Aubrey Plaza, known for her deadpan humor and sardonic presence, has taken on an intriguing new role as the mystical Yule witch. While Plaza has captivated audiences with her unique style of comedy, this unexpected shift into a mystical character showcases her versatility as an actress. The Yule witch is a figure steeped in folklore and mythology. Often associated with the winter solstice, the Yule witch brings both blessings and mischief to those she encounters. With her enigmatic nature, the Yule witch embodies the duality of light and darkness, representing the balance of the natural world during this sacred time of year. Plaza's portrayal of the Yule witch brings a refreshing and distinct approach to this mythical character.
Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza have created a children’s book that is both eclectic and entertaining. The Legend of the Christmas Witch is very different from other children’s books I’ve read, and I mean this in the best way. Intended for children ages 5-8, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a story that can be enjoyed by all ages. I found this tale to be easy to follow and felt like it flowed nicely. Being that this is a 50-page children’s book, this would be best read as a bedtime story over a couple of nights as there are natural breaks in the story that would offer a cliffhanger for the next evening.
I have long been fascinated by witches, and with winter being my favourite season, I felt that this would be a children s book that I would enjoy I was right. Iredale has taken great care to include details that older readers will appreciate while maintaining a look that younger readers will find fun to look at while being read to.
Plaza's portrayal of the Yule witch brings a refreshing and distinct approach to this mythical character. Known for her ability to infuse even the mundane with a sense of irony and intrigue, Plaza's interpretation of the Yule witch adds a unique layer of complexity. Her deadpan delivery and effortless comedic timing lend themselves well to the enigmatic nature of the character.
Book Review: The Legend of the Christmas Witch by Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza Illustrated by Julia Iredale
When I was researching books to read and review, I came across The Legend of the Christmas Witch and just knew I needed to read it. I have long been fascinated by witches, and with winter being my favourite season, I felt that this would be a children’s book that I would enjoy—I was right.
The Legend of the Christmas Witch tells the tale of Kristtörn and her twin brother Kristoffer who were abandoned in a forest. They each end up leaving with very different adults who ventured into the forest on that fateful day. Kristoffer ends up with a family whose last name is Kringle and thus begins the legend of Santa Claus in the same breath that we see the lesser-known legend of the Christmas Witch. Kristtörn decides to search for her brother after the village figures out that she is a witch, and while on her way to the North Pole, Kristtörn ends up in the South Pole. Kristtörn makes it her mission to find her mysterious brother and reunite after all this time apart.
Dan Murphy and Aubrey Plaza have created a children’s book that is both eclectic and entertaining. The Legend of the Christmas Witch is very different from other children’s books I’ve read, and I mean this in the best way. Intended for children ages 5-8, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a story that can be enjoyed by all ages. I found this tale to be easy to follow and felt like it flowed nicely. Being that this is a 50-page children’s book, this would be best read as a bedtime story over a couple of nights as there are natural breaks in the story that would offer a cliffhanger for the next evening.
As The Legend of the Christmas Witch takes place in a Scandinavian country, Murphy and Plaza have done an excellent job incorporating both real life and legend from this part of the world. While the name implies that this should be read at Christmas time, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is a story that can be read and enjoyed at any point in the year.
Julia Iredale’s illustrations are gorgeous and really help tell this story of long lost twins. The pages are thick and glossy, making them easy to turn and beautiful to look at. Iredale has taken great care to include details that older readers will appreciate while maintaining a look that younger readers will find fun to look at while being read to.
All in all, I recommend The Legend of the Christmas Witch to anyone who appreciates Christmas, witches, or just a good old fashioned legend. Easily a book that you can read more than once, The Legend of the Christmas Witch is bound to invoke a love for this lesser-known tale.
Thank you, Viking Publishing, an imprint of Penguin Random House, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
While Plaza's transition into this mystical role may seem unexpected, it is not entirely surprising. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a penchant for embracing unconventional characters and pushing boundaries. From her breakout role as April Ludgate in Parks and Recreation to her portrayal of the emotionally detached Ingrid in Ingrid Goes West, Plaza has consistently brought a fresh perspective to her performances. Through her portrayal of the Yule witch, Plaza showcases her ability to embody the otherworldly and transform herself into a character steeped in ancient myth and lore. By infusing her own unique style and sensibility into the role, Plaza offers audiences a new interpretation of this mystical figure, one that is both captivating and unexpected. In conclusion, Aubrey Plaza's portrayal of the mystical Yule witch highlights her versatility as an actress and her ability to bring a fresh perspective to her performances. Through her deadpan humor and enigmatic presence, Plaza adds a layer of complexity to the character, breathing new life into this ancient mythological figure. As audiences continue to be captivated by Plaza's portrayal, it is clear that her iconic interpretation of the Yule witch will leave a lasting impression..
Reviews for "Aubrey Plaza's mesmerizing portrayal of the ancient Yule witch"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars - I was really excited to see Aubrey Plaza in a mystical role, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. Plaza's performance as the yule witch felt forced and unnatural. Her lines lacked conviction, and I couldn't fully immerse myself in her character. It seemed like she was trying too hard to be enigmatic and mysterious, which ultimately made her performance feel contrived. I was hoping for more depth and complexity from Plaza, but she failed to deliver in this role.
2. John - 1/5 stars - I have always been a fan of Aubrey Plaza, but her portrayal of the mystical yule witch was truly disappointing. It felt like she was sleepwalking through the role, lacking any real emotion or presence. Plaza's delivery of the witch's dialogue was monotonous and devoid of any charisma. I couldn't help but feel underwhelmed by her performance. It's a shame because I had high expectations for her in this role, but she failed to live up to them. Overall, I found her portrayal of the mystical yule witch to be lackluster and uninspiring.
3. Sarah - 3/5 stars - While Aubrey Plaza's portrayal of the mystical yule witch wasn't terrible, it didn't quite hit the mark for me either. Plaza's deadpan delivery, which usually works well in her comedic roles, didn't translate effectively to this mystical character. The yule witch is supposed to be captivating and ethereal, but Plaza's performance lacked the necessary enchantment. It felt like she was playing a watered-down version of her usual sarcastic persona, and it didn't quite fit the mystical nature of the character. Overall, I think Plaza's portrayal was lackluster and missed the mark in capturing the essence of the yule witch.