Be Careful What You Bargain For

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MOVIE REVIEW
Rumpelstiltskin
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Andy Edwards
Writer(s): Andy Edwards
Cast: Hannah Baxter-Eve, Joss Carter, Adrian Bouchet, Colin Malone, Evyn George, Ayvianna Snow, Jennifer Lim, Annabella Rich, Sarah Jane Duncan, James Dance, Chris Mills
Where to Watch: Digital release on April 7, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: RUMPELSTILTSKIN charges headfirst into the idea of taking a tale that’s long been tucked away in childhood memory and handing it over to the horror genre—complete with its darker roots intact. This version doesn’t try to soften the impact. Instead, it digs its claws into themes of control, survival, and systemic cruelty, swapping out fairy dust for blood-soaked desperation. Even without a big studio budget, Andy Edwards pulls off something that feels scrappy and deliberate. It is a gritty genre exercise that’s as interested in power dynamics as it is in goblins and spinning wheels.

Rather than rushing through familiar, the story is broken into three segments: daughter, queen, mother. It follows Evalina through different stages of transformation as she’s forced to adapt, strategize, and eventually fight back. That triptych structure doesn’t just organize the narrative—it reinforces how trapped she is within roles assigned to her by others. Played with intensity by Hannah Baxter-Eve, Evalina begins as a survivor trying to get by. Still, as the stakes escalate, her inner fire becomes the driving engine of the film. She’s not here to be saved—she’s figuring out how to save herself.

While the movie centers on Evalina’s arc, it surrounds her with a rogue’s gallery of men representing various shades of exploitation. Colin Malone’s King is an unchecked desire with a crown on top, and he is a cartoonish predator made menacing through his absolute authority. Evalina’s father, though far less threatening in appearance, causes equal damage through cowardice. His poor decisions push her into the King’s world in the first place. There’s an underlying commentary here about how women get tossed between bad and worse choices, which RUMPELSTILTSKIN doesn’t shy away from dramatizing.

Then there’s Rumpelstiltskin himself. Joss Carter’s take on the titular creature is animated and unnerving in all the right ways. Rather than dialing him up to eleven or playing for laughs, Carter threads his performance with unpredictability. His portrayal feels genuinely otherworldly, and thanks to the practical effects—especially the facial prosthetics design—he doesn’t just look like a threat; he feels like one.

The world around these characters supports the tone, too. A gloomy, earthy palette makes the film’s atmosphere thick with unease. Forests stretch out like corridors with no exits, and interiors drip with dampness and claustrophobia. Despite its limited budget, the production design evokes something primal and dangerous. Edwards and his cinematographer create visuals that feel rough and unrefined in a purposeful way—it’s grim without ever looking cheap.

A weak spot in the film is the supporting cast. Aside from the central trio, many characters lack definition or presence. Whether due to rushed editing or thin character development, a handful of scenes come across like narrative checkpoints rather than meaningful interactions. Focus was placed on the lead arc—and rightly so—but a richer ensemble could’ve added more to Evalina’s journey. Additionally, there are moments where the score overwhelms the dialogue, especially during more dramatic exchanges. It’s not a constant problem, but it makes key moments feel muffled or emotionally distant when it happens.

RUMPELSTILTSKIN doesn’t feel like it’s playing by typical genre rules. The horror elements are quiet but present—mostly baked into character choices and the oppressive setting rather than jump scares or gore. This horror lingers in implication, in the dread of obligation, and the fine print of supernatural deals. When the creature shows up, it matters. When Evalina pushes back, it resonates.

What elevates the film is its decision to let Evalina shape the ending. She’s not just reacting to supernatural threats or patriarchal structures—she’s actively rewriting the world's conditions. The film opens with her being handed over as a pawn, but she’s learned how to control the board by the end. That shift—from desperation to rebellion—cements the story’s message about reclaiming autonomy, even in a world designed to take it away.

So no, it’s not flawless. But it’s not aiming for perfection. It’s reaching for relevance, atmosphere, and a new angle on an old legend. And in many ways, it succeeds. If you’re into character-led horror that's slightly rough around the edges and peppered with sharp thematic choices, this one’s worth your time. It’s a story, you know—but not like this.

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[photo courtesy of MIRACLE MEDIA]

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