges traditional narratives with its dark, horror-infused vision. Rees has created a unique and twisted version of Goldilocks that is as intriguing as it is terrifying, ensuring this film leaves a lasting impression.
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