With a thrilling narrative that keeps viewers hooked, “The Puppetman” offers a fresh, spine-chilling twist on occult and possession tropes.
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The Puppetman may start leisurely, but it soon gains momentum, drawing you into its uniquely captivating narrative that refuses to release its grip until the final scene.
Director Brandon Christensen, renowned for his captivating films like Z (2019) and Superhost (2021), presents a unique and enthralling story with twists and turns that will keep you engaged and intrigued, eager to see what unfolds next.
The film delves into the gripping story of Michal (Alyson Gorske), who has endured a tumultuous and uncertain life, constantly moving from one family to another within the court system. As she finally reaches the age of 18, she believes she can now shape her destiny. Little does she know her journey is about to take a chilling turn.
On death row, her father, David, awaits his fate. He was tried and convicted of killing Michal’s mother, a crime he has always claimed he did not commit. His pleas of innocence have been brushed aside until now. The inexplicable and terrifying events unfolding around Michal cast doubt on the truth, leaving her to question everything she thought she knew.
The impending execution adds a sense of urgency and finality to the narrative, intensifying the emotional and psychological turmoil Michal experiences. Did Michal’s father murder her mother?
Zachary Le Vey (Run Hide Fight and Ocean’s 8) plays David, Michal’s father. He delivers a powerful performance and convincingly walks the fine line between psychotic and normal, making it challenging for the viewer to know.
Director Christensen continues that mystery by only giving glimpses of the mother’s murder.
The film opens with Jo cooking at the stove, with strands of the haunting “Puppet on a String” by The Young Souls immersing you in the scene and setting the tone for what’s to come.
Brief but intense scenes are strategically placed throughout the film, providing just enough information for the viewer to piece together the truth about David’s actions—or so they think. These flashbacks add a layer of suspense and anticipation, keeping the audience engaged and eager to uncover the whole story.
Anna Telfer (Top Gunner: Danger Zone, Planet Dune) portrays the mother, Jo, who didn’t have a massive role in the movie, but she did well with the material she had. She’s at the stove cooking dinner, and a pan around the kitchen and house reveals an average home, with its cozy living room, family photos on the walls, and a sense of normalcy. Nothing hints at the upcoming violence, and the horrific expression of disbelief when she died was believable.
David’s incredulity as he repeatedly said, “It isn’t me,” while stabbing Jo adds to the perplexing scene.
The supporting cast, particularly those interacting with Michal, delivers convincing performances that heighten the suspense.
Their nuanced portrayals of fear, suspicion, and disbelief contribute to the film’s overall sense of unease, creating a genuinely scary performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
In many horror movies, the music score warns viewers of upcoming scary scenes, making us tense in anticipation. In The Puppetman, the scenes begin, and then the music enhances them rather than overwhelms them, keeping you engaged and on edge. This effectively ensures you don’t anticipate what’s coming, experiencing the horrors in real time with the characters.
There is no hurry to reach the ending, and the slower pace may throw off viewers who want instant gratification. But it is worth the wait.
It’s not perfect. There are plot gaps, unanswered questions, issues with plausibility, and a few jarring scenes that threaten to take you out of the viewing. The final act is choppy, but it doesn’t distract from the overall story.
Despite some bumps in the road, The Puppetman keeps you on a thrilling roller coaster ride to the end.
Overall Rating (Out of 5 Butterflies): 3.5
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