Based on the classic Grimm Brothers‘ fairytale, Snow-White and Rose Red, this film takes a modern approach in its adaptation to bring it to life for audiences. As Lily lives in her fantasy world, which is dark and beautiful and surreal in so many ways, her older sister, Rosalyn has to make ends meet by taking to the streets as a prostitute in order to take care of the delusional Lily and survive yet another day. However, during their daily adventures, a twist of fate brings to these sisters an ally in the form of a drug addict and together they plan to overthrow the vicious crime-boss of this inner-city sanctum. The problem is that this plan can either kill them or save them…
Rose White is one of those films that will give the viewer something to think about afterwards, whilst quickly going onto the internet to search for the fairytale online and read it. It’s dark, it’s beautiful and some of the scenes will definitely make the viewer fall in love with the film. As so many modern adaptations of Grimm fairytales are being made (Red Riding Hood, Snow White and the Huntsman, Sidney White and the Seven Dorks), one has to wonder why this one would be any better than those? I’ll tell you why… Deneen Melody. Yes folks, this screamqueen will captivate audiences, as she has done in all her other roles and this film shows that she has the talent to go mainstream. With her screen presence, she quickly outshines her co-stars Erin Breen (Rosalyn), Daniel Kuhlman and Tom Lodewyck. It’s just a captivating performance film with a good plot behind it and an interesting version that goes along with it.
Don’t think it’s a full-out fantasy film though, because it’s not. It’s got a lot of other genres’ essences in it too, with mystery, action and horror thrown into the mix (as well as a little bit of romance), making it a good film to watch when one’s in the mood to binge on guilty pleasure films. This fairytale for adults will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end. What’s more is that it’s an independent film, meaning that for the limited budget, it’s really got a lot to offer audiences in its short film format!
From a personal point of view, I’d advise this film to anyone who has a love for independent films (which should be everyone who enjoys a bit of originality) as well as those who love adaptations of the Grimm Brothers’ fairytales. For those die-hard Deneen Melody fans, you will not be disappointed either! It’s definitely a highly recommendable flick.
