"The Curse of Sleeping Beauty" is a 2016 fantasy horror film directed by Pearry Reginald Teo. The movie is loosely based on the classic fairy tale of "Sleeping Beauty." However, it takes a much darker and creepier turn, giving it a unique spin. The story follows Thomas Kaiser, a young man troubled by vivid nightmares. These nightmares lead him to an inheritance, a mysterious property known as the Briar House. Thomas soon discovers that the house holds a dark secret – it is cursed.
In fact, knowledge of blood magic predates Thalsian by several millennia. The Evanuris, the self-proclaimed gods of the elven empire of Elvhenan, used blood magic to empower themselves and subjugate their people. [9]
And so it is made clear to me, as it should be to us all That magic which fuels itself by harming others, by the letting of blood, is hated by the Maker. 46 It is possible however, to influence creatures of the Fade to do one s bidding by forcing them into servitude through spirit binding via blood magic.
Thomas soon discovers that the house holds a dark secret – it is cursed. According to the legend, a sleeping princess lies in a room within the property, surrounded by a thorny forest. Only a true love's kiss can awaken her, but this comes at a great cost.
Unfamiliar Familiars: Historical Witches’ Magical Helpers
When we think about witches’ familiars, we usually think about cats. Mysterious and frequently associated with the powers of luck and magic, they seem to be the perfect companion for witches. At least, that’s what contemporary popular culture has led us to believe.
Throughout history, however, witches have been reported to have many other animals for familiars, some of which now would seem truly strange and unexpected. What’s more, cats were, perhaps, not even the most popular ones!
What animals, then, did historical witches have as familiars, and what kind of a relationship did they have with each other? Let’s take a look at what we know about witches’ familiars based on a study of early modern witch trials in England, by American medievalist William Chester Jordan.
What is a Familiar Exactly?
In most witch trial literature, familiars seem to be understood as a witch’s magical helper, who assists her in a supernatural way – they harm other people and their possessions on the witch’s behalf (Serpell 2002, 158). And witches, supposedly, repay their familiar by giving them food and a place to live (Serpell 2002, 159).
Now, you might ask – what on earth do familiars eat? It is interesting that they have been occasionally reported to eat normal food – bread, milk, beer, cake, etc. Although, more often they were said to feed on the witch’s blood by sucking on various spots of her body (Serpell 2002, 159).
How did a Witch get a Familiar?
Some familiars were said to appear the same way as many pets do – out of nowhere. These animals would offer the witch their help and ask for food. Many others have been portrayed in the literature as gifts from the Devil, who gave them in return for the witches’ loyalty. Still others would come from other witches – apparently, familiars could be passed down from one witch to another, or sometimes even shared within a group of witches (Serpell 2002, 158).
What Animals Were Familiars?
So, what kind of animals could serve as familiars? Among those who would perhaps surprise us the least are dogs, toads and wild birds (apart from, of course, cats – who also appear in witch trial literature). But some other familiars are much more surprising: such as insects – spiders, flies and bees, vermin – rats and mice, and domestic animals – cows and domesticated fowl. What’s more, ferrets, rabbits, bears and even snails were believed to work as familiars as well (Serpell 2002, 168, 175).
What Names Did Familiars Receive?
As pet-like companions, familiars received a variety of names. Some sound really eccentric – such as Elemauzer, Pyewacket, Peck in the Crown and Griezel Greedigut – but it is highly possible that these names were invented by the witch finders themselves (Serpell 2002, 174).
Most familiars, it seems, either got standard animal names of the time – such as Pusse, Gibb, and Ball, or had diminutive names such as Jack, John, Will, and Harry. Some other lovely examples include a familiar snail Jeffry, spider Joan, frogs Jack and Jill, and a cat and a dog named Sathan (Serpell 2002, 173-177).
By Iryna Stavynska
Bibliography:
James A. Serpell, “Guardian Spirits or Demonic Pets: The Concept of the Witch’s Familiar in Early Modern England, 1530-1712.” In The Animal/Human Boundary: Historical Perspectives, ed. Angela N H. Creager and William Chester Jordan, 157-190. Rochester: University of Rochester Press, 2002.
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Throughout history, however, witches have been reported to have many other animals for familiars, some of which now would seem truly strange and unexpected. What’s more, cats were, perhaps, not even the most popular ones!
As Thomas delves deeper into the mystery, he encounters the enigmatic Elizabeth, who claims to be the protector of the sleeping beauty. Together, they must navigate through a world of dark fantasy and evil creatures to break the curse and free the princess from her eternal slumber. "The Curse of Sleeping Beauty" combines elements of fantasy, horror, and mystery, creating a visually captivating and eerie atmosphere. The film showcases breathtaking cinematography, taking the viewers on a journey through the darkness and hidden corners of the Briar House. The cast delivers strong performances, with Ethan Peck portraying the troubled Thomas Kaiser with depth and vulnerability. India Eisley shines as the mysterious Elizabeth, adding an air of allure and mystique to the character. The chemistry between the two leads adds an extra layer of intrigue to the story. The movie explores themes of destiny, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil. It also raises questions about the power of love and the lengths one would go to save someone they care about. The dark and twisted nature of the curse and its consequences make for a thrilling and suspenseful viewing experience. Overall, "The Curse of Sleeping Beauty" offers a fresh take on a familiar fairy tale, presenting a haunting and mesmerizing story. Its unique blend of fantasy and horror creates a captivating atmosphere that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats..
Reviews for "The Subtleties of Horror in The Curse of Sleeping Beauty"
- John - 1/5
I found "Watch the Curse of Sleeping Beauty" to be a complete disappointment. The plot was convoluted and poorly executed, leaving me feeling confused throughout the entire movie. The acting was subpar, with wooden performances that failed to elicit any emotional response. The special effects were laughable and cheap, making it difficult to take any of the supposed scary moments seriously. Overall, I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a well-crafted horror movie.
- Sarah - 2/5
While "Watch the Curse of Sleeping Beauty" had an interesting concept, the execution fell flat. The pacing was too slow, and it took forever for anything substantial to happen. The characters were underdeveloped and lacked depth, making it difficult to care about their fates. The scares were predictable and relied heavily on cheap jump scares, which became more annoying than frightening after a while. The film had potential, but it ultimately failed to deliver a satisfying horror experience.
- Mark - 1/5
I regret wasting my time watching "Watch the Curse of Sleeping Beauty." The story was all over the place, with random plot twists that made no sense and added nothing to the overall narrative. The dialogue was cringe-worthy, filled with cheesy one-liners and forced attempts at humor that fell flat. The acting was uneven, with some actors delivering decent performances while others seemed completely disinterested. The film felt disjointed and never fully addressed the intriguing concept it introduced. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this one.