The Shape of Water - Review

Who Made The Shape of Water?

The Shape of Water is directed by Guillermo Del Toro, who is best known for creating fairy-tale inspired gothic horror movies such as Pan's Labyrinth and Crimson Peak. Del Toro came up with the story for The Shape of Water and co-wrote the screenplay with Vanessa Taylor.

What’s it About?

The Shape of Water centres on Elisa Esposito (Sally Hawkins) a mute woman living in 1960s Baltimore. Elisa spends her nights working as a cleaner at a mysterious research facility with her friend Zelda (Octavia Spencer). During the day, she lives in an apartment above a cinema, spending her time with neighbour Giles (Richard Jenkins), a struggling artist. One day, Elisa finds a mysterious amphibious creature (Doug Jones) being held in the facility, with the tyrannical American government agent Strickland (Michael Shannon) and principled Soviet spy Dr Hoffstetler (Michael Stuhlbarg) both taking an interest in studying the so-called ‘Asset’. Elisa forms a relationship with the creature, and after finding out about Strickland’s barbaric treatment of the creature and his plans to have it vivisected, she hatches a plan to help it escape…

My Review

(NOTE: This Review Contains Some Minor Spoilers, So Be Careful...)

The Shape of Water is one of the most prominent competitors in this year’s Academy Awards, (having received an impressive 13 nominations) and it has received plenty of nominations and awards in the other major ceremonies of Awards Season. It’s easy to see why the movie has been so popular with critics, as Del Toro has provided a timeless and appealing romance without sacrificing his signature dark, atmospheric and mysterious style. Overall, The Shape of Water is definitely worthy of the accolades it has received, living up to the promise (used in the tagline for the official novelization) that it will be “a fairy tale for troubled times”…

The fairy tale nature of the movie is established perfectly through an opening voice-over from Giles, as he prepares us for “a tale of love and loss” about “the princess without voice” and “the monster who threatened to destroy it all”. The Shape of Water certainly fits this poetic description. Elisa is the latest in a long line of mute fairy tale heroines (she even shares her name with the protagonist of Hans Christian Andersen's story The Wild Swans), and in spite of some early attempts at misdirection, It doesn’t take long to figure out that violent, bigoted and misogynistic Strickland, who embodies every negative feature of American masculinity, will be the monster. Giles and Zelda also fit the familiar archetypes of the struggling artist and the sassy black best friend, respectively. However, Del Toro and Taylor ensure that these characters are more than just stock figures. Few fairy tale films begin with the protagonist performing sexual activities in the bath, and Elisa is a quirky and sometimes mischievous character who is not your traditional paragon of integrity. Furthermore, in spite of all the familiar tropes and conventions in this story, the final scenes actually come as a bit of a surprise. Although a bittersweet and mysterious conclusion was an inevitability, given the tone of the story and its development, the way the ending plays out is darker and more shocking than expected, and all the better for it.

The Shape of Water tells a simple story, but the technical aspects are handled brilliantly. The prologue, featuring the camera taking us through a series of rooms flooded with water, perfectly establishes the mysterious and atmospheric mood. The effects work used to bring the ‘Asset’ to life (Costumes and facial prosthetics were utilised to create the creature, with computer effects added to enhance its expressions) is seamless, and the cinematography is effective. Del Toro originally planned to shoot The Shape of Water in black and white, and whilst this would have been really interesting, the use of colour is justified. The predominantly blue and green colour palette is a bit murky, but it suits the film very well, and there are plenty of excellent shots. The score from Alexandre Desplat is worthy of special mention, as it conveys both old-fashioned romance and the beauty and mystery of the underwater world. Del Toro’s love of cinema is evident throughout the movie, especially in scenes where Elisa visits to the cinema below her apartment and watches old Shirley Temple movies with Giles. At one point, she even briefly gains a voice in a black-and-white song-and-dance sequence set to the song ‘You’ll Never Know’. There are also numerous subtle allusions to films ranging from 1950s monster movies (The ‘Asset’ is essentially The Creature from the Black Lagoon) to Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers movies such as Top Hat and Follow the Fleet. In a sense, The Shape of Water is to the 2018 Oscars what films like The Artist and La La Land were to past Academy Award ceremonies – a charming throwback to the classic cinematic genres which have fallen into decline. However, regarding The Shape of Water as just another celebration of Hollywood’s past is a real insult – this film uses its technical magic to provide something deeper and more substantial than mere escapism...

The acting is excellent across the board. As Elisa, Sally Hawkins (Paddington 2) communicates entirely in sign language (On some occasions, she is subtitled, but on others, Giles and Zelda explain what she is saying). Even when she is with more talkative characters, Hawkins has little trouble gaining our attention and providing a protagonist both unique and relatable. The ‘Asset’ is also unable to speak, but Del Toro regular Doug Jones (Pan’s Labyrinth) brings him to life with agile and fluid body language. The 'Asset' shares Elisa’s empathy and fascination with movies, TV and music, but the character has a darker side which gets unleashed if you make him angry or scared. The wordless romance which develops between Elisa and the ‘Asset’ is engaging and totally plausible. The initial scenes of Elisa sharing her food with the creature soon blossom into a relationship both ordinary and extraordinary, as moments where the two sit at a table and eat breakfast are contrasted with a memorable sex scene in a flooding bathroom. As odd as the inter-species romance may seem on paper, Del Toro manages to convince us that the human and sea-creature are meant for each other.

Aside from our two protagonists, the supporting cast is also memorable. Richard Jenkins (Let Me In) plays Giles, a closeted gay man who comes to recognise the extent to which he is forbidden from expressing his desires and begins to understand why Elisa cares so much about the ‘Asset’. Michael Shannon (Man of Steel) has a reputation for playing intimidating and volatile villains, and uses this to disturbing effect as Strickland, making the character a major threat from the beginning and giving his eventual villainous breakdown greater impact. As he loses control of the ‘Asset’, and a gruesome injury inflicted by the creature begins to take its toll on him, Strickland drops all pretences of normalcy, resulting in the most brutal scenes of the movie. Octavia Spencer (The Help) is likeable as Zelda, and gets some amusing lines, but she is relatively underused for most of the story. Meanwhile, Michael Stuhlbarg (Hugo) is excellent as Dr. Hoffstetler, who is torn between serving his Soviet superiors and protecting the fascinating ‘Asset’. His internal dilemma generates a level of ambiguity which makes his scenes tense and engaging. Although Stuhlbarg’s turn has received less recognition than the rest of the cast, he deserves to be singled out for praise as well.

The Shape of Water is set in the early 1960s (any indications of a specific year are vague and contradictory) and the period setting is used brilliantly, with most of the main characters being associated with certain aspects of American culture. Elisa is fascinated by the entertainment offered by both grand cinemas and boxy, black and white TVs. Giles spends his time buying key lime pies from an isolated diner and pitching advertisements to an unappreciative ad agency, whilst Strickland’s suburban house and flashy new Cadillac demonstrate his single-minded obsession with being successful.  The Cold War skulduggery threatens to distract from the main story at times, but it raises the stakes for Elisa and her friends, and the idea of contrasting a monstrous American agent with a compassionate Soviet spy is an impressively subversive touch. Most of the unpleasant aspects of the early 1960s, such as the homophobia and racism, are depicted clearly but subtly, highlighting the extent to which Elisa, Giles and Zelda are isolated. This makes it easy to understand are willing to risk everything they have to protect the creature. The message in favour of social justice is clear and unambiguous, and this gives The Shape of Water dramatic resonance which elevates it beyond traditional Hollywood fare. Ultimately, for all the scenes of sex and violence, it is the political messages and enthralling atmosphere which make The Shape of Water feel like an adult fairy tale, and this is why it has been so successful...

Conclusion

The Shape of Water resoundingly succeeds in its goal of providing a classic fairy tale with a modern and subversive edge. Although the story is a familiar one, Del Toro makes it his movie feel unique and engaging, due to its intriguing setting, likeable protagonists and despicable villain. The film also stands out due to its distinctive atmosphere, enhanced by distinctive cinematography and an excellent score. The Shape of Water is brimming with interesting ideas, celebrating the tenacity and compassion of Elisa and her friends whilst protesting against the injustices and cruelties which make life so difficult for them. In lesser hands, The Shape of Water could have been a formulaic and ridiculous mess, but Del Toro has the talent to make it into something special. The Shape of Water deserves all the recognition it has received this awards season, and it is a must-watch for older viewers seeking a mature but magical fairy tale which captures the mystery and enchantment which the best works in the genre provide.

If You Liked This, See…

La Belle Et La Bete (1946) – The Shape of Water is essentially a variation on Gabrielle Suzanne Barbot De Villeneuve’s legendary fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, as a beautiful woman falls in love with a mysterious creature. Although numerous changes have been made to the traditional template (the Beast is the one being held in capitivity in this story), The Shape of Water still has plenty of similarities to Jean Cocteau’s iconic adaptation of Villeneuve’s story, with a focus on physical expression over dialogue, a powerful gothic atmosphere, and an aggressive alpha-male villain…

Let Me Hear You Whisper (1969) – The harshest criticism affecting The Shape of Water has come from those accusing Del Toro of plagiarising his story from the play Let Me Hear You Whisper, adapted into a TV film in 1969. Both films concern a cleaner at a research facility seeking to free an aquatic creature. The two movies have undeniable similarities, but Del Toro’s story feels distinct enough to not seem like a blatant copy. Regardless of whether you think Del Toro copied from Let Me Hear You Whisper, it is interesting to see how these two different films tackled the same basic ideas…

Pan’s Labyrinth (2006) – Del Toro previously won three Oscars for this Spanish-language film about a girl in Fascist-era Spain who comes across a mysterious fantasy word. Although darker and scarier, Pan's Labyrinth contains many of the same elements as The Shape of Water, including a plucky female protagonist, mysterious creatures played by Doug Jones and a sadistic, authoritarian villain more terrifying than any fictional monster…

Frozen: The Musical - Articles and Links

Frozen: The Musical, the long-awaited stage adaptation of Disney's 2013 animated megahit Frozen, is finally about to arrive on Broadway. Previews begin at the St. James Theatre on Thursday, and the show officially opens there on 22nd March. Frozen: The Musical was greenlit shortly after the original film became a major pop-cultural phenomenon, and its arrival on Broadway represents the culmination of months of hard work from the cast and crew. Audiences of all ages are incredibly interested in seeing the adventures of Anna and Elsa brought to life on stage, and during a seven-week tryout in Denver last summer, Frozen: The Musical attracted audiences of almost 126,000 people. Reviews of the Denver performances provided plenty of constructive criticism, and the show has undergone some substantial alterations (around 30% of the musical - approximately 40 minutes worth of material - has apparently been changed since the end of the Denver tryout) in order to get it ready for Broadway. Hopefully, it will prove a major critical and commercial success and appeal to both fans of Frozen and casual audiences...

Here, we will showcase a variety of articles about Frozen: The Musical, including interviews with key members of the cast and crew, and previews of some of the new songs created for this version of Anna and Elsa's story.

(Note: This post contains spoilers, as it assumes that most of us are familiar with the story of Frozen by now. If you aren't, be careful...)


Interviews with Michael Grandage

Frozen: The Musical will be brought to life by the British director Michael Grandage. Although best known for directing acclaimed plays such as Red and Frost/Nixon, he has also overseen major revivals of the grand and glitzy musicals Evita and Guys and Dolls. Grandage has talked extensively about his aims of making Frozen: The Musical deeper and more dramatic without losing the entertainment value and spectacle of the source material...

‘Frozen’ Director Michael Grandage On How the Show Took Shape - In September 2016, Michael Grandage was appointed director of Frozen: The Musical after Disney Theatrical's initial choice, Alex Timbers, left the production. In this interview with Broadway News, Grandage explains why he joined the project, and reveals how he developed his vision for the project in the ten months before the Denver tryouts began. He also talks about the need to make Frozen: The Musical feel like a unique work independent from the original film...

Frozen Musical: First Look at the Stars in Costume - This article from Entertainment Weekly was unveiled on the day Frozen: The Musical began its run in Denver, and it provided us with our first look at the lead actors in costume. It also features Grandage promoting the advantages of theatrical productions, including the increased length and the opportunity to make constant alterations every night. He also discusses the changes made to the characters and the need to provide new surprises for the audience. Meanwhile, Christopher Oram, who designed the sets and costumes for the musical, reveals how he was inspired by his trips to Norway and explains how he provided detailed and elaborate costumes which could also be suitable for the demands of a spectacular stage musical....

Frozen on Broadway: Inside Disney’s Latest Stage Adaptation - In this short but interesting article from Vanity Fair, Grandage explains how Frozen resembles Shakespeare's comedy As You Like It, and reveals how he has made Frozen: The Musical more mysterious and magical, with the comedic trolls from the original movie re-imagined as 'Hidden Folk' based on Scandinavian forest spirits. We also get a pretty photo of protagonists Anna, Elsa and Kristoff interacting with each other against a snowy mountain backdrop...

Michael Grandage Finds Shakespeare in “Frozen” - In a directing career lasting over two decades, Michael Grandage has supervised productions of a number of iconic Shakespeare plays. In this article from The New Yorker, Grandage explains how has been inspired by Shakespeare's comedies Twelfth Night and As You Like It. He also reveals that wintry themes and settings have been used frequently in his Shakespeare productions, and explains the parallels between Elsa and Shakespeare's iconic tragic protagonist Hamlet, as both are defined by their existential journeys...

Michael Grandage on 'Frozen on Broadway': I'll Never Grow Tired of 'Let it Go' - In this article from The Daily Telegraph, Michael Grandage discusses his career as a director, producer and head of the Michael Grandage Company. Although the article is focused on Grandage's British work, with very little about Frozen: The Musical, he gets to explain why 'Let it Go' is such a popular and iconic song, and demonstrates his knowledge of Frozen through a mini pop quiz...

Why Broadway’s Frozen Will Be a Different Story From the Disney Animated Musical - The original Frozen was such a huge success because its subversions of the traditional Disney Princess formula felt unique and exciting. As Frozen: The Musical will stick very closely to the storyline of the movie, it will not be easy to capture the surprise value of these iconic moments. However, in this interview with Playbill, Grandage claims that Frozen: The Musical will feel like an entirely unique story, and the possibility that things may develop differently ensures that the memorable twists from the movie will seem fresh and exciting again. He points to the success of Frost/Nixon (his play about David Frost's interviews with Richard Nixon in 1977) as proof that a retelling of a familiar story can engage audiences and feel completely new to them...

Interviews with Kristen and Robert Anderson-Lopez

One of the biggest selling point of Disney's stage musicals is the opportunity to hear numerous new songs alongside the old favourites, and Kristen and Robert Anderson-Lopez who wrote the songs for Frozen, have added a variety of new tunes for the Broadway version. The songs from the original movie, such as "Do You Want to Build A Snowman?", "For the First Time in Forever" and "Let It Go", will be joined by new songs like "What Do You Know About Love?", "Dangerous to Dream" and "Monster". Based on the interviews which the Lopez's have conducted to discuss the additions to the soundtrack, it seems like a few of them could be incredibly popular with Frozen fans...

5 Things We Learned At BroadwayCon’s ‘Frozen’ Show Spotlight - In January, the Lopez's promoted Frozen: The Musical at the major musical theatre festival BroadwayCon. This article from StageBuddy explains five of the most interesting facts revealed by the Lopez's at this event, as they told audiences how they used 'Let It Go' to develop Elsa's character, explained how their daughter helped them create lyrics for 'For the First Time in Forever' and discussed the Japanese puppetry used to bring Anna's snowman sidekick Olaf to life on stage. The most exciting comment from the Lopez's was their reveal that four of the songs they created for Frozen: The Musical ('Dangerous to Dream', 'What Do You Know About Love?, 'Monster' and 'True Love') will be released on consecutive 'Frozen Fridays' during the four weeks leading up to opening night...

8 Things You Need to Know About Frozen‘s New Show on Broadway - Another article about the Lopez's BroadwayCon appearance, this report from Clevver provides a bit more information. In this article, we get to hear the Lopez's discuss the new songs for each major character, talk about the ability to revisit material which they could not use in the original Frozen, and reveal how they listened to audience feedback when editing Frozen: The Musical following the Denver tryouts...

Robert Lopez On How Star Wars Influenced Frozen the Broadway Musical - In Frozen: The Musical, all the major characters (and a couple of minor ones) from the original movie will get their own signature songs. One of the hardest characters to write for is Hans, the seemingly perfect prince who eventually becomes Frozen's primary villain. Facing the challenge of trying to trick fans of Frozen into trusting Hans a second time, Robert Lopez turned to John Williams' iconic score for Star Wars movies in order to find inspiration. In this article, he reveals to Nerdist how he used Williams' leitmotif for Luke Skywalker as as a model for Hans' new theme song, 'Hans of the Southern Isles'...

She was ‘Frozen.’ Now ex-Charlottean Kristen Anderson-Lopez is On Fire.- This article from Charlotte Observer was written to promote the 2016 Broadway production of Kristen Anderson-Lopez's a capella musical In Transit, but it provided an excellent opportunity for her and Robert to talk about the new music which they were creating for Frozen: The Musical. They reveal that it took 9 months to create enough new songs to fill a stage musical, and explain how they will use these additional songs to develop the characters and overcome the constraints of the stage...

The Challenges in Adapting Frozen for the Broadway Stage - This article from Playbill was written in 2016, when Frozen: The Musical was at a relatively early stage in development (Alex Timbers was still attached to direct at this point). Here, Robert Lopez talks about the need to radically expand the score and story for Frozen: The Musical, and discusses the challenges faced when adapting a film like Frozen for the stage, as a story which was previously told through action sequences and close-ups now needs to be driven by the music...

Writing A Score From Screen to Stage - In this article from Broadway Direct, the Lopez's discuss the difference between animated movies and stage musicals, and explain how the process of writing songs changed as Frozen: The Musical went deeper into production, with even the smallest things needing to be altered in order to make the musical as engaging and spectacular as possible. The Lopez's place particular focus on 'Colder by the Minute', an elaborate musical number which will be the soundtrack to the climatic confrontation between our main characters. They reveal how they used the lyrics and melodies to create atmosphere and tension and provide a strong structure for the sequence, as Anna has to choose whether to seek help from Kristoff or save Elsa from Hans...

Interviews with Caissie Levy 

Given her status as Frozen's most iconic and interesting character, it is little surprise that promotional material for Frozen: The Musical has focused primarily on Elsa. In Frozen: The Musical, Elsa will be played by Caissie Levy, who has starred in hit musicals such as Wicked, Les Miserables and Ghost: The Musical. In these interviews, she explains what it's like to bring Elsa to life, and discusses the songs which she will get to perform, including a certain Oscar-winning power ballad...

A New Frozen For Every Age - Unsurprisingly, many interviews with Caissie Levy have paired her with Patti Murin, who plays Elsa's sister Anna. In this article, Levy and Murin discuss Frozen: The Musical, promising a deeper version of the familiar story which deals with more mature themes. Furthermore, Levy also explains what it's like to develop Elsa and her internal struggles...

Caissie Levy & Patti Murin Redefine the Disney Princess in Broadway's Frozen - In this interview with Broadway.com, Caissie Levy and Patti Murin discuss their relationship, revealing how well they get on and explaining what they love most about Anna and Elsa. They also share a couple of personal secrets and talk about their friendships with some of the stars of the original Frozen, such as Elsa's original voice actress, Idina Menzel...

Caissie Levy Breaks the Ice in 'Frozen' on Broadway - In this article from TodayTix, Levy praises the fact that Elsa is not defined by her relationship with a man (most of the characters she has played on stage have been in romantic relationships with the male protagonists), reveals why Elsa's character arc resonates with so many people, and talks about performing Elsa's iconic signature song, 'Let it Go', which is being used to conclude Act 1 of Frozen: The Musical. Michael Grandage and Patti Murin also appear in this article, explaining why Levy is the ideal choice to play Elsa...

Canadian Caissie Levy is Warming Up to Be Broadway’s Elsa in Frozen - In this interview with the Toronto Star, Levy reveals how being a mother has inspired her interpretation of Elsa. She also reveals the endorsement Idina Menzel gave her in a recent meeting, and explains why the narrative of Frozen: The Musical has been simplified since the Denver tryouts...

“Frozen” Star Caissie Levy On Elsa: “She’s Been Taught The Thing That Makes Her Special Needs To Be Denied” - In this interview with NewNowNext, Levy reveals how she gained the role of Elsa, and tells us how she is preparing for belting out numerous power ballads every night on Broadway. She also discusses Elsa's anxieties and her love for Anna...

‘Frozen’ Stars Look Forward to Performing New Songs in Broadway Show - In this article from Newsday, Levy promotes Elsa's new song 'Monster', which she describes as "badass". She also discusses what it's like to sing 'Let it Go', and reveals how focusing on the lyrics and story of that song will allow audiences to rediscover what made that song so iconic in the first place...

Videos

Murin and Levy will be joined by a large cast of talented actors, with Frozen's three other main characters, Kristoff, Hans and Olaf, being played by Jelani Alladin, John Riddle and Greg Hildreth respectively. All five of the lead performers have appeared together in numerous videos to promote Frozen: The Musical, as they talk about their characters and reveal what it is like to portray them on stage. Michael Grandage and Kristen and Robert Anderson-Lopez have also appeared frequently in these videos, along with several key members of the creative team...

7 Reasons to Get Excited for Broadway's Frozen - In this interview with Playbill, the lead stars and key creatives of Frozen: The Musical discuss the aspects of the musical which excite them the most. Michael Grandage and Caissie Levy promote the new version of 'Let it Go', Jelani Alladin praises the sophisticated puppetry used to bring Kristoff's reindeer sidekick Sven to life, Kristen Anderson-Lopez reveals that the ending has been changed since the Denver tryout, and Greg Hildreth teases a new song for Olaf...

BWW TV: Bundle Up and Watch the Frozen Team Preview New Songs for Broadway! - In this video from BroadwayWorld, Michael Grandage, Kristen and Robert Anderson-Lopez and the five lead actors tell reporter Richard Ridge about Frozen: The Musical. Patti Murin explains how working with the Lopez's inspired her to continue acting, John Riddle talks about his childhood love of Disney villains, and Greg Hildreth places Olaf in the Shakespearean tradition of silly but wise comic fools. Meanwhile, Kristen Anderson-Lopez talks about the changes made to the story, and sings the new songs 'Dangerous to Dream' and 'What Do You Know About Love?' with Robert accompanying her on piano...

Frozen Fridays  - In this Instagram video released to promote the 'Frozen Fridays' which begin this Friday, the Lopez's reveal that 'Monster', a second-act power ballad for Elsa, will be the first new song released during the promotion. They also reveal their excitement at unveiling four of the new songs early...

Frozen The Musical: Official Trailer - This video was released shortly before the Denver tryouts began and provided Frozen fans with their first proper look at Frozen: The Musical. It shows us footage of the cast rehearsing for the show and gives us information about the large creative team, headed by director Michael Grandage, writer Jennifer Lee and executive producer Thomas Schumacher...

Frozen The Musical: The Countdown to Broadway - In this video, Michael Grandage talks about his excitement at sharing Frozen: The Musical with audiences and critics for the first time at Denver, and explains how this influenced the development of the project. He also teases some of the changes made to the musical since the Denver tryout, with a new opening and conclusion, several changes to the songs, and a more streamlined narrative...

Frozen The Musical: The Sitzprobe - In the world of musical theatre, the 'Sitzprobe' is the first full runthrough of the songs with an orchestra. In this video, we see the 'Sitzprobe' for Frozen: The Musical, which took place before the Denver tryouts. We get to hear snippets of 'For the First Time in Forever; 'What Do You Know About Love?' and 'Dangerous to Dream', as sung by the cast, whilst the Lopez's and other figures involved in bringing the songs and score to life (such as Dave Metzger, who is in charge of the orchestrations) discuss the diversity of the soundtrack and the new songs given to the characters...

Introducing Caissie Levy and Patti Murin of Broadway's Frozen - In this video, Caissie Levy and Patti Murin reveal what it's like to play Elsa and Anna, and explain the journey which their characters undertake as they come of age. Meanwhile, Jennifer Lee, who co-directed the original Frozen and wrote the book for the stage version, explains how the two actresses bring Anna and Elsa to life and put their own distinct spin on the characters...

What is at the Core of Your Character? - In this Instagram video, our five leads provide some brief but interesting comments on their characters, as Patti Murin talks about Anna's optimism, Jelani Alladin discusses Kristoff's relationship with Sven, and John Riddle explains his take on the slippery Prince Hans...

Summary 

All the interviews and articles listed above indicate that Frozen: The Musical is going to provide something new and different whilst staying true to the iconic source material. The promotional campaign for Frozen: The Musical has focused on the more elaborate story, the increased levels of character development, and the wide range of new songs, creating anticipation amongst Frozen fans whilst also winning the attention of those less interested in the 2013 Disney megahit. Particularly welcome is the emphasis on Caissie Levy, whose comments indicate that Elsa and Anna's sisterly relationship (which has made Frozen into such an iconic and successful franchise) will be expanded upon in this version. Overall, it seems like Frozen: The Musical will be able to emulate the success of Disney Theatrical's stage adaptations of The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin, and it will eventually enjoy long runs in major theatres all over the world...

15 Fairy Tale Films to Watch on TV This Christmas

During the Christmas season, the British TV schedules are full of excellent TV programmes and films which aim to provide escapist entertainment for the whole family. Many of the best films showing on TV over the Christmas period are based on fairy tales and classic children’s stories, and this article highlights 15 of the best fairy tale films being shown over the festive period this year. In order to make this list easier to put together, it only includes films which are being shown on Britain's five terrestrial channels (BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, Channel 4 and Channel 5).

Frozen

When's It On? - Saturday 23rd December at 2:50PM (BBC1)

Although overexposure has somewhat diluted the surprise value which made it so popular, Disney's 2013 musical Frozen has firmly established itself as one of the most successful and iconic family films of all time, with its memorable characters, creative twists, and an array of inescapably catchy songs such as 'Let it Go'. Last year, its terrestrial premiere attracted an impressive 4.7 million viewers, and it looks like the story of Anna and Elsa will be a Christmas staple on BBC1 for years to come. Frozen fans with cable might also want to check out Olaf's Frozen Adventure, a 20-minute Christmas special centred on snowman sidekick Olaf, which will air on Sky Cinema on Christmas Day.

Cinderella

When's It On? - Christmas Day at 3:10PM (BBC1)

This Christmas Day, Disney's recent live-action remake of Cinderella enjoys its terrestrial premiere on BBC1, becoming one of the major highlights of their Christmas Day schedule. Director Kenneth Branagh applies his signature spectacular style to the fairy tale, with Downton Abbey star Lily James playing Cinderella and Kate Blanchett as the wicked stepmother Lady Tremaine. This new version gives increased depth and complexity to characters who were mere plot devices in the original (such as the Prince and the Fairy Godmother) but manages to retain the simplicity and charm of the original story. With its incredible visuals, compelling story, and powerful messages about the importance of kindness and tenacity, Cinderella is one of the standouts in Disney's recent crop of live-action remakes, making it excellent entertainment for viewers of all ages. 

Dumbo

When's It On?  - Christmas Day at 4:30PM (Channel 4)

Disney were struggling financially in 1942, but their adaptation of the obscure short story Dumbo, about an elephant with unusually big ears, was the hit they needed to turn their fortunes around. At just 65 minutes long, Dumbo is far shorter than any of the other movies on this list, but it provides the impressive animation and memorable characters needed to compete with the longer, flashier films. Whilst some elements of Dumbo have not aged well, the simple but timeless story of a misfit learning how to make use of his unique gifts remains universally appealing. A live-action adaptation of this film arrives in 2019, so now is a good time to make yourself familiar with the original.

Song of the Sea

When's It On?  - Boxing Day at 6:40AM (Channel 4)

Many people use Boxing Day as an opportunity to enjoy a well-earned rest after the chaos of Christmas Day. However, it is definitely worth getting up early to watch Song of the Sea, an Oscar-nominated movie from the acclaimed animation studio Cartoon Saloon. Like their 2009 film The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea is based on Irish folklore, using myths about Selkies, fairies and witches as the basis for a unique and magical story. The movie deals with weighty topics such as bereavement, but it has enough comedy and adventure to keep younger audiences entertained, and the relationship between protagonist Billy and his mute younger sister Saoirse is incredibly easy to relate to. However, the best things about Song of the Sea are the beautiful hand-drawn animation and the Celtic-inspired soundtrack. Overall, the movie is a real treat for children and adults alike, and it will hopefully inspire viewers to check out other Cartoon Saloon projects, such as their forthcoming film The Breadwinner. 

Mary Poppins

When's It On? - Boxing Day at 3:45PM (BBC1)

Disney's 1964 movie Mary Poppins is easily the most iconic of the numerous live-action films created by the studio, and really deserves its status as a mainstay of Christmas TV. Loosely based on a series of novels by P.L. Travers, it tells the story of a mysterious nanny who arrives at the house of Mr Banks and his family and changes their lives. With memorable performances from Julie Andrews, David Tomlinson and Dick Van Dyke, and the brilliant soundtrack from the Sherman Brothers (who can forget songs like 'Feed the Birds', 'A Spoonful of Sugar' or 'Step in Time'?), Mary Poppins continues to weave its powerful spell on audiences all over the world. The forthcoming sequel, Mary Poppins Returns, is one of the most anticipated films of 2018, but it will find it incredibly difficult to emulate the success and longevity of its predecessor.  

The Little Mermaid

When's It On? - Boxing Day at 4:20PM (Channel 4)

When it was released in 1989, Disney's upbeat adventure musical The Little Mermaid was a major critical and commercial success, starting the purple patch known as the Disney Renaissance. Almost three decades after it first arrived in cinemas, it remains one of Disney's most enjoyable movies. Red-headed protagonist Ariel was the first in Disney's long line of adventurous and assertive female leads, and she is joined by a memorable cast of supporting characters, including Sebastian the crab, Flounder the fish, and the wonderfully diabolical baddie Ursula. The movie also features some of the greatest Disney songs ever, including 'Part of Your World', 'Under the Sea' and 'Kiss the Girl'. Even if you take issue with Ariel's search for love, it is impossible to deny the impact of The Little Mermaid - rewatch it yourself and see how much the recent Wonder Woman movie borrowed from it...

Matthew Bourne's Cinderella

When's It On? -  Boxing Day at 5:35PM (BBC2)

Although this is technically not a movie, the television broadcast of Matthew Bourne's Cinderella is feature-length, and is definitely worth mentioning in this article. For his spin on Prokofiev's ballet Cinderella, the iconic choreographer/director relocated the traditional story of Cinderella and Prince Charming to WW2-era London. Bourne’s production uses dancing, costumes, sets, and cutting-edge projections to invoke nostalgia for the culture of the period whilst highlighting the chaos and destruction caused by the German bombing raids at the time. If you are unable to see Matthew Bourne’s Cinderella in person at Sadlers Wells Theatre this Christmas, then this TV screening allows you to enjoy it from the comfort of your own home. Seasoned Matthew Bourne fans will have a great time watching this, and for those not familiar with his work, it represents an excellent introduction.

The Princess and the Frog

When's It On?  - Wednesday 27th December at 10:45AM (BBC1)

When it was released in 2009, The Princess and the Frog was the first traditionally animated Disney movie in five years, and the first Disney Princess movie since Mulan over a decade earlier. A reworking of The Frog Prince set in 1920s New Orleans, it pays loving tribute to the bayous, parades and jazz music which defined that time and place, whilst also providing a modern and assertive protagonist in the shape of the hard-working Tiana, a waitress who gets mistaken for a princess and ends up going on an incredible adventure. Although it was not successful enough to permanently revive traditional animation, The Princess and the Frog generated renewed interest in Disney's fairy tale formula, paving the way for the likes of Tangled and Frozen. It has often been overshadowed by its successors, but it is a colourful, charming throwback which will entertain viewers of all ages.

The Red Shoes

When's It On? - Wednesday 27th December at 12:10PM (BBC2)

Made by the iconic writer/director duo Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, The Red Shoes has fascinated and haunted audiences all over the world since it was first released in 1948. The movie centres on Victoria Page, a dancer preparing to star in a ballet based on the titular Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. Like the protagonist of that story, Victoria finds herself unable to stop dancing, and her inability to control her passion leads to tragedy. With its sumptuous technicolour cinematography, impressively detailed sets, and Moira Shearer’s magnetic performance in the lead role, The Red Shoes has become recognised as one of the greatest British movies of all time. If you haven’t already seen this enthralling and atmospheric movie, this Christmas is the perfect time to check it out for yourself.

Brave

When's It On?  - Friday 29th December at 4:20PM (BBC1)

Pixar’s animated films are traditionally set in modern times, with male protagonists, but for their 2012 film Brave, they adopted the signature formula of parent studio Disney with a female-centred adventure story set in ancient Scotland. The rebellious Princess Merida rejects traditional gender roles, choosing to pursue her interest in riding and archery instead of searching for a mate, and her strained relationship with her mother Queen Elinor provides a welcome contrast to Disney’s traditional emphasis on father/daughter dynamics. The Scottish forests and highlands provide Brave with a magical, mystical feel and allow it to maintain the family-friendly appeal of Disney and Pixar’s output, even as it deviates from many of their traditional conventions. 

Ever After: A Cinderella Story

When's It On? - Saturday 30th December at 12:50PM (Channel 4)

Ever After is the third adaptation of Cinderella mentioned on this list, but it is definitely unique and entertaining enough to stand out, updating the source material to reflect modern, progressive values whilst staying true to the elements which made it so popular in the first place. In this version, Drew Barrymore plays Danielle, a feisty young woman forced into servitude by her tyrannical stepmother, who finds herself falling in love with the handsome Prince Henry. Set in 16th Century France, Ever After downplays the fantasy elements which define most versions of Cinderella, with the legendary inventor Leonardo Da Vinci taking the place of the Fairy Godmother and using science to help Danielle on her path to a happy ending. However, it provides more than enough adventure, comedy and romance to please fans of the traditional story. Since its release in 1998 Ever After has gained a substantial fanbase, with many regarding it as one of the best adaptations of Cinderella. Any fairy tale enthusiasts who have previously overlooked Ever After should see it during the festive period. 

Alice in Wonderland

When’s It On? - Saturday 30th December at 6:20PM (BBC2)

Although Disney had remade some of their animated films in live-action before, Tim Burton’s 2010 adaptation of Alice in Wonderland (both a remake and a sequel at the same time) turned these re-imaginings into the cornerstone of Disney’s live-action division, and helped fuel the growing trend for darker and edgier fairy tale adaptations. Burton’s Wonderland is a grim dystopia, but it allows the director to show off his signature twisted and imaginative visuals. Mia Wazowskia plays a teenage Alice, whilst Burton’s muses Helena Bonham Carter and Johnny Depp play the Queen of Hearts and the Mad Hatter respectively. They are joined by a cast of British acting icons (ranging from Stephen Fry to the late Alan Rickman), who voice the eccentric inhabitants of Wonderland. Alice in Wonderland is one of the darker films on the list, but is still recommended for Tim Burton fans and those who would like an alternative to the more sugary and upbeat fairy tale films traditionally shown over Christmas. 

Into the Woods

When's It On? - New Years Eve at 8PM (BBC2)

When it made its debut on Broadway in 1987, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical Into the Woods attracted the attention of numerous actors and producers with its intelligent deconstruction of classic fairy tales and the messages they teach us. It did not reach the big screen until 2014, but it is testament to the enduring power of Into the Woods that this adaptation featured household names such as James Corden, Emily Blunt, Anna Kendrick, Chris Pine and Meryl Streep in the leading roles. Although several key elements of the source material were cut for the film, most of Sondheim's songs (including 'Hello Little Girl', 'Agony' and the beautiful 'No One is Alone') remain intact, and it is great to see the all-star cast put their spin on these classics. 

Hugo

When's It On? - New Years Day at 1:10PM (Channel 4)

Famous for violent, profane and gritty crime movies such as Taxi Driver and Goodfellas, Martin Scorsese is one of the last directors who you would associate with the fairy tale genre. However, his 2011 film Hugo is a magical change of pace, blending fairy tale tropes with early 20th century technology such as movie cameras and automatons. Based on a novel by Brian Selznick, it tells the story of Hugo, a boy living in 1930s Paris, who befriends the daughter of the legendary film-maker George Melies. Melies used pioneering special effects to create a wide array of spectacular silent movies (including one of the first cinematic adaptations of Cinderella), and Hugo provides a fascinating introduction to his life and work. With its incredible visuals and an excellent cast (Including Asa Butterfield as Hugo and Ben Kingsley as George Melies), Hugo is an enthralling tribute to the power of cinema to bring the most incredible dreams and fantasies to life. 

Maleficent

When's It On? - New Years Day at 5PM (BBC1)

Following in the path of revisionist fairy tale hits such as Wicked and Once Upon A Time, Maleficent puts a new spin on the titular villain from Sleeping Beauty, showing that the 'Mistress of all evil' is not as nearly as nasty as Disney's 1959 classic would have us believe. In this adaptation, Maleficent seeks revenge on the tyrannical King Stefan, but soon finds herself forming a friendship with Princess Aurora. Although Sleeping Beauty purists will despise the changes made to the characters, it is always interesting to see familiar characters get depicted in new and unusual ways, and Angelina Jolie provides an impressive portrayal of Maleficent, replicating the voice and mannerisms of Disney's iconic villain whilst taking her down a more sympathetic path. 

25 Plays, Ballets and Pantomimes To See This Christmas (Part One)

As families search for entertainment during the cold, dark winter nights, theatres seek to attract them with adaptations of classic family-friendly stories. Retellings of familiar stories can provide colourful, engaging escapism for viewers of all ages, so theatres compete to provide the most entertaining adaptations of old favourites for the stage, gaining particularly large audiences during the Christmas holidays. There are numerous interesting pieces of fairy tale theatre available this Christmas, so this list will be split into two parts. This part will focus on plays and musicals based on fairy tales and classic children's novels. Part Two, which will be published in a few days time, will focus on ballets and pantomimes...

Plays in London

London's numerous theatres are incredibly busy during Christmas, as tourists and families flock to see a wide variety of plays in the city. In addition to long-running West End favourites like Wicked, Aladdin and The Lion King, there will be a number of new family-friendly plays for audiences to enjoy this Christmas...

A Christmas Carol

Where: The Old Vic, London

When: Until 20th January

If there is one story which is synonymous with Christmas, it is A Christmas Carol, the 1843 Charles Dickens classic about the miser Ebeneezer Scrooge and the ghosts who visit him on Christmas Eve in order to make him change his ways. A Christmas Carol has been adapted for stage and screen numerous times, with Scrooge played by iconic actors such as Alister Sim, Michael Caine and Jim Broadbent. In this version from The Old Vic, Scrooge will be played by Rhys Ifans, who has starred in movies such as Notting Hill and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.  Ifans is under a lot of pressure to provide a memorable take on Scrooge, as this eagerly-anticipated production has been created by two of the biggest names in British Theatre - director Matthew Warchus (Matilda: The Musical) and writer Jack Thorne (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child). This adaptation of A Christmas Carol is going to be darker than most versions of the story (The Old Vic have recommended it for audiences aged 11 and above) but it seems like it will capture the spirit of Dickens' tale of redemption whilst doing enough to stand out in its own right.

Pinnochio

Where: The National Theatre, London

When: 1st December - 10th April

Following last year's acclaimed adaptation of Peter Pan, The National Theatre will try and gain another hit this Christmas by providing a new version of Pinnochio, with Joe Idris-Roberts as the titular wooden puppet. In order to make this production even more appealing for a family audience, they have gained the rights to use the iconic songs from the 1940 Disney adaptation, including 'I've Got No Strings', 'Give a Little Whistle', and, of course, the legendary 'When You Wish Upon A Star'. However, director John Tiffany and writer Dennis Kelly have been given the freedom to make a number of changes to the source material in order to please modern audiences. Most notably, Jiminy Cricket, the insect who serves as a voice of reason for Pinnochio, is now being played by a woman, updating a character often seen as synonymous with the conventions and values of 1940s America..

The National Theatre adaptation of Pinnochio is probably going to be a bit too scary for very young children, as some of the most horrifying scenes from the source material (such as the trip to Pleasure Island) remain intact in this version. However, it looks like it will retain the magical appeal of the Disney film whilst providing its own unique and theatrical touches. Thus, it is probably going to be a must-watch for families going to the theatre over the next few months.

The Box of Delights

Where: Wilton's Music Hall, London

When: 1st December - 6th January

Based in the East End Suburbs, Wilton's Music Hall is one of London's oldest and most fascinating theatres, having hosted shows and performances since the 19th century. This Christmas, Wilton's Music Hall is putting on an adaptation of John Masefield's classic 1935 children's novel The Box of Delights, which is a perfect fit for an old-fashioned venue with a remarkable history. The Box of Delights tells the story of a boy who meets a showman with incredible magic powers and a box which can allow people to travel through time. Although it was a sequel to Masefield's earlier book The Midnight Folk, it has become far more iconic than the original story and in 1984, it was adapted into an acclaimed television series which starred Devin Stanfield and Patrick Troughton. This version of The Box of Delights is being brought to the stage by acclaimed children's author Piers Torday and director Justin Audibert, with Matthew Kelly and Josefina Gabrielle leading the cast. If you have had enough of Central London, it is definitely worth heading to Wilton's in order to see this intriguing take on Mansfield's enthralling story.

Wilde Creatures

Where: The Vaudeville Theatre, London

When: 15th December - 31st December

The 19th century author Oscar Wilde is renowned for his witty comedic plays, such as The Importance of Being Earnest and Lady Windermere's Fan, but he also created a number of brilliant and beautiful fairy tales, including The Happy Prince and The Selfish Giant. Some of these fairy tales are getting their moment in the spotlight in the show Wilde Creatures, which is being performed as part of an Oscar Wilde Season at the Vaudeville Theatre.

Wilde Creatures is an hour-long play from Tall Stories, a company which specialises in creating short plays based on children's novels such as The Gruffalo. Like their previous works, Wilde Creatures will blend music, comedy and storytelling. In the play, characters from three Oscar Wilde fairy tales (The Happy Prince, The Nightingale and the Rose and The Birthday of the Infanta) will compete to gain a statue in their honour, whilst a group of musicians (the titular Wilde Creatures) provide the narration.. Overall, Wilde Creatures looks like an excellent way of introducing young children to both the works of Oscar Wilde and the world of theatre...

Plays Outside London

Although there are plenty of great plays in London, it is incredibly insulting to reduce all British theatre to that single city. All of Britain's major villages and cities have a major theatre or two, and many of these are providing family-friendly plays and musicals just as impressive as those available in the English capital. These six plays are particularly worth seeing this Christmas, regardless of whether or not you live nearby...

Beauty and the Beast

Where: The Festival Theatre, Chichester

When: 16th December - 31st December

The most successful fairy tale film this year has been Disney's live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast, which made over $1 billion and renewed interest in the 18th-century fairy tale which inspired it. Chichester Festival Youth Theatre are capitalising on this with a new and unique version of Beauty and the Beast far closer to Gabrielle-Suzanne De Villeneuve's original story than the 1991 Disney classic adapted from it. This production seems darker and more mysterious than the Disney film, as Beauty and her spoiled brothers and sisters come across the fearsome Beast, but there will be a lot for kids to enjoy as well, with Richard Taylor even creating a variety of new songs for this production. Chichester is notable for providing high-quality regional theatre, and this take on Beauty and the Beast looks like it will be a must-see for any families visiting the area this Christmas.

The Arabian Nights

Where: The Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh

When: Until 6th January

The winter months are especially cold in Edinburgh, but a bright and colourful play can really lift the spirits and warm the heart. This Christmas, The Royal Lyceum Theatre will be taking audiences to the heart of the Middle East with their play The Arabian Nights. In contrast to the Orientalist kitsch of Aladdin pantomimes, The Arabian Nights will provide a far more respectful take on the classic Arabian stories first collected in the 9th century, with an exciting and action-packed new narrative provided by Suhayla El-Bushra. In this play, the storyteller Scheherezade will seek to protect her world from a tyrannical sultan by telling stories ranging from familiar classics such as Aladdin and Ali Baba to more obscure and unusual tales such as The Genie, the Girl and the Chess Playing Monkey Boy. Director Joe Douglas has promised a play full of "colour, heat, magic, adventure and song", and it definitely looks like this production will provide entertainment which is colourful, unique and still perfect for Christmas...

The Jungle Book

Where: Royal & Derngate Theatre, Northampton

When: 28th November - 31st December

In recent years, film-makers have taken a renewed interest in Rudyard Kipling's short story collection The Jungle Book. Disney's live-action remake of their iconic 1967 adaptation was a major critical and commercial hit in 2016, and Andy Serkis' darker, more adult version of Kipling's classic is due in cinemas next year. In order to capitalise on the popularity of The Jungle Book, Olivier Award-Winning writer Jessica Swale and director Max Webster have created a new version of this iconic text for the stage. It will use the medium of theatre to put a new spin on the familiar story of Mowgli, the human boy raised by wolves in the jungle, and his battle with the sinister tiger Shere Khan. It seems like this version is closer to Kipling's universe than Disney's, but it will provide plenty of music and comedy for family audiences, with no shortage of creative special effects used to bring the animals of the jungle to life. This production will premiere in Northampton, before starting a tour of the UK in January. With its memorable characters and fascinating setting, The Jungle Book seems like it will become pretty popular with family audiences over the next few months.

The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

Where: West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

When: 29th November - 27th January

Sally Cookson has gained a reputation as one of Britain's most innovative theatre directors, thanks to her acclaimed versions of Jane Eyre and Peter Pan. This Christmas, she is heading to Leeds to direct an adaptation of the C.S. Lewis classic The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, about four siblings who discover a mysterious world hidden behind a wardrobe. In order to satisfy the high levels of interest in Cookson's new production, The West Yorkshire Playhouse has been expanded to seat over 1000 theatregoers.

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe is best known for its Christian overtones, but for her version, Sally Cookson is updating the story by focusing on the development of the four protagonists, the Pevensies. They are evacuees sent to live in the countryside during World War Two, and Cookson aims to draw parallels between their experiences and those of the refugees seeking shelter in Britain today. Her production looks like it will put a new spin on the 1950 novel whilst retaining the magic and mystery which has made it into a Christmas classic...

The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales

Where: Bristol Old Vic, Bristol

When: 30th November - 14th January

After its successful run at the Globe Theatre last Christmas, The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales is touring the UK, arriving in Bristol just in time for the Christmas holidays. In this single-act play from director Emma Rice and writer Joel Horwood, Hans Christian Andersen's bleak yet beautiful fairy tale The Little Matchgirl is used as a framing story, with the impoverished titular protagonist using her last remaining matches to conjure up visions of Ole Shuteye, who tries to keep her entertained by telling her the stories of Thumbelina, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Princess and the Pea. The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales has been praised for its creative visuals and puppetry, and its success at balancing the tragedy of The Little Matchgirl with the more upbeat and comedic tone of the tales which accompany it. The Little Matchgirl and Other Happier Tales is highly recommended for any families seeking a more mature (yet still child-friendly) alternative to the traditional Christmas theatre...

Treasure Island

Where: The New Vic, Newcastle-Under-Lyme

When: Until 27th January

The New Vic, based in the Staffordshire suburb of Newcastle-Under-Lyme, is famous for its "in-the-round" stage, which engages the audience by allowing them to see the action from all sides. Their Christmas play this year is a take on the Robert Louis Stevenson classic Treasure Island , with the 1883 novel about pirates and the search for buried treasure being turned into an exciting play full of adventure and swordfights. The overwhelmingly masculine source material is being updated for a more diverse audience, with several key characters reimagined as females. For example, protagonist Jim Hawkins is now called Jem and played by Nisa Cole. However, this adaptation will stay true to the heart of Treasure Island, as Jem's coming-of-age and her friendship with the mysterious Long John Silver will remain key elements of the story. Blending the traditional thrills of Stevenson's tale with a new modern and progressive approach, this take on Treasure Island looks like it will provide the bright and colourful escapism needed during the long and cold winter nights.

10 Disney Darkfics for Horror Fans

(Warning: Disney movies are famous for being family-friendly fun, but these darkfics are NOT suitable for younger or more sensitive audiences. All the darkfics listed here are consistently dark and disturbing, with a few containing scenes that could upset even the most enthusiastic horror fans. If you're into the horror genre, then you shouldn't have a problem with these darkfics, but if you aren't, tread carefully...)

Even though they have become synonymous with overly upbeat and sanitized family entertainment, all Disney films contain plenty of dark elements. These have inspired numerous fanfic authors, who have used Disney films as the basis for darker and edgier fanfics known as darkfics. These take full advantage of the creative freedom provided in the world of fanfiction, emphasising the darker aspects of the source material whilst tackling topics which could never be discussed in a family-friendly animated musical. Many of the best Disney darkfics belong to the horror genre. In order to be considered horror, a work must generate a consistent and pervasive atmosphere of terror and unease, unsettling audiences and playing on their worries and anxieties. Horror stories usually depict vulnerable and defenceless characters having to face seemingly unstoppable monsters who embody and represent widely-held fears, but some works in the horror genre are told from the perspective of these monsters.

This article lists the best horror darkfics based on Disney films, highlighting the fact that even the most optimistic fairy tales can inspire works which are legitimately disturbing and scary. Numerous darkfics were considered for this list, but only 10 could be chosen. Thus, a number of excellent darkfics were not included. Five of the best darkfics omitted from the main countdown are instead listed as Honourable Mentions. The 10 which made the list are inspired by a variety of Disney movies ranging from Snow White to Moana. They represent an array of horror subgenres, featuring zombies, ghosts, serial killers, and other scary elements. However, they are all creative, atmospheric and disturbing, drawing on the influence of Disney's characters and stories in an unusual and twisted way whilst also being excellent works in their own right.

Honourable Mentions

• Fairest (By Afterandalasia)

Based On: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

• She Had Winter In Her Heart (By Raziel12) 

Based On: Frozen

(Also available on Fanfiction.net)

• The Most Dangerous Game (By Jadewolf)

Based On: Moana

• Until She Wakes (By ShamanicShaymin)

Based On: Sleeping Beauty

• Within These Walls (By Beta Gyre)

Based On: Tangled

The Top 10 Disney Darkfics For Horror Fans

• After The Kiss  (By ChokolatteJedi)

Based On: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

(Plot: After Snow White's Prince wakes her from the enchanted sleep, he looks forward to enjoying his happily ever after with the beautiful princess. However, there is now something strange about Snow White, and the Prince gradually comes to realise that bringing her back to life had unexpected and disastrous consequences...)

Disney's version of Snow White popularised the notion of 'True Love's Kiss' - the idea that a kiss from a love interest could literally have the power to bring a seemingly dead character back to life. Most criticisms of this concept have centred on the idea that its unrealistic for a kiss from a near-total stranger to have so much power. However, After the Kiss takes a very different approach - what if True Loves Kiss was problematic because it interfered with the natural order of life and death? This unnerving question inspires a unique and creative spin on the zombie genre.

Fairy tales about the perils of waking the dead are not unusual. The Brothers Grimm story The Three Snake Leaves used a similar premise, showing a princess being resurrected by magic and becoming evil. However, After the Kiss is far superior to The Three Snake Leaves, due to the careful set-up. At first, Snow White's inability to sleep and increasingly pale skin are dismissed as minor problems, but as time progresses and her condition gradually worsens, the Prince's growing fear and unease is resoundingly vindicated. The climactic visual of a completely zombified Snow White, with her seven dwarves converted into feral henchmen, is chilling proof that a kiss which seemed to save Snow White has actually destroyed her. Ultimately, After the Kiss provides a creative spin on the zombie genre which teaches us that the magic associated with fairy tales can have awful side effects and needs to be examined carefully...

• Ariel's Revenge (By Untherius)

Based On: The Little Mermaid

(Plot: Eric gets trapped in a parallel world where he is imprisoned and tortured for months by a sadistic alternate version of Ariel. The real Ariel manages to rescue Eric from this world and bring him back to life, but eventually comes to realise just how badly his ordeal has affected him...)

Out of all the darkfics on this list, Ariel's Revenge is the most unpleasant by some distance, containing cannibalism, animal cruelty, sexual abuse and plenty of gore. It certainly succeeds in its purpose of upsetting, disturbing, and disgusting readers. The first half of the story sees Eric become the victim of a creepy siren who looks almost like Ariel, but has suspiciously grey skin and an unsettling voice. She also does things that the real Ariel would never even contemplate, such as abusing Eric in a variety of ways whilst eating his flesh piece by piece. Once the real Ariel arrives, the story shifts to her perspective, showing just how Eric's experiences have destroyed his relationship with her. The graphic violence and the near-total lack of explanation for Eric's plight gives this story an incredibly nightmarish feel, and the fact that we care so much about Ariel and Eric makes it even crueller.

In the comments section accompanying the story, Untherius claims that Ariel's Revenge is a rebellion against "all that cutsie Disney Princess stuff". You could say that about almost all the darkfics mentioned in this article, but with its gruesome violence and unrelenting misery, Ariel's Revenge is an especially vicious response. However, the compelling story, unnerving central monster and consistently unsettling atmosphere elevate Ariel's Revenge above other NSFW "Torture Porn" fanfics and earn it a place on this list. More sensitive readers should stay as far away from Ariel's Revenge as possible, but if you have a strong stomach and a taste for more extreme types of horror, then this harrowing story is worth checking out.

• Dark As Snow (By Anysia)

(Also available on Fanfiction.net and Tumblr)

Based On: Frozen 

(Plot: Desperate to escape from her lonely life with her troubled, reclusive sister Elsa, Anna Arendelle gets impulsively married to seemingly perfect widower Hans Westergard. However, life with Hans in his lavish estate isn’t the fairy tale ideal she expected, and Anna soon finds herself becoming increasingly close to his stable hand, Kristoff. But Hans is keeping a dark secret, hidden inside a mysterious locked room, and it could endanger everything Anna holds dear…)

Dark as Snow already appeared on an earlier list on this blog (which showcased the best fairy tale mash-ups), and its a real pleasure to talk about it again. It is one of only two multi-chapter darkfics mentioned in this article (Within These Walls is only an Honourable Mention) and the extra length allows it to develop the characters and build up tension and mystery. The decision to do a version of Angela Carter's iconic short story The Bloody Chamber (probably the best and most popular adaptation of the twisted Perrault fairy tale Bluebeard) featuring the characters from Frozen in the key roles is genuinely inspired, as both tales play on our fears that impulsively getting engaged to a person we don't know might be an incredibly bad idea. Needless to say, Dark as Snow delivers this message in a manner which is far closer to The Bloody Chamber than Frozen. In fact, the version of Hans featured in Dark as Snow - a sadistic, manipulative control freak whose depravity knows no bounds - is probably the scariest and most twisted villain on this list, which is a pretty impressive achievement.

Many of the most terrifying moments in Dark as Snow (such as the scene where Anna enters the locked room and finds out what happened to Hans's previous wife) are adapted pretty closely from The Bloody Chamber. However, Anysia manages to put her own spin on them, and the violence here feels genuinely brutal and unsettling. One of the main reasons for this is her ability at getting inside Anna's head and allowing us to feel everything she feels. As a result, we sympathize with Anna and really feel sorry for her as her fairy tale dream turns out to be the most horrible nightmare imaginable. When she finally fights back in the climax, it is a wonderfully satisfying moment. Dark As Snow is an excellent horror story, but it also succeeds as a romantic drama (Anna's relationship with Kristoff provides some much-needed sweetness and warmth), a psychological thriller, a coming-of-age tale, and a feminist statement about a woman gaining the courage to stand up to the ultimate abusive husband. In short, it's proof that fanfics can be as exciting and enthralling as the works which inspired them...

• Death Of Her Heart (By Lord Wezel)

Based On: Frozen

(Plot: When Elsa accidentally struck Anna in the heart with her magic, it turned her into a cruel tyrant. In order to get her revenge, she makes Elsa into her slave and uses her magic to turn all of the kingdom to ice...)

In Frozen, Elsa is a compelling character because of her ability to control ice and snow, but these powers are incredibly dangerous, and mastering them is no easy task. The idea that Elsa's powers can kill people if she loses control of them has inspired many a darkfic, but Death of Her Heart puts a disturbing new spin on the idea. In this story, Elsa's inability to control her ice powers doesn't kill Anna, but it does something even worse - Anna's heart is not just frozen, it no longer exists, and she has now become a merciless monster with nothing but hatred for Elsa...

Death of Her Heart features some impressively cold winter imagery, and the blank, immobile perfection of the frozen wasteland created by Anna is pretty creepy. However, the primary source of horror is seeing a character like Anna turn into a cruel and sadistic monster. From the beginning, the descriptions and dialogue highlight how Anna has turned truly heartless, with all the "once-glorious life" in the kingdom eradicated for the sake of a pretty visual. The violence is certainly uncomfortable to read about, with Anna chaining Elsa up like a dog and carving snowflakes into her arm, but the scariest thing here is the extent to which Anna is willing to make Elsa suffer for her mistakes. With its grim central concept and an ending entirely devoid of hope, Death of Her Heart is an incredibly bleak read, but the powerful writing and the overwhelming sense of tragedy make it impossible to forget...

• Do You Want To Build A Snowman? (By VulpineTrickster)

Based On: Frozen

(Plot: When they were playing as children, Elsa lost control of her ice powers and accidentally killed Anna. As a result, Anna became a ghost who continues to haunt her older sister...)

As we all know, Frozen begins with Elsa accidentally injuring Anna with her ice powers, causing the rift between the two which defines the movie. Numerous horror darkfics take this opening sequence and use it as the basis for stories which ask the question "What if Anna had died in that accident and returned  to haunt Elsa as a ghost?". Out of the numerous darkfics in this subgenre, Do You Want To Build A Snowman? is probably the best. At under 500 words long, it is the shortest story on this list by a considerable distance, but every single syllable is used to show how creepy and threatening this version of Anna is. The story focuses on Elsa and her efforts to avoid responding to this version of her sister, with the short, simple sentences and effective use of present tense building a sense of dread before Elsa finally snaps. When we finally see Anna and her horde of hideous snowmen (any fanfic which can make us frightened by the phrase "I like warm hugs" deserves praise) it is definitely worth the terrifying build-up. In the horror genre, less is usually more, and Do You Want To Build A Snowman? demonstrates how unsettling a short, simple story can be with just a few creepy images and ideas...

• Don't Go Into the Woods, My Love (By Afterism)

Based On: Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Tangled

(Plot: Rapunzel is a young woman with healing hair, imprisoned in a tower by a domineering mother. Rapunzel has been hearing stories about how dangerous the forest is, centred on the mysterious princess who inhabits it and seems to have total control over all the plants and animals. However, she soon realises that this princess is an ally rather than a threat...)

Don't Go Into The Woods, My Love is the only darkfic on this list which combines two different Disney films into a single narrative. This is handled pretty effectively - Although Snow White and Rapunzel are kept apart for the majority of the story, it is easy to believe that they can exist in the same universe. Both Snow White and Rapunzel are associated with the mysterious and magical German forests which inspired the Brothers Grimm, and these are portrayed in a wonderfully atmospheric fashion. Afterism succeeds in making us believe that the forest is truly alive, and that Snow White has unusual powers and capabilities far greater than the average princess. There is more than enough dark and twisted imagery for this fanfic to be classified as a horror, including feral dwarves, blood turning into vines, and a floor laid with bones and apple cores, but these all fit this world perfectly, enhancing the distinctive combination of beauty and terror which makes this story so alluring...

Don't Go Into the Woods, My Love perfectly fits the literary subgenre of dark, feminist modern fairy tales pioneered by Angela Carter. This version of Snow White is sinister, mysterious and almost monstrous, but she is also a powerful, independent and compelling character able to destroy foolish princes with ease. A brief scene where she meets a young boy obsessed with being Prince Charming really demonstrates that she is not the helpless victim traditionally associated with both fairy tales and the horror genre. Rapunzel's side of the story could have been developed in a bit more detail (her links to the forest need to be foreshadowed more clearly) but the scene where she stands up to her mother is impressively nasty, and it's easy to buy the fact that she has an irrepressible bond with Snow White, given their incredible powers. Don't Go Into the Woods, My Love is probably the least conventional story on this list, and this is what makes it so appealing. Instead of being about the suffering of helpless protagonists, it is about two assertive women creating their own unconventional world, and anyone who stands in their way can expect to be in plenty of trouble...

• Inquisitive (By Ephemeral_Everlast)

Based On: Alice In Wonderland

(Plot: Alice wants to experience a totally nonsense world, but when she ends up in Wonderland, she finds herself out of her depth in a world full of strange and creepy creatures such as the Cheshire Cat and the Queen of Hearts. It is not long before she learns that she has to be careful what she wishes for...)

Alice In Wonderland takes place in a fantasy world defined by its total lack of rules, Although the Lewis Caroll story and the Disney film which it inspired are primarily comedic, there is something pretty terrifying about a world which is impossible to control, and Ephemeral_Everlast is skilled at exploiting this. Inquisitive really emphasises the nightmarish aspects of Wonderland, as Alice finds out the hard way that a world she hoped would be fun and colourful is actually completely hideous.

The changes which turn the familiar tale into an adults-only darkfic are disturbingly subtle. The Cheshire Cat now has fangs, the 'Unbirthday' cake of The Mad Hatter seems to be alive, and the bullying Flowers emit poison. Most importantly, the story emphasises Alice's thoughts and feelings. When seen from her perspective, the Queen of Hearts is a pretty scary character - she's essentially a tyrant who wants to behead a little girl for no reason. The basic storyline is unchanged, but Inquisitive is a far shorter, leaner story - like Alice, it wants to get out of Wonderland as soon as possible. However, the simple descriptions used by Ephemeral_Everlast are evocative and succeed in generating an uneasy and menacing atmosphere. As Alice becomes increasingly confused and scared, we see that a child like her cannot belong in a land devoid of order and reason. Overall, Inquisitive does an effective job of showing how sinister a world as strange and crazy as Wonderland can be.

• Kohuru (By Jadewolf)

Based On: Moana

(Plot: Two foolish young warriors enter the underworld of Lalotai in a bid to enjoy the ultimate adventure, but soon find themselves regretting this decision when they come across the monstrous giant crab Tamatoa...)

In Moana, the villainous giant crab Tamatoa is played mostly for comedy, but for many people, coming face to face with a fifty-foot tall, flesh-eating creature is no laughing matter. In Kohuru, the warriors Temana and Rahiti find out the hard way just how scary Tamatoa can be. When two impulsive youths take on a giant monster, we all know that it is not going to be a fair fight, but for viewers who primarily remember Tamatoa for singing 'Shiny' or taking a dig at The Little Mermaid, seeing how nasty he gets in Kohuru is quite a shock. The meeting between Temana and Tamatoa starts with a fast-moving fight, but as Tamatoa asserts control, the bravado of our two protagonists is replaced by uncontrollable fear, as they discover what Tamatoa is truly capable of...

The strongest aspect of this story is the way in which Tamatoa is upgraded from Disney villain to horror movie monster. He retains his hatred of Maui and his belief that humans are little more than tasty snacks, but the humour is almost entirely stripped away - Tamatoa's dialogue is acidic and vicious, as he takes his frustrations out on the two unlucky humans who try to fight him. Temana and Rahiti are also depicted effectively - they are foolish enough to deserve a harsh punishment, but sympathetic enough for their gruesome fates to be genuinely distressing.  Darkfics allow Disney villains to become far more violent and threatening, as the constraints restricting their behaviour in a family film are entirely eliminated. After reading Kohuru (or The Most Dangerous Game, a similar story from the same author) it is going to be a lot harder to regard Tamatoa as merely an eccentric, gold-obsessed nuisance...

• Seven For A Secret  (By Orphan_account)

Based On: Cinderella, Tangled, Sleeping Beauty, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

(Plot: A collection of seven stories about Disney characters whose search for a happy ending instead leads to a world of pain and misery. These include 'The Legend of the East Kingdom', in which Cinderella's deal with the fairy godmother has disastrous side effects, 'Leashed', where Rapunzel proves unable to control the growth of her hair, and 'Egalite', where Belle becomes a victim of the French Revolution...)

Whilst all the other darkfics on this list tell a single story, Seven for a Secret contains SEVEN different tales which all ruthlessly subvert the hopeful and optimistic approach associated with the original Disney films. Instead of bright songs and comedic side characters, we are treated to scenes showing Belle being executed by revolutionaries ("Madame Guillotine had no love for happy endings."), Rapunzel getting permanently trapped by her hair and wasting away in her own filth, Aurora's kingdom being wiped out by plague, and Jasmine getting her right hand cut off. Orphan_account provides us with a selection of protagonists who are sympathetic and engaging, but they ultimately all prove unable to avoid their awful fates, with the vivid and powerful descriptions highlighting the cruelty of the stories.

The extent to which Seven for A Secret can be classified as a horror darkfic is a matter for debate. 'The Legend of the East Kingdom' (which combines Cinderella and Sleepy Hollow), 'Siren Song' (A story from Eric's perspective, where Ariel is reinterpreted as a murderous siren) and 'The Woman in White' (Where Snow White's singing has deadly effects) fit the horror genre perfectly, the other four stories are predominantly miserable rather than scary. However, they are certainly disturbing enough to qualify for this list (a story doesn't have to be horror to be considered horrifying) and the tragedies experienced by the protagonists fuel a variety of mundane fears regarding disease, violence, and the loss of control. The stories in Seven For A Secret are incredibly grim on their own, but when put together, they generate a fanfic so vicious that the it has managed to appear on a number of on-line lists recognising it as one of the nastiest Disney darkfics of all time - a feat which even Ariel's Revenge couldn't manage...

• The Glass Princess   (By JessicaJ)

Based On: Sleeping Beauty

(Plot: Once upon a time, Prince Philip failed to save Princess Aurora and her kingdom from a curse placed on them by the wicked Maleficent. Two hundred years later, he returns to Aurora's decaying kingdom in a bid to make amends, only to find out the hard way that it is not as devoid of life as he expected...)

In most retellings of Sleeping Beauty, it's not just the titular princess who is put into an eternal slumber, but the whole of her kingdom. In The Glass Princess, this concept is developed to disturbing effect. When Prince Phillip (not named in this version) arrives at the derelict kingdom, he finds out that all the humans and animals present when the curse struck have been reduced to skeletons. JessicaJ even highlights the odious stench of the bodies, extending the oppressive atmosphere beyond the visuals. An equally creepy sight is Aurora herself, now turned into the titular glass princess, eerily pale and "as close to nothing as she can possibly be". These visuals show just how destructive the curse has been, and allow the story to resoundingly distance itself from lighter versions of Sleeping Beauty...

The Glass Princess centres on a protagonist who is already dead inside, but Phillip's complete guilt at failing to save Aurora and the kingdom gives the story a sense of direction which allows the grisly visuals to have a greater impact. The conclusion is a grim little sting in the tale, but it fits perfectly - the only way for Phillip to bring life to The Glass Princess is by paying the ultimate penalty for his initial cowardice. The Glass Princess is a gloomy and intense experience, but the excellent descriptions and creative ideas make it a compelling and rewarding read.