Fairy tales are a captivating and timeless form of storytelling that have enchanted audiences for centuries. Originally shared orally through spoken word, legends and stories were passed down from generation to generation before being written down. Over the years, these tales have continuously evolved, adapting to different cultures, societal values and artistic expressions. Today, they have further expanded beyond traditional boundaries, transforming into new genres.
One being the Poohniverse with a murderous Winnie the Pooh and Bambi, but I will save that for another day.
It’s not often that we see an artful retelling. One that might not be obvious at first, but as it unfolds, the fairy tale inspiration is apparent.
To Kill a Wolf, inspired by Little Red Riding Hood, is the first full-length feature written and directed by Kelsey Taylor. The story begins with The Woodsman (Ivan Martin) living a quiet life in the Oregon wilderness. One day, he finds a teenage girl named Dani (Maddison Brown), barely conscious in the woods. He takes her back to his house to help her recover.
Once she is restored, he agrees to assist her in returning home.
The film is split into four parts: The Woodsman, Grandma, The Wolf and Red. As it progresses, we learn more about each of these characters, revealing their unique backgrounds, motivations and secrets that haunt them, which influence their actions and decisions throughout the story.
This film reminds me of one of my favorite movies from last year, Strange Darling, because the story is non-linear. While Strange Darling presented the chapters out of order to show a time jump, To Kill a Wolf does not, which is somewhat jarring when it went back in time and a bit confusing, but that’s a minor critique in the context of the whole story.
Ivan Martin delivers the standout performance here. He has appeared in several feature films, though none that caught my attention. However, his portrayal The Woodsman is so compelling and heartfelt. Despite some skeletons in his closet, he exudes a fatherly tenderness that makes you root for his character — truly an excellent performance.
Maddison Brown also delivers a compelling performance that evolves throughout the film. She’s naturally beautiful. Her character is quiet and shy for most of the runtime, but there’s a reason for that. When she begins to speak her truth, her performance as Dani truly shines. I hope to see her in more projects in the future.
My favorite parts are the visuals and atmosphere in this movie: they are genuinely stunning, creating a captivating, immersive experience. Every scene is richly decorated with whimsical winter scenery that captures the magic and tranquility of a frost-covered landscape. My eyes appreciated the intricate beauty of snow-dusted trees, icy reflections and gentle snowfall. All of which contributed to a breathtaking visual feast.
That, combined with Adam Lee’s expert cinematography, created a perfect harmony of composition, light and motion, elevating the overall aesthetic. The use of natural lighting, carefully timed and softly diffused, added a touch of fairy tale playfulness that was very pleasing to the eye, evoking a sense of wonder and nostalgia.
The creators impressively brought an enchanting world to life on a probable small budget, demonstrating craftsmanship and artistic vision.
To Kill a Wolf is what I usually call an “artsy film:” it has no big shocking revelations, plot twists or major climactic scenes, but it carries an important message. While that’s something you need to discover for yourself, thinking about Little Red Riding Hood can give you a slight hint of what to expect.
I’m not usually a fan of movies with deep messages, coming-of-age stories or similar types, but this one touched me more than I expected. Maybe it’s because I’m a mother now, or perhaps it’s just a part of growing older, but I was moved by the film’s characters and message. It stayed with me for the rest of the day after I watched it.
I am a strong supporter of anything small, whether it’s a business or indie filmmaking. I enjoy seeing what people can create with limited budgets and a lot of passion. I’ve spent my life working in small businesses. When everyone shares the same passion and commitment for an idea, magic can happen. I see that in this film.
I rate To Kill a Wolf three out of five stars. The performances, cinematography, score, plot and direction build an intriguing story that’s worth watching. The passion poured into every aspect by director Kelsey Taylor makes this a meaningful film and message for today’s world. While it includes familiar elements of suspense and drama, she skillfully combines them in a way that keeps viewers engaged and invested in the characters’ journeys.
The film’s central message of resilience and social awareness is powerful. It makes it a significant addition to modern cinema and a meaningful reflection of current societal challenges.
Although it may not look like the fairy tales of the past, it captures the essential lesson that makes Little Red Riding Hood a folk legend: being cautious of strangers and not trusting those with bad intentions.