Welcome back, friends, to another spooky installment of the Middle Country Public Library Podcast!
This week, our movie chat had us diving deep into the eerie, fantastical, and utterly heartbreaking world of Pan’s Labyrinth, directed by the brilliant Guillermo del Toro. And of course, it was our resident horror guru, Sara Fade, who picked the film. Let’s be honest—she’s the only one we trust to take us on these spooky cinematic journeys.
But before you clutch your popcorn too tightly, don’t worry—Sara went easy on us this time. No full-blown horror! Instead, she chose one of her top five favorite films ever: Pan’s Labyrinth. And while it’s spooky, it’s also beautiful, poetic, and devastating in all the right ways.
A Bit of Background
Set in 1944 post-Civil War Spain under Franco’s regime, Pan’s Labyrinth blends brutal political reality with dark fantasy. It follows young Ofelia, who moves with her pregnant mother to live with her cruel new stepfather, Captain Vidal. He’s a loyalist soldier and not the kind of guy you want running a household—or anything, really.
Soon, Ofelia is drawn into a mysterious labyrinth where she meets a fawn (not a god, just your average magical forest creature). He tells her that she may be the reincarnated Princess Moanna of the underworld. All she has to do is complete three tasks to reclaim her rightful place in the magical realm.
Sounds easy, right? Well, not quite.
The Tasks, the Monsters, and the Mandrake
The film moves fluidly between harsh reality and haunting fantasy. Ofelia’s first task has her crawling into tight spaces (seriously, this girl is not claustrophobic) to face a giant, slime-loving toad. The second task? A terrifying visit to the Pale Man—the infamous child-eating monster with eyes in his hands. Yes, that guy. The stuff of nightmares, and the star of countless memes.
Oh, and let’s not forget the living mandrake root she hides under her mother’s bed to help with the pregnancy (Harry Potter vibes, anyone?). Del Toro did it first!
Spoilers Incoming…
The third task is where the heartache hits hardest. Ofelia is told to spill a few drops of her baby brother’s blood to open the final portal. Instead, she refuses—choosing to protect him rather than harm him. This act of selflessness seals her fate.
And yes… she dies. Cue all the tears.
But it’s not all tragedy. In the magical realm, we see her reunited with her true parents—King and Queen of the underworld—as Princess Moanna. It’s a bittersweet ending that leaves you emotionally gutted yet strangely hopeful.
Let’s Talk About It
Nicole admitted she cried (of course!), but she also loved it. She didn’t even know it was in Spanish, and neither did Sal! A little extra reading with subtitles, sure, but it was worth every second.
And a fun fact: Guillermo del Toro actually wrote the subtitles himself to preserve the meaning and poetry of the original Spanish. Now that’s dedication.
Sara remains completely smitten with this film—and rightfully so. The special effects still hold up beautifully (even though it was released in 2006), and the story feels timeless. It’s a fable for adults, exploring innocence, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil—both real and mythical.
Oh, and if you’re wondering if this is suitable for kids—despite the fairy tale elements—it’s rated R. So maybe don’t pop it on during family movie night. Unless you want to traumatize the little ones with monsters and fascism. Your call.
Final Thoughts
Pan’s Labyrinth is more than a movie—it’s an experience. It’s dark, gorgeous, and layered with symbolism. It’s a fantasy where the real world horrors are scarier than anything you’ll find in the labyrinth. And it’s a reminder that even in the face of cruelty, innocence and bravery can still shine through.
So, if you haven’t watched it yet, grab your reading glasses (for the subtitles), maybe a tissue or two, and get ready for a film that will stick with you long after the credits roll.
And remember: if a creepy fawn ever gives you a magical book with quests to complete… maybe don’t eat the grapes.
