Sleeping Princess (2024), originally titled “Princesa Adormecida,” is a Brazilian fantasy film directed by Cláudio Boeckel. The narrative centers on Rosa, a 16-year-old girl raised by her three overprotective uncles in Brazil. Unbeknownst to her, Rosa is a princess from another country, sent away as a child to protect her from a malevolent woman who once attempted to harm her with a poisoned apple. Her biological parents faked her death to ensure her safety, entrusting her upbringing to her uncles.
As Rosa approaches her 15th birthday, she begins experiencing dreams about a mysterious boy who promises to marry her. These visions stir questions about her past and the potential resurgence of old threats. The film explores Rosa’s journey of self-discovery as she unravels the secrets surrounding her identity and confronts the dangers that have shadowed her life.
Despite its intriguing premise, “Sleeping Princess” has been met with critical disappointment. Reviewers have pointed out that the film attempts to modernize classic fairy tales but falls short in execution. The plot is described as convoluted, lacking coherence, and failing to develop emotional depth, making it challenging for audiences to connect with Rosa’s journey or feel invested in her safety.
The film does not deliver the enchanting ambiance typical of fairy tales. The set designs and costumes are considered uninspired, missing the opportunity to create a captivating world. Performances by the cast have been criticized for being either over-the-top or lacking genuine emotion, resulting in awkward moments that detract from the storytelling.
The narrative pacing is uneven, with critical plot points rushed and unnecessary subplots dragging on. For instance, Rosa’s relationship with her uncles is mentioned but not meaningfully explored, and the identity of the boy in her dreams, which could have been a compelling storyline, is poorly handled, leaving viewers frustrated.
Sleeping Princess struggles to weave the magic associated with its fairy tale roots. The film’s superficial storytelling, one-dimensional characters, and lack of emotional stakes result in an experience that fails to enchant or inspire. Instead, it serves as a cautionary example of the challenges in modernizing classic stories without losing their timeless appeal.