Snow White: A Tale of Terror is a 1997 horror film based on the classic fairy tale “Snow White.” The film is directed by Michael Cohn and stars Sigourney Weaver, Sam Neill, and Monica Keena in the lead roles. The movie is a darker, more adult version of the fairytale, with a lot of horror and psychological elements.

Snow White: A Tale of Terror is a haunting and atmospheric retelling of the classic fairy tale that takes a darker and more adult-oriented approach to the story. Released in 1997, the film stars Sigourney Weaver as the evil Queen Ravenna, and newcomer Monica Keena as the innocent and vulnerable Snow White. Directed by Michael Cohn and written by Tom Szollosi, the film offers a unique take on the timeless tale, one that is both visually stunning and emotionally gripping.

The film begins with a young girl named Lilli (Keena) traveling with her father to a new home in the forest. However, tragedy soon strikes as Lilli’s father is killed in a hunting accident, leaving her alone and vulnerable. Lilli’s father’s former hunting partner, Lord Hoffman (Sam Neill), takes her in and raises her as his own. But when Lord Hoffman brings home his new wife, the beautiful and cunning Ravenna (Weaver), Lilli’s life takes a dark and dangerous turn.

As Ravenna becomes increasingly obsessed with her own beauty and power, she sees Lilli as a threat and seeks to eliminate her. Using her dark magic and powers of manipulation, Ravenna turns Lilli’s own father against her, driving her deeper into isolation and despair. But Lilli is not alone in her struggle. She finds solace and friendship in the forest with a group of seven miners, who become her protectors and allies in her fight against Ravenna.

The performances in Snow White: A Tale of Terror are excellent, with Sigourney Weaver delivering a standout performance as the wicked Queen Ravenna. She is both mesmerizing and terrifying in her portrayal of a woman consumed by her own vanity and thirst for power. Monica Keena is also impressive as Snow White, bringing a vulnerability and strength to the character that makes her a compelling and relatable protagonist.

The film’s visual style is also a standout feature, with stunning cinematography and Gothic-inspired production design that creates a haunting and atmospheric setting. The film’s use of practical effects and prosthetics also adds to the eerie and unsettling tone, making the film a true visual feast.

Overall, Snow White: A Tale of Terror is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant retelling of a classic fairy tale. With strong performances, stunning visuals, and a dark and twisted storyline, the film stands out as a gem in the realm of dark fantasy cinema.

Cast

• Sigourney Weaver as Claudia Hoffman
• Sam Neill as Frederick Hoffman
• Monica Keena as Lilli Hoffman
• Gil Bellows as Will
• David Conrad as Peter Gutenberg
• Miroslav Táborský as Gustav
• Brian Glover as Lars
• Andrew Tiernan as Scar
• Anthony Brophy as Rolf
• Chris Bauer as Conrad
• Frances Cuka as Nannau
• Bryan Pringle as Father Gilbert
• Taryn Davis as Little Lilli
• Joanna Roth as Lilliana
• John Edward Allen as Bart
• Dale Wyatt as Maidservant Ilsa