The twisted world of childhood is about to get even more disturbing as Pinocchio: Unstrung enters the fray – a gruesome new addition to the 'Twisted Childhood Universe' that's guaranteed to leave you sleeping with the lights on. Directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, who's already proven his horror chops with the Winnie-the-Pooh slasher films, this latest instalment takes the innocent wooden puppet and turns him into a malevolent force of nature, hell-bent on unleashing a reign of terror.
In the midst of an English country estate, Geppetto (Richard Brake) brings Pinocchio to life for his troubled grandson James (Cameron Bell), a preteen still reeling from the loss of his parents in a tragic accident and struggling with the brutal reality of childhood cancer. What starts out as a heartfelt gesture soon spirals into horror as Pinocchio takes James's innocent wishes and twists them into deadly literalness, unleashing a bloodbath that's both shocking and darkly comedic.
As the body count rises, James finds himself torn between fear and fascination with his twisted creation. But it's when he utters those fateful words – "I wish they were all dead" – that Pinocchio goes on a killing spree, leaving a trail of gore in its wake. The film attempts to inject black comedy into the mix, but critics argue these moments fall flat, relying too heavily on tired slasher clichés rather than genuinely shocking or satirical horror.
One scene has sparked outrage: a female character is shown topless in a shower sequence, raising questions about taste and creative decisions. The gore effects, meanwhile, have been panned as unconvincing – failing to evoke disgust or terror, but instead earning chuckles from audiences. It's clear the 'Twisted Childhood Universe' is pushing boundaries, but at what cost?
For fans of this niche horror subgenre, Pinocchio: Unstrung might be a guilty pleasure, but critics are left scratching their heads as to why it struggles to deliver effective horror or sharp satire. With its smirking, unpleasant tone prioritising shock over substance, the film's place in the 'Twisted Childhood Universe' is clear – but whether it's a welcome addition remains to be seen.