‘Pinocchio: Unstrung’ Review: Killer Puppetry Is the Best Thing About This Killer Puppet Slasher

FilmNews newsroom brief · 1h ago · 1 min read · via variety.com

British indie director Rhys Frake-Waterfield gained a measure of notoriety for his 2023 film “Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey,” at best an amusing sketch idea that could hardly support a feature-length horror movie, let alone a very slapdash sequel. But it wasn’t memorably bad e

The review of "Pinocchio: Unstrung" highlights the impressive puppetry as the standout aspect of this killer puppet slasher film, which is notable given the director's previous work. Rhys Frake-Waterfield's 2023 film "Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey" received attention for its unusual concept, but was ultimately criticized for being a one-note idea that couldn't sustain a full-length movie. This context suggests that Frake-Waterfield's strength may lie in creating memorable and striking visuals, rather than developing a compelling narrative.

The fact that "Pinocchio: Unstrung" is being praised for its puppetry indicates that Frake-Waterfield has potentially found a niche in creating visually striking and unsettling horror elements. This could be an area where he excels, and it will be interesting to see if he can build on this strength in future projects. The horror genre often relies on creative and effective use of practical effects, and if Frake-Waterfield can continue to deliver in this area, he may be able to carve out a reputation as a talented horror director.

As the horror genre continues to evolve and incorporate new ideas and themes, it will be worth watching to see how Frake-Waterfield's career develops and whether he can leverage his strengths in puppetry and visual effects to create more well-rounded and effective horror movies. With the success of films like "M3GAN" and "Chucky," it's clear that audiences are still drawn to horror movies featuring killer dolls or puppets, and Frake-Waterfield may be able to capitalize on this trend if he can continue to improve his storytelling and direction.

Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews adds analysis for culture, style & media readers.

Originally reported by variety.com. FilmNews curates and briefs the culture, style & media stories that matter. Our editorial policy →
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