Tale of Tales (2015) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Directed by Matteo Garrone, Tale of Tales (2015) is a visually arresting fantasy film that draws inspiration from Giambattista Basile’s 17th-century fairy tales. This dark and surreal anthology is a blend of horror, fantasy, and grotesque elements, weaving together three interconnected stories about royalty, desire, and the human condition. Unlike the sanitized versions of fairy tales we often see today, Tale of Tales embraces the brutal and bizarre nature of its source material, offering a haunting cinematic experience.*
The film stars a remarkable ensemble cast, including Salma Hayek, Vincent Cassel, Toby Jones, and John C. Reilly, each delivering memorable performances in a visually sumptuous yet deeply unsettling world. The film explores themes of obsession, vanity, and the consequences of unchecked desires.
In this review, we’ll take a closer look at the plot, performances, themes, visual storytelling, and critical reception, as well as where you can stream or rent Tale of Tales online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: Three Dark Fairy Tales Intertwined
The Tale of Tales weaves together three distinct stories, each set in its own kingdom, yet thematically intertwined by the dark, primal emotions of its characters. The stories unfold concurrently, with no clear separation between them, reflecting the interwoven nature of the film’s exploration of human flaws and desires.
The Queen (Salma Hayek)
In the kingdom of Longtrellis, a queen (Salma Hayek) longs desperately for a child. When a necromancer (Franco Pistoni) offers a solution involving a sea monster’s heart, her husband, the king (John C. Reilly), bravely slays the beast. The queen consumes the heart, leading to the birth of a child—along with unexpected and eerie consequences. The tale unfolds as a dark exploration of obsession and the lengths to which one might go for a single desire, with devastating effects on those around them.
The King of Strongcliff (Vincent Cassel)
The second tale follows the lust-driven King of Strongcliff (Vincent Cassel), whose insatiable appetite for women leads him to mistake an elderly woman, Dora (Hayley Carmichael), for a young beauty after hearing her singing. Determined to make her his, the king goes to great lengths to bring her to his castle. The story twists into a fantastical and disturbing account of vanity, identity, and transformation, where desires come at a terrible cost.
The King of Highhills (Toby Jones)
The final tale centers around the eccentric King of Highhills (Toby Jones), who becomes obsessed with a flea that grows to an enormous size under his care. Ignoring his daughter Violet’s (Bebe Cave) pleas for a suitor, the king promises her hand in marriage to anyone who can guess the creature’s identity. A monstrous ogre wins the challenge, leading Violet into a terrifying ordeal. This tale explores the blind pursuit of fascination and the consequences of neglecting one’s responsibilities.
These stories, each unique in their horror and moral implications, converge in a world where magic, greed, and power clash, leaving no character unscathed by their desires.
Cast and Performances: A Rich Ensemble of Characters
The cast of Tale of Tales brings a rich array of performances to this dark fantasy.
- Salma Hayek delivers a powerful and chilling performance as the queen whose singular desire for motherhood leads her down a harrowing path of cruelty and obsession. Her intensity and sorrow are palpable, making her one of the film’s most compelling figures.
- Vincent Cassel plays the King of Strongcliff with lustful abandon, embodying the recklessness of unchecked desire. His character is both charming and repulsive, reflecting the self-centered and destructive nature of his pursuit.
- Toby Jones, as the King of Highhills, brings a strange mix of whimsy and horror to his role. His character’s fixation on a flea serves as a metaphor for neglecting his daughter, Violet, who is wonderfully portrayed by Bebe Cave. Cave’s performance is particularly notable, as she conveys a range of emotions, from innocence to terror, with great depth.
- John C. Reilly, though his role as the King of Longtrellis is short-lived, adds a sense of nobility and tragedy to the story. His character’s fate sets the tone for the queen’s chilling journey.
Each performance feels tailored to the strange and surreal nature of the film, enhancing its fairy-tale quality while grounding the emotions in real human flaws.
Themes: Obsession, Vanity, and the Dark Side of Desire
At its core, Tale of Tales is about the dangerous pursuit of desires without regard for their consequences. Each character’s arc revolves around an obsessive longing—whether it’s for a child, eternal youth, or unchecked power—and the resulting fallout when those desires are fulfilled in ways they never imagined.
- Obsession is perhaps the most pervasive theme, especially in the queen’s story, where her desire for a child consumes her, leading her to make inhuman decisions that ultimately harm both her son and herself.
- Vanity and transformation are explored in the King of Strongcliff’s tale, where appearances and the fear of aging are central. Dora’s transformation from an old woman to a young beauty and back again serves as a grotesque reminder of the fleeting nature of youth and the perils of superficial desires.
- Neglect and the consequences of misdirected affection are at the heart of the King of Highhills’ story, as his eccentric obsession with a flea leads to his daughter’s tragic fate. His distraction and inability to care for what truly matters (his daughter) highlight the dangers of misplaced priorities.
These themes, combined with the film’s dark humor and gothic horror, create an atmosphere that is both mesmerizing and disturbing.
Visual Storytelling: A Gothic Feast for the Eyes
Visually, Tale of Tales is a stunning achievement. The film’s production design, costumes, and cinematography all work together to create a world that feels both fantastical and deeply rooted in history. The Italian locations provide a breathtaking backdrop for the film’s opulent castles, wild forests, and grim landscapes.
The film’s use of practical effects and prosthetics, particularly in the more grotesque scenes, adds to its dark fairy-tale atmosphere. The sea monster, the gigantic flea, and the transformations of characters are handled with a blend of beauty and horror, emphasizing the film’s surreal nature.
Cinematographer Peter Suschitzky, who previously worked on Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and David Cronenberg’s films, brings a masterful touch to the lighting and composition. The film’s dark, moody visuals enhance the fairy-tale mood, while Garrone’s direction maintains a steady balance between horror, beauty, and the absurd.
Critical Reception: Divisive but Visually Impressive
Tale of Tales received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics. The film was praised for its stunning visuals and bold storytelling, though some found the pacing uneven and the narrative disjointed. Fans of dark fantasy and gothic horror were drawn to the film’s willingness to embrace the grotesque and surreal, while others found it challenging due to its unconventional structure and grim tone.
Salma Hayek’s performance was singled out for particular praise, with many noting the strength of the ensemble cast overall. The film’s commitment to its source material, unflinching in its depiction of brutality and desire, garnered appreciation from viewers seeking something different from traditional Hollywood fantasy films.
Where to Watch Tale of Tales Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in streaming or renting Tale of Tales online, several platforms in the U.S. offer it for viewing.
1. Amazon Prime Video
- Tale of Tales* is available for rental and purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, and mobile devices.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
Apple TV users can rent or purchase Tale of Tales in HD.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
Google Play Movies offers Tale of Tales for rental or purchase.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Watch on Android devices, smart TVs, and Chromecast.
4. Vudu
You can rent or purchase Tale of Tales on Vudu, with options for HD streaming.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on Roku, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
5. YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies offers Tale of Tales for rental or purchase.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $12.99
- Devices: Available on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Conclusion: A Dark Fantasy Worth Experiencing
Tale of Tales is a visually stunning and narratively ambitious film that will appeal to fans of dark fairy tales and gothic horror. Its unflinching portrayal of obsession, vanity, and desire, combined with its rich visuals and standout performances, makes it a unique entry in the fantasy genre. With several streaming and rental options available in the U.S., Tale of Tales is easily accessible for those looking to immerse themselves in its haunting and surreal world.
