Labyrinth Returns: How Henson’s Classic Still Shapes Childhood Bravery

Four decades on, Jim Henson’s Labyrinth is back in cinemas, its peculiar blend of whimsy and menace as potent as ever. The film, which first appeared in 1986, has always been a curious concoction: a fairy tale on the surface, but with shadows lurking just beneath. It’s a story that doesn’t shy away from unsettling its audience, especially the younger ones, yet somehow manages to leave them feeling braver for it.

At the heart of the tale is Sarah, a teenager played by Jennifer Connelly, who finds herself plunged into a world that’s equal parts enchanting and unnerving. Her baby brother has been whisked away by goblins, and the only way to get him back is to navigate a maze that seems determined to outwit her at every turn. David Bowie’s Jareth, the Goblin King, presides over this strange domain with a mix of charm and threat, his presence both magnetic and slightly off-kilter.

Unsettling Imagery and Enduring Appeal

Labyrinth’s visual style is unmistakable. The creatures that populate its world are the stuff of fever dreams—crafted with a level of detail and oddity that’s rarely seen in family films. There’s a particular sequence where Sarah is trapped in a cavern, surrounded by hands that morph into faces, their fingers forming mouths and eyes. It’s the sort of scene that lingers in the mind, unsettling but oddly fascinating.

What sets the film apart is its willingness to let children feel afraid, if only for a moment. The scares are never gratuitous, and there’s always a sense that the danger is just real enough to matter, but not so overwhelming as to be truly traumatic. It’s a delicate balance, and one that Henson and his team managed with remarkable skill. The practical effects and puppetry lend the world a tactile quality, making the fantasy feel oddly plausible.

Lessons in Courage, Wrapped in Fantasy

Labyrinth isn’t just about spectacle, though. Beneath the surface, it’s a story about learning to face what frightens you. Sarah’s journey through the maze is a metaphor for the challenges that come with growing up—uncertainty, responsibility, and the need to make difficult choices. The film doesn’t offer easy answers, but it does suggest that courage is something you find by moving forward, even when you’re not sure of the way.

For many, the film has become a touchstone—a formative experience that lingers long after the credits roll. It’s the sort of story that children return to as adults, finding new layers of meaning each time. The blend of fear and relief, of tension and release, is what gives the film its staying power. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to deal with what scares us is to look it in the eye and keep going.

A Legacy That Refuses to Fade

As Labyrinth returns to the big screen for its 40th anniversary, it’s clear that its influence hasn’t waned. The film’s impact on the fantasy and horror genres, particularly those aimed at younger audiences, is hard to overstate. It paved the way for stories that don’t talk down to children, but instead invite them to grapple with the unknown in a safe, imaginative space.

There’s a reason why Labyrinth has endured, becoming a cult favourite across generations. It’s not just the memorable characters or the striking visuals, but the way it manages to make fear feel manageable—and even, in the end, a little bit magical.