The first half of Once Upon a Time‘s season 4 focused on the Frozen story arc. But which character made the best transfer from animation to live action?
Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Hans — they all made their way from the animators desks to Once Upon a Time this season. But there was one character who embodied the personality, mannerisms, and all the untapped potential resting at the close of the Frozen films. Elizabeth Lail’s Anna blew every Frozen character out of the water, er, ice, during the season 4 crossover. Lail’s performance week in and week out was not unlike watching Anna straight from the animated film. Her charisma, unfailing optimism, and fierce wit in the face of evil all melded together to complimenting the rest of the casting for the show.
Costuming and casting play a great deal in creating the perfect base for a character, but the essence of the character can only be achieved if the right person steps into those perfectly chosen shoes. It is no wonder that Lail ended up on our Hypable Honors last week for her performance in Once Upon a Time, episode 10, “Shattered Sight.” Anna’s range this season has gone from happy-go-lucky bride to be, to dedicated sister, to a wickedly honest person under the Spell of Shattered Sight, and ultimately the girl who saves the town and everyone in it.
Here are a few of Anna’s best moments from Once Upon a Time season 4:
Anna’s chemistry with Kristoff:
If you are going to cast the perfect Anna, she must have a companion that is up to snuff. Scott Michael Foster’s Kristoff was not around nearly as much as viewers may have wanted, but his scenes with Anna brought out the best in both of their characters. Anna typically spends their scenes rambling through her unfiltered thoughts with Kristoff standing by, confused, yet willing to ride out the whirlwind of words. Though their impending nuptials become a source of contention, but she is still the hopeless romantic who believes that when the feeling is right, it’s okay to put a ring on it as soon as possible.
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‘I sang with you!’
Anna and Hans have a bit of a history that follows them into Once Upon a Time. Still bent on capturing Elsa and ruling over Arendelle, Hans served more as an expository figure this season, filling in the gaps of storyline when needed. He was frozen quite early on in the season only to return for a brief moment a few weeks back. But that brief moment brings out the Anna who is learning from their eight-minute and one song romantic fling. Anna was in no short supply of wonderful quips during her tenure on Once Upon a Time. While bringing Hans back into the story may have flatlined a bit, it gave Lail the chance to bring out the vengeful side of Anna, and for that we are grateful.
Perhaps her most comedic line of the season came when Anna becomes so frustrated with Hans she expresses her rage by saying, “And I sang with you!”
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That signature sword twirl
Anna is no delicate flower. Despite her childish antics and sweet sounding voice, the princess of Arendelle did go on a mission to save the kingdom from her sister’s snowy wrath. Her appearance in the Enchanted Forest, or Mist Haven, is no different. When Anna stumbles upon the sheltered stable boy, a long-haired David, she not only shows him some moves, but inspires him to fight for what is rightfully his and prove he is not a coward to Bo Peep. Anna is full of encouraging speeches and endless optimism and her approach to working with David was not unlike her initial encounter with Kristoff in Frozen. Anna’s fiery independence shines in her scenes from, “White Out.”
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Sunken wedding vows
Featured earlier on Hypable, Lail’s performance in “Fall,” was her best of the season. Anna goes through quite the range of emotions in the episode. From unfrozen and facing Hans, to her plan to seek council with pirates, and finally, her tearful promises to Kristoff as they face their death, Lail captured Anna’s entire spirit. Faced with the prospect of never seeing her sister again, Anna focuses on the love she has right in front of her. Instead of lamenting about what she failed to achieve, she chooses to focus on Kristoff and making sure they have each other 100% in what could be their final moments.
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Be sure to read Hypable Honors for more on her performance!
Proving that a sister’s love is enough to save the day
In the end, the entire story is nothing, if not a tale of sisterly love. Anna and Elsa are reunited in Storybrooke with all the emotional charge of their final moments in Frozen. Anna is largely separated from Elsa in the Once Upon a Time story arc, but when Lail and Georgiana Haig are on screen together, their dynamic is brilliant. Anna’s bravery and decision to do the right thing echoes through out the season. In the Apprentice’s home, Anna faces Rumpelstiltskin and makes off with the Sorcerer’s Hat. And at the close of her time in Storybrooke, Anna finds a way to step in front of Elsa and take care of what needs to be done to save her sister. Move aside ladies, Anna has this under control.
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As great as Anna, and the rest of the Frozen cast was this season, it is time to bid farewell to them this Sunday and welcome in the new batch of characters for season 4B.
Watch the Once Upon a Time season 4, episode 11, MID-SEASON FINALE “Heroes and Villains,” Sunday, December 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.