Preview by Jon Donnis
Andy Edwards is bringing a bold new twist to a classic fairy tale with his upcoming fantasy horror film Rumpelstiltskin. Set to make its world premiere at FrightFest Glasgow on 8 March 2025, the film will be available on digital release from 7 April through Miracle Media. Starring Hannah Baxter-Eve, Joss Carter, and Adrian Bouchet, this gruesome reimagining blends intense horror with sharp humour and a fierce female lead who refuses to play the victim.
The story follows Evaline, played by Baxter-Eve, whose father, a greedy miller, lies to the King, claiming his daughter can spin straw into gold. When the King, played by Colin Malone, discovers the deception, he locks Evaline and her father in a tower, demanding they produce gold or face execution. Desperate and out of options, Evaline's fate takes an even darker turn when a masked creature, played by Joss Carter, appears with an offer to help. The imp promises to spin the straw into gold, but his assistance comes with a heavy price.
At first, the imp's help seems like a miracle, but the King's greed knows no bounds. He demands more and more gold, pushing Evaline to make an even more desperate bargain. She promises her firstborn child in exchange for the creature's continued help. What begins as a horrifying test of survival soon spirals into chaos when the Devil himself becomes involved, turning the already twisted situation into something far worse.
Edwards' vision for Rumpelstiltskin is a brutal, visually striking horror film that leans into the grotesque elements of the original tale. The special effects are designed to shock, with grotesque transformations and terrifying creature design. Carter's performance as the mischievous imp is unsettling, bringing a disturbing physicality to the role, while Baxter-Eve's Evaline is a sharp-tongued and defiant lead who refuses to go down without a fight.
The film's mix of bloody horror and biting humour makes it a fresh addition to the genre, offering a fearless reinterpretation of a well-known story. Edwards is known for pushing boundaries, and Rumpelstiltskin looks to be no exception. With a powerful cast, shocking visuals, and a story that plunges into the depths of human greed and desperation, the film is set to leave a lasting impression on audiences.
Fans of twisted fairy tales and intense horror will not want to miss this one. Rumpelstiltskin premieres at FrightFest Glasgow on 8 March 2025, with a digital release to follow on 7 April through Miracle Media. It is a savage and darkly entertaining tale that reminds us all that some stories are better left untold.
