---
title: "Into the Woods"
year: 2014
kind: "film"
canonical: "https://film.one/film/into-the-woods"
fi1m_id: "into-the-woods"
imdb_id: "tt2180411"
tmdb_id: 224141
wikidata_id: "Q14847067"
fi1m_score: 65
critics_score: 63
critics_reviews: 21
published: "2026-10-01T23:05:29.770278+00:00"
updated: "2026-10-01T23:05:30.199564+00:00"
region: "NL"
licence: "© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL."
---

# Into the Woods (2014)

Directed by Rob Marshall · 2h 05m · Kijkwijzer 6 · Fantasy, Comedy

## Identity

Into the Woods

- **Canonical:** https://film.one/film/into-the-woods
- **Type:** Film
- **Fi1m ID:** into-the-woods
- **IMDb ID:** tt2180411
- **TMDB ID:** 224141
- **Wikidata ID:** Q14847067
- **Same entity:** https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2180411/, https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/224141, https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q14847067

**Fi1m score: 65** · Critics 63 from 21 reviews

*In a sentence:* Chris Pine’s prince would like everyone’s sympathy and seems prepared to sing until he gets it

> *Into the Woods* is well sung and often funny, with Emily Blunt supplying its most convincing feeling. Rob Marshall’s uneven handling of the darker material makes this a qualified choice for musical enthusiasts.

## Synopsis

Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford) and Jack (Daniel Huttlestone) share a fairy-tale world with the Baker (James Corden) and the Baker’s Wife (Emily Blunt). The Witch (Meryl Streep) and the Big Bad Wolf (Johnny Depp) are part of the same story, as are Rapunzel (Mackenzie Mauzy) and Cinderella’s Prince (Chris Pine). Among the other figures are the Stepmother (Christine Baranski), Florinda (Tammy Blanchard) and Lucinda (Lucy Punch). Their interwoven tales concern wishes, change and the complications of wanting a different life.

## Review

Rob Marshall’s *Into the Woods* has enough wit and good singing to keep musical devotees interested, but its storytelling grows tiring before its 125 minutes are up. Bringing familiar fairy-tale characters together is a promising starting point, allowing their wishes to complicate one another’s stories. James Lapine’s screenplay gives that mixture a comic bustle. The difficulty comes when the film asks those same characters to carry more sorrow than the telling has prepared us for.

Stephen Sondheim’s music is the chief reason to stay with it. The lyrics keep changing the emphasis of a thought, giving the singers something more demanding than a feeling to announce at volume. That verbal activity can be funny and moving, though the direction does not always give a complicated phrase enough dramatic space. We need to understand why a character changes their mind as clearly as we hear the words; too often, the film seems satisfied to have got through the number.

Emily Blunt makes the Baker’s Wife feel like a person thinking while she sings. Her comic timing is alert without making the character merely amusing, and she carries the more painful feelings without announcing a change of performance. James Corden’s Baker is less distinctive beside her, though the pairing supplies some welcome human scale. Among so many people already labelled by a fairy tale, her uncertainty gives us someone whose next thought seems worth listening to.

Meryl Streep gives the Witch a force the film can use, shaping the songs with enough bite to keep the role from becoming decorative. Anna Kendrick’s Cinderella brings welcome precision to the singing, while Chris Pine makes Cinderella’s Prince an enjoyable fool. We laughed at his comic duet because he treats princely dissatisfaction as a matter demanding everyone’s full attention. His performance understands how funny a fairy-tale hero can be when he has no suspicion that he is ridiculous.

The visual work is less persuasive. Dion Beebe’s cinematography gives the performers room to register, yet does too little to make their shared world feel unpredictable. Dennis Gassner’s production design provides an appropriately theatrical setting, although it does little to make the darker material unsettling. Colleen Atwood’s costumes are enjoyable in themselves, but their appeal cannot supply the unease missing around them. A fantasy musical can reasonably be expected to offer more than well-dressed people delivering good songs.

Wyatt Smith’s editing cannot quite settle the changing pace. The comic business has momentum, then the heavier stretches seem to take longer without becoming more affecting. We do not object to a fairy tale becoming sombre; that is one of the genre’s useful freedoms. Here, the direction gives the change so little preparation that the film starts to feel laborious just when it needs us to care more.

As a screen musical, this is worth considering for the performers rather than for a new way of seeing the material. The singing has care and personality, and the film does preserve some awkward feelings beneath the familiar characters. That is enough for an interested audience, though the pleasures arrive unevenly. Choose it for Emily Blunt and the songs, and allow for an evening that takes longer to finish than it should.

*Fi1m score 65, published 1 October 2026.*

## What the critics say

The consensus on Into the Woods is mixed, leaning towards approval, with the cast drawing more consistent praise than the adaptation itself. Emily Blunt is the clearest point of agreement: critics repeatedly single out her command of comedy, singing and emotional shifts, while Meryl Streep’s Witch and Chris Pine’s comic performance also earn praise. Several reviews welcome the preservation of the musical’s intricate lyrics and its playful interweaving of familiar fairy tales.

Reservations centre on uneven pacing, softened darkness and a later change of tone that some find awkward or exhausting. There is disagreement about that darker stretch: Total Film welcomes its willingness to go beyond easy reassurance, while Slant Magazine finds the final act overlong and unravelling. The spread is fairly wide, from enthusiastic accounts of a captivating adaptation to Digital Spy’s judgement that it is muddled and short on magic, despite Streep’s efforts.

## Straight answers

**Is Into the Woods worth watching?**

*Into the Woods* is worth considering for musical enthusiasts rather than a general recommendation, and we score it 65 out of 100. We recommend it for Emily Blunt’s thoughtful performance, Chris Pine’s comic vanity and Stephen Sondheim’s songs, but the poorly prepared shift towards sorrow makes its 125 minutes feel longer than they should.

**How long is Into the Woods, and what is it rated?**

*Into the Woods* runs 2h 05m and is rated 6 by the Kijkwijzer in the Netherlands. It is a fantasy and comedy film.

**Where can I watch Into the Woods in the Netherlands?**

*Into the Woods* is streaming on Disney+ in the Netherlands, and it is also available to rent from Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video from €3.99. Availability is checked daily; the links above go straight to each service.

**How does Into the Woods compare to Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street?**

*Into the Woods* is the gentler Sondheim musical, but we recommend [*Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street*](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street) as the more assured film for anyone comfortable with bloody cruelty. We find the singing more persuasive in *Into the Woods*, while Tim Burton handles the combination of humour and darkness with less hesitation than Rob Marshall.

**What should I watch after Into the Woods?**

After *Into the Woods*, try [*Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street*](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street) (2007, Fi1m 81): Another Sondheim musical, with sharper teeth and less hesitation about using them. Then [*The Umbrellas of Cherbourg*](https://film.one/film/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg) (1964, Fi1m 88): Sung romantic longing, handled with the emotional patience this film sometimes lacks; and [*Enchanted*](https://film.one/film/enchanted) (2007, Fi1m 76): More fairy-tale comedy, with songs and a lighter touch around the romantic misunderstandings.

### Reviews we read (21)

- **The Hollywood Reporter**, David Rooney (85/100, inferred): Rooney finds the adaptation captivating, balancing theatricality with cinematic storytelling and dark wit. He especially praises Meryl Streep’s richly comic and emotionally powerful performance as the Witch. [Read](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/into-the-woods-758611/)
- **Los Angeles Times**, Betsy Sharkey (80/100, inferred): Sharkey finds the film delightful, praising how its clever tale and well-matched ensemble preserve the musical’s magic. She particularly singles out Emily Blunt’s performance for its effortless range and charisma. [Read](https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-into-woods-review-20141225-column.html)
- **Variety**, Scott Foundas (70/100, inferred): Foundas finds the adaptation faithful and respectable, though not especially inspired. He praises the cast’s singing and especially Emily Blunt’s heartbreaking performance as the baker’s wife. [Read](https://variety.com/2014/film/reviews/film-review-into-the-woods-1201381097/)
- **Film Comment** (64/100, inferred): The accessible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. It provides no specific praise or complaint about the film. [Read](https://www.filmcomment.com/issues/january-february-2015/?pdfviewer=issue&pdf-page=67)
- **Screen Daily**, Tim Grierson (64/100, inferred): The review text is inaccessible, so its verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint is visible in the available page content. [Read](https://www.screendaily.com/into-the-woods/5081211.article)
- **Slant Magazine**, R. Kurt Osenlund (2.5/4): Osenlund finds the film refreshingly bold but says it loses its way in an overlong, unraveling final act. He praises Meryl Streep’s singing and commanding performance, especially her climactic rendition of “Last Midnight.” [Read](https://www.slantmagazine.com/film/into-the-woods/)
- **Radio Times**, Alan Jones (3/5): Jones finds the adaptation somewhat softened from the darker, more poignant Broadway original but still a potent screen transfer. He praises Sondheim and Lapine’s magical musical, shaped into a new fable from familiar fairy-tale characters. [Read](https://www.radiotimes.com/movie-guide/b-amxb8h/into-the-woods/)
- **Time Out**, Cath Clarke (3/5): The review gives the film a three-star verdict. It singles out the A-listers’ showtunes and costumes, likening them to ‘Game of Thrones’ extras. [Read](https://www.timeout.com/movies/into-the-woods)
- **Total Film**, Jamie Graham (3/5): Graham finds the film admirable but says it never quite reaches the emotional heights it seeks. He praises its preservation of Sondheim’s lyrical complexity and the sombre third act’s willingness to move beyond a happy ending. [Read](https://www.gamesradar.com/into-the-woods-review/)
- **Evening Standard**, Charlotte O'Sullivan (55/100, inferred): The critic considers the film worth seeing but finds it flawed overall. Emily Blunt’s performance stands out, while the tuneless songs and softened witch storyline draw criticism. [Read](https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/film/into-the-woods-starring-meryl-streep-james-corden-johnny-depp-and-emily-blunt-film-review-9967059.html)
- **Vulture**, David Edelstein (50/100, inferred): Edelstein finds the film ingenious and enchanting for much of its runtime, but says its apocalyptic second act feels bewilderingly mean. He especially praises Emily Blunt for giving the unwieldy story its farcical heart. [Read](https://www.vulture.com/2014/12/movie-review-into-the-woods.html)
- **Empire**, Angie Errigo (45/100, inferred): Errigo finds the film uneven, with its clever, touching moments outweighed by stretches that feel tiring and poorly balanced. She particularly praises the performances and production design, highlighting Chris Pine’s comic duet as a standout. [Read](https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/woods-review/)
- **The Guardian**, Catherine Shoard (45/100, inferred): Shoard finds the film an unrewarding but not wholly disappointing, familiar adaptation that arrives too late to feel magical. She praises Emily Blunt’s funny, fresh performance and singles out Chris Pine’s comic turn as another highlight. [Read](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/dec/17/into-the-woods-review-meryl-streep-rob-marshall-stephen-sondheim)
- **Collider**, Matt Goldberg (B): Goldberg finds the film delightful and entertaining, though Marshall’s direction is less daring and energetic than the material deserves. He praises the cast, especially Anna Kendrick and Meryl Streep, while criticizing Johnny Depp’s miscasting and the underwhelming production design. [Read](https://collider.com/into-the-woods-review/)
- **Deadline**, Pete Hammond (75/100, inferred): Hammond finds the adaptation lively, fun, and family-friendly. He singles out the terrific cast’s fine performances and some welcome surprises as singers. [Read](https://deadline.com/2014/12/into-the-woods-review-movie-rob-marshall-meryl-streep-stephen-sondheim-1201334137/)
- **Eye for Film**, Anne-Katrin Titze (75/100, inferred): The review finds the film great fun and an engaging progression from wishing to change. It praises Emily Blunt’s performance and the musical’s thoughtful interweaving of classic fairy tales. [Read](https://www.eyeforfilm.co.uk/review/into-the-woods-2014-film-review-by-anne-katrin-titze)
- **HeyUGuys**, Stefan Pape (75/100, inferred): Pape finds the film enchanting and unusually human, though its second half makes for an unfulfilling conclusion. He praises the witty, poetic lyrics and the playful cast, especially Meryl Streep and Chris Pine. [Read](https://www.heyuguys.com/into-the-woods-review/)
- **The Wrap**, Alonso Duralde (75/100, inferred): The critic finds the adaptation imperfect but ultimately satisfying. Blunt’s performance is singled out for its command of the songs, comedy, and despair. [Read](https://www.thewrap.com/into-the-woods-review-meryl-streep-johnny-depp-stephen-sondheim/)
- **Den of Geek**, Don Kaye (3.5/5): Kaye finds the film enjoyable overall but says its abrupt shift into darker material throws it off balance. He praises the cast’s performances and singing, especially Emily Blunt and Meryl Streep. [Read](https://www.denofgeek.com/culture/into-the-woods-review/)
- **Consequence**, Dominick Suzanne-Mayer (45/100, inferred): The critic finds the film entertaining and well performed, but ultimately diminished by its reluctance to embrace the musical’s darker spirit. Emily Blunt’s performance as the Baker’s Wife is singled out for particular praise. [Read](https://consequence.net/2014/12/film-review-into-the-woods/)
- **Digital Spy**, Stella Papamichael (30/100, inferred): The review finds the adaptation muddled and lacking in magic, despite its talented cast. It praises Meryl Streep for enlivening scenes as the wicked witch. [Read](https://www.digitalspy.com/movies/a617106/into-the-woods-review-how-does-the-meryl-streep-james-corden-johnny-depp-musical-fare/)

## Details

- **Director:** Rob Marshall
- **Director:** Rob Marshall
- **Screenplay:** James Lapine
- **Cinematography:** Dion Beebe
- **Editor:** Wyatt Smith
- **Music:** Stephen Sondheim
- **Production design:** Dennis Gassner
- **Costume design:** Colleen Atwood
- **Producer:** Marc Platt, John DeLuca, Rob Marshall
- **Cast:** Anna Kendrick as Cinderella; Meryl Streep as Witch; Lilla Crawford as Little Red Riding Hood; Emily Blunt as Baker's Wife; Johnny Depp as Big Bad Wolf; James Corden as Baker; Chris Pine as Cinderella's Prince; Mackenzie Mauzy as Rapunzel
- **Runtime:** 2h 05m
- **Certificate (Kijkwijzer):** 6
- **Release (the Netherlands):** 29 January 2015
- **Genres:** Fantasy, Comedy
- **Also in:** [Golden Globe Best Musical or Comedy winners](https://film.one/collections/golden-globe-comedy.md) (Nominee, 2014)
- **Budget:** $50 million
- **Box office:** $213 million
- **Trailer:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRgr7itwgak

## Where to watch in the Netherlands

- Disney+: streaming, hd
- Apple TV: rent €3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: rent €3.99, hd
- Amazon Prime Video: buy €12.99, hd
- Apple TV: buy €13.99, hd

*Checked 2026-10-01.*

Also available in: AE, AR, AT, AU, BE, BG, BR, CA, CH, CL, CO, CZ, DE, DK, EC, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HK, HR, HU, IE, IL, IN, IS, IT, JP, KR, LT, MX, NL, NO, NZ, PA, PE, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SG, SI, TR, UA, US, ZA. Add `?region=XX` to this URL for another country.

## Awards

- Academy Awards 2015: Best Costume Design (nominated); Best Production Design (nominated); Best Supporting Actress (nominated)
- MTV Movie Award for Best Villain 2015: MTV Movie Award for Best Villain (won)

## If you liked this

- *Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street* (2007), Fi1m 81: Another Sondheim musical, with sharper teeth and less hesitation about using them. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street.md)
- *The Umbrellas of Cherbourg* (1964), Fi1m 88: Sung romantic longing, handled with the emotional patience this film sometimes lacks. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg.md)
- *The Company of Wolves* (1984): A darker woodland fairy tale that takes its wolves and anxieties seriously.
- *Enchanted* (2007), Fi1m 76: More fairy-tale comedy, with songs and a lighter touch around the romantic misunderstandings. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/enchanted.md)
- *The Tale of the Princess Kaguya* (2013), Fi1m 84: A hand-drawn fairy tale with more room for wishes to become regrets. — [Fi1m page](https://film.one/film/the-tale-of-the-princess-kaguya.md)

---
© Fi1m Ltd. Written by AI under a human editor; checked against sources before publication. Quote with attribution and a link to the canonical URL. Canonical: https://film.one/film/into-the-woods