Apple TV+ has delivered one of the most enchanting surprises of the season. The Sisters Grimm, adapted from Michael Buckley’s novels and animated by Titmouse, takes the frayed edges of fairy tales and makes them feel dangerous again. Though its formula feels familiar, that’s part of its charm—it carries a touch of Studio Ghibli’s wonder in the character dynamics.
The bond between Sabrina (Ariel Winter) and Daphne (Leah Newman) forms the show’s heart, and its central question—who chooses to believe, and why? They’re almost like Satsuke and Mei in My Neighbour Totoro. This series remembers what the Brothers Grimm once understood: the forest doesn’t merely hold stories—it creates them.
Across six episodes, the sisters settle in the town of Ferryport Landing, a place where myth and reality coexist. It recalls Once Upon a Time in tone and texture, though the people here are not prisoners by choice. Mortals live among them, and the girls’ grandmother simply wants what’s best for them—but before she can help, a giant whisks her away. The sisters must find her and, along the way, uncover their roots, their namesake, and why they matter.
The narrative doesn’t shy away from letting children face real fear and uncertainty, and that courage gives this series emotional weight. Beneath the surface lies a message about acceptance—learning to see others for who they are, not where they come from. With only each other to rely on, Sabrina and Daphne must decide who to rescue first: Nana or their parents.
The show cleverly reverses the traditional fairy-tale dynamic. Here, the children are the rescuers. Like Netflix’s Curses!, it’s a tale of inheritance—about confronting the mysteries and misdeeds passed down through family lines. Yet The Sisters Grimm also explores the burden of responsibility. Puck (Dylan Llewellyn) plays a mischievous yet pivotal role; even as a teen, he must decide which side he truly belongs to.
Without spoiling too much of the grand plot, let’s just say the debate between living as rebels or accepting their place divides the town. Despite being home to magical beings from across the world, this small town feels grounded in a shared desire for peace. Of course, some mortals act as Watchers to keep that balance from shattering. Like Trollhunters, this is a story about coexistence—whether it means dealing with a scheming mayor or unmasking a hidden traitor. There’s mystery, humour, and heart in equal measure.
At only six episodes, The Sisters Grimm feels like the first act of a grander saga. Each episode builds naturally on the last, keeping viewers hooked right to the cliffhanger. The finale ends with just half the family reunited and stronger than ever, while the parents’ fate remains uncertain. Whether a continuation is planned remains to be seen—but I’ll be diving into the books to find out what happens next. Unlike many modern series that fade to black without closure, this one honours the rhythm of a fairy tale: a beginning, a middle, and the promise of an “ever after.”
4 Stars out of 5
The Sisters Grimm Trailer
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