Tim Burtonis officially back in the spotlight withBeetlejuice Beetlejuice, his long-awaited follow-up starringMichael Keaton’s Ghost With the Most andarguably his best film in years. For those looking for more from the one-of-a-kind director’s filmography, however, Hulu is adding one of his best to its catalog for October to continue your Burton binge. Starting on October 1,Edward Scissorhandswill be available on the platform, reintroducing viewers to the director’s unique and sincere Gothic romance starringJohnny Deppin the lead role. Their first collaboration helped launch Depp into a new tier of stardom and would pave the way fora long list of future team-upsfromEd WoodtoAlice in Wonderland.
EdwardScissorhandsfollows the titular humanoid, a creation of an eccentric scientist, played bylegendary horror iconVincent Price, who is left with a monstrous appearance emphasized by the scissor blades in place of his hands. With his creator dead, he’s given a new life thanks to the kind Peg (Dianne Wiest) who realizes his gentle nature and welcomes him into her family where he quickly falls in love with their teenage daughter Kim, played by another Burton favorite inWinona Ryder. Despite initially charming the residents of their town with his artistic prowess and kind demeanor, his sharp handsultimately make him an outcast, especially drawing the ire of Kim’s boyfriend, Jim (Anthony Michael Hall).
All ofBurton’s best qualitiesshow through inEdward Scissorhands, which mixes a colorful backdrop with the slightly creepy thanks to its gentle giant protagonist. As the director’s first filmcoming off hisBatmanmovie and the wildly popular originalBeetlejuice, it was another showcase of the creativity that would make him such an identifiable director over the years, making for a modernFrankensteinupdate that twists the aspects ofMary Shelley’s classic. It also helps to have a strong cast carried by Depp in his breakout film role, with a supporting cast also featuringKathy Baker,Alan Arkin,Robert Oliveri,Conchata Ferrell, andSarah Blommaertamong others. Burton co-wrote the screenplay withCaroline Thompson, who would later work with him again onThe Corpse Bride.
‘Edward Scissorhands’ Is Still Hailed as One of Burton’s Best
Among both critics and audiences, the gothic romance holiday feature is a genuine gem with stellar 91% and 90% ratings respectively onRotten Tomatoes. It’s been hailed for a magical, fairytale-like feel with plenty of sincerity that helps it stand out as a more personal and emotional film from Burton’s catalog. The bold choice to cast Depp, then best-known for21 Jump Street,instead of Hollywood heavyweights likeTom CruiseorGary Oldmanalso paid off as he helped humanize the “monster” with a kind heart. Elevating everything is the score byDanny Elfman, who has longbeen Burton’s go-to composerand delivers some of his best work from his Oscar-nominated career.
CatchEdward Scissorhandson Hulu starting on October 1, though the film is currently streaming on its sister platform Disney+ right now.
Edward Scissorhands
A scientist (Vincent Price) builds an animated human being – the gentle Edward (Johnny Depp). The scientist dies before he can finish assembling Edward, though, leaving the young man with a freakish appearance accentuated by the scissor blades he has instead of hands. Loving suburban saleswoman Peg (Dianne Wiest) discovers Edward and takes him home, where he falls for Peg’s teen daughter (Winona Ryder). However, despite his kindness and artistic talent, Edward’s hands make him an outcast.
