Gretel & Hansel Theory: The Witch Lives on Inside of Gretel
Gretel appears to have vanquished cannibalistic witch Holda at the end of Gretel & Hansel, but we think she might not have done so completely. In the last few years, there's been a rise in what some are choosing to call "elevated horror." In practice that phrase is basically just code for "horror that tells a slow burn story, has complex characters, and features lots of noticeable visual artistry." It's also sometimes used by people who don't necessarily like mainstream horror to denote a segment of the genre they actually deem worthwhile.
Of course, the entire idea of "elevated horror" is a complete insult to the genre as a whole, which has a history of producing some of the most iconic films ever made. There's a reason horror has been a constant since the invention of feature films, and that's because the genre is often able to use the supernatural or the fearsome to really explore the human condition and what makes people tick. Just because it has a werewolf or two in it doesn't make the themes present any less valid.
To be sure though, Gretel & Hansel was made with the intention of joining the "elevated horror" ranks, alongside films like Robert Eggers' The Witch and Ari Aster's Midsommar. While not quite as praised as either of those films, Gretel & Hansel does manage to capture much of their surreal, dread-filled atmosphere, as well as their knack for stunning visuals. While it remains to be seen if Gretel & Hansel will get a sequel, we have an idea where such a film might take the titular young woman.
At the end of Gretel & Hansel, Gretel manages to kill the witch, at least physically. She saves her brother Hansel, but sends him away, deciding to remain behind at the witch's house to further explore and develop her burgeoning powers. While Gretel's voiceover at this point is hopeful, the fact that her fingers turn black in much the same way Holda's did suggests something more sinister. Gretel may still be herself at the moment, but Holda was a powerful master of the dark arts, and it wouldn't at all be surprising if she had some type of contingency plan should Gretel turn against her attempts to indoctrinate the teenager into evil.
It's possible as Gretel's powers grow, so will the witch's influence, and perhaps her very spirit. Eventually, as Gretel becomes more powerful, Holda may find a way to fully awaken inside her, and possess her body as a new living vessel. If that happens, Hansel may no longer be safe in a Gretel & Hansel sequel, especially since he may one day decide to try and reunite with his sister. Gretel would certainly try to overcome any attempt by Holda's soul to gain control of her body, but she may not be quite strong enough.