Alice in Terrorland, directed by Richard John Taylor, promises a sinister twist on a beloved children’s classic but ultimately fails to deliver anything but a waking nightmare for viewers.

The film follows 15-year-old Alice, portrayed by Lizzy Willis, who, following the tragic death of her parents, is sent to live with her reclusive grandmother at the remote estate ‘Wonderland’. While the premise holds potential for intrigue, the execution quickly devolves into a confusing mess of clichés and lackluster scares.

Despite the presence of seasoned actors like Rula Lenska, known for her roles in EastEnders and Doctor Who, the performances feel wooden and uninspired. Lenska’s talent is squandered in a role that lacks depth and fails to engage the audience.

One of the film’s biggest missteps is its attempt to blend horror with the classic tale of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. While the source material has been reimagined in countless ways over the years, Alice in Terrorland adds nothing new to the conversation. Instead, it relies on tired tropes and predictable plot twists that do little to captivate or thrill.

In a landscape where old children’s literature is being reimagined as horror films with varying degrees of success, Alice in Terrorland falls squarely into the category of “disastrous results”. It pales in comparison to recent attempts like Winnie the Pooh: Blood & Honey, failing to capture the imagination or instill genuine fear in its audience.

Overall, Alice in Terrorland is a forgettable addition to the horror genre, offering little more than a tedious journey through a familiar nightmare. If you’re looking for a truly chilling adaptation of a beloved classic, you’d be better off exploring other options.

• Saul Muerte

Alice in Terrorland will be released on Home Entertainment in June.