When you combine the beloved innocence of classic children’s tales with a dose of pure cinematic mayhem, something truly unforgettable happens. Director Rhys Frake-Waterfield has delivered exactly that kind of twisted delight with Pinocchio Unstrung, ushering in a new and delightfully gory chapter for the horror cinematic universe.
This film is part of an expanding world where fairy tales are ripped apart and reassembled into something wickedly new. Following the massive success of films like Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey, this sprawling series—which includes ventures like Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, Bambi: The Reckoning, and Pinocchio Unstrung—proves there is a hunger for dark fantasy that cinema can deliver.
Pinocchio Unstrung dives into the familiar narrative by following young James as he uncovers a deadly secret held by his grandfather Geppetto: Pinocchio is not just seeking to become a boy; he’s embarking on an extremely gnarly pursuit. Frake-Waterfield flips every expectation about the classic puppet story on its head, using a relentless blend of darkness and humor.
The spectacle is built on practical artistry rather than mere digital tricks. The filmmakers heavily relied on incredible physical effects for all the creature work and deaths, ensuring that the gore feels visceral and immediate. This commitment to tangible horror is spearheaded by the Prosthetics Studio, a team known for crafting stunning practical effects across franchises like Star Wars and Harry Potter.
The practical execution was highlighted by the cast and crew. Robert Englund and Rob Zombie star alongside Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, Jack Art Gray, and Richard Brake. It was Todd Masters of MastersFx who led the charge on animatronics and puppetry, ensuring that every unsettling moment felt physically real.
The reaction from those involved was equally enthusiastic. Richard Brake remarked on the film’s unique blend, noting that while the script is “dark, twisted and gory,” it manages to be genuinely funny. He praised the practical effects, adding that audiences are in for a “crazy ride.”
Frake-Waterfield stated his intention was simple: to unleash Pinocchio in a way that completely redefines the character. He emphasized their heavy reliance on practical effects for creature work and fatalities, expressing excitement for the world to finally meet this reimagined puppet.
Pinocchio Unstrung is set to hit theaters in North America on July 24th. Get ready for a theatrical event that proves that sometimes, the scariest stories are the ones you never expected to find in a storybook.
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Credit: JoBlo
