The premise of reinventing a story told time and time again is nothing new. To achieve this, filmmakers must find the rare balance between paying homage to the original while also adding something new to the discussion. To Kill A Wolf succeeds by balancing a masterfully reinvented story and characters with stunning visuals under the direction of writer/director Kelsey Taylor.
To Kill A Wolf retells the familiar fairy tale of the unlikely bond that develops between a grizzled woodsman and a young teenage girl whom he encounters in the woods. As the two embark on an adventure back to her grandmother’s house, the unlikely duo begins to understand each other more, discovering who they are and how they became the characters they are today.
The film stands out most by grounding the fairy tale in today’s world. The somber tone serves as a sobering reminder of the selfish tendencies of humans as well as the consequences of our actions. The film incorporates mature ideas of sexual abuse and regret effectively while making a statement on the ability to find human connection amidst the world around us. Much like real life, the happiest moments of the film feel safe and familiar, but as reality seeps in, the mood of the film shifts unexpectedly.
This careful balancing of tone is most evident through the crafting of the characters and their relationships with one another. Audiences may enter the film with preconceived notions of the plot and characters based on the original source material. However, the creative team makes deliberate choices to subvert expectations, leaving audiences engaged as they want to learn more about these specific iterations of the characters.
Going into the film, one would expect the protagonist to be Little Red Riding Hood. And, while the film develops her backstory quite well, a surprising addition is the depth given to the mysterious Woodsman she encounters in the woods. It is hard to discuss without giving the details of the plot away, but once the characters truly understand one another, audiences are treated to strong character dynamics anchored by the compelling chemistry between the two leads.
When placed in a more grounded setting, these classic archetypes feel more real and lifelike than ever before. Maddison Brown’s portrayal of the reinvented Red Riding Hood maintains elements of the character’s young and naive personality but infuses her with a greater awareness of the world around her. The new backstory adds intrigue to the journey, unraveling the plot in a way that resembles a familiar tale but with a darker touch to enhance the story.
Meanwhile, Ivan Martin delivers a standout performance as The Woodsman, taking what could have been an over-the-top and cartoonishly grumpy character in a more subtle and nuanced direction. From the moment he is first introduced, Martin imbues the Woodsman with an immediate sense of loneliness and resignation. As his guarded exterior begins to come down, he shines in portraying the more vulnerable side of his character. The conclusion of his story remains one of the most moving scenes in the film.
The care and attention put into the film’s tone also extends into its creative decisions. Through the stunning cinematography, audiences are treated to a view of the world through the writer’s vision of the characters’ surroundings. The unique aesthetic of the natural winter setting feels otherworldly and dreamlike, lending itself to the idea of “the woods” from the original fairy tale while also adding a sense of coldness to reflect the harsh tone of the story. What might be viewed by some as a serene and peaceful setting is easily recontextualized as cold and unforgiving. The addition of chapter titles is another subtle choice that pays homage to the original fairy tale.
Rather than trying to reinvent the fairy tale audiences know so well, filmmaker Kelsey Taylor perfectly walks the line between the past and modern society. To Kill A Wolf crafts a somber yet endearing tale with an ending that leaves audiences with a sense of hope. The film serves as a masterclass in breathing new life into a story that audiences have heard so many times before.
To Kill A Wolf is an Official Selection of the 2025 Santa Barbara International Film Festival.
To Kill A Wolf crafts a somber yet endearing tale with an ending that leaves audiences with a sense of hope. The film serves as a masterclass in breathing new life into a story that audiences have heard so many times before.
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I’m Andrew! I love discussing movies and tv shows. My favorite genres include animation, musicals, and especially Superheroes.
