João e Maria

Take one dark little fairytale and blend it in with some Asian horror sensibilities, and you get this loosely based modern take on "Hansel & Gretel". Truth is that the "Hansel & Gretel" theme is actually just a background for the film, and not the whole story.

The basic storyline centres around a man who following a car crash finds himself lost in the forest. Taken by a friendly young girl to her family's home, he finds the family is living in a fantasy like house full of toys and nursery school imagery (replacing the gingerbread make-up from the original tale). Obviously, all isn't as it seems and escape is futile as the leading man finds that all roads out of the house through the forest seem to lead right back to it. The protagonists are the three children, controlling the house and toying with those who enter it, becoming the bane for our lead man as he tries his best to escape their "ideal" world.

What is it all about? Well, it's no fairy tale, and is more a psychological horror tale. However it's very dark and even most adults will feel uncomfortable throughout much of it. That isn't to take away from the film, as its meant to play with our preconceptions of the fairytale world. The story develops from fairytale to horror and then mixes in some serious social commentary. The story is captured with some incredible set pieces and settings, whilst the actors all seem to fully suit their roles in this twisted little tale. Original and intriguing, no matter how uncomfortable you may feel at points watching this early in the film, it is worth watching to the end.

Not all will love the ride on this merry go round, but those who give it a chance to the denouement will find it intriguing and satisfying.