Coming to theaters on August 1, 2025, To Kill a Wolf (the feature film debut written and directed by Kelsey Taylor) is a realistic take on the Brothers Grimm story Little Red Cap/Little Red Riding Hood. This Mystery-Drama turns a fairytale that felt out of reach into a tangible fear of how innocence can be taken from a child. Interpreting the tale that feels so simple, yet as Taylor molds it into several unveilings of twists and spins on how we remember the story, creating complex characters that leave you wondering just who, exactly, is the wolf?
To Kill A Wolf starts in the forests of Oregon, where we begin following the day-to-day routine of the character ‘The Woodsman,’ (Ivan Martin: High Heat 2022, Boston Strangler 2023) until he happens upon Dani (Maddison Brown: Dynasty series, Home and Away series) in the woods. He rescues her, and the plot begins with a meal and an awkward, short-sentence conversation. As The Woodsman finally gets 17-year-old Dani to share where she lives, he escorts her back to her grandmother’s house, albeit with some hesitation and reluctance.
Kelsey Taylor seems to love the way of storytelling through the lulls of conversation, the silence of tension and awkwardness, although it is a bit confusing and off-putting at first. It draws you in because it feels authentically natural in the way strangers interact with each other, or how new relationships begin with long pauses and nervous small talk as you figure each other out. It occurs with almost every character relationship in the film, further highlighting the standoffish nature of The Woodsman and Dani’s anxious ways as they navigate their lives.
Both main characters’ backstories, as shown in the film, feel well fleshed out, timed perfectly with acts that reveal flashbacks or references in conversation to further the plot and develop both characters. Each act in the film provides just enough ‘evidence’ to follow along like a storybook, while also incorporating information that leaves viewers with more emotional dread.
To Kill a Wolf centers on The Woodsman, as you watch his life unfold and him share parts of his past with the girl. Dani’s backstory begins in the middle of the film, providing a seamless transition from the beginning to the end, slotting in past experiences and explaining her journey leading up to the climax.
The film’s overall quiet demeanor leaves space for the viewer to fully absorb the traumatic instances The Woodsman and Dani live through as they share about themselves and are introduced to Dani’s Aunt Jolene (Kaitlin Doubleday: A Mrs. Miracle Christmas 2021, High Heat 2022) and Uncle Carey (Michael Esper: Fallout series, Griffin In Summer 2024). The introduction to these characters only furthers the feelings of unease and discomfort, propelling the plot with vigor and anticipation on how the realistic take on this fairytale will end.
Furthermore, the camera work complements the uncomfortableness beautifully, with minimal close-ups to push the lonesome atmosphere, and wide shots perfectly placed. Tracking shots move as if you are there, living through it alongside the main characters. All these angles and alternating shots enhance the experience, creating yet another layer of nuance in the film.
As the storyline reaches the falling action, all loose ends are accounted for, whether it is a brief moment in dialogue or a scene. That is nice to see, not to be left wondering about the parts Taylor chose to shrink down for the movement of the plot, yet are still very relevant for both the original story and this adaptation.
In the end, To Kill a Wolf has carved a new path for Brothers Grimm story adaptations, leaving behind the fantastical layer to truly convey its point about how uncomfortable and traumatic it is to be robbed of one’s innocence and still feel so lost. With a realistic, hopeful, and satisfying ending, Cryptic Rock gives To Kill a Wolf 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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