Is The Horror Movie The Red Shoes Based On A True Story?

While the horror story behind "The Red Shoes" isn't based on a true story, it is a loose adaptation of a Hans Christian Andersen fairytale. Like many fairytales, the original version of "The Red Shoes" is surprisingly dark.

In Andersen's tale of the same name, a wealthy woman adopts a young peasant girl who becomes spoiled and self-obsessed. Believing a pair of red shoes further elevates her social status and beauty, the shoes become the object of her affection. Her mother warns her not to wear them to church, but she cannot help herself and does anyway.

When she begins to lose control of the shoes and can't stop dancing, she winds up going out instead of attending her mother's funeral. An angel visits her and condemns her to a life controlled by the red shoes — even in death.

The fairytale ending involves amputation, possessed dismembered feet, and repentance, acting as a cautionary tale about vanity and respecting one's parents. The 2005 horror film takes inspiration from the twisted tale and makes it even more terrifying.

Fortunately, viewers can take solace in knowing that the possessed shoes don't actually exist — that we know of.