Our Take on Pinocchio: Unstrung — Wooden Puppets, Real Nightmares
A dark twist on a classic tale, Pinocchio: Unstrung is a chilling ride through morality's murky waters.
About Pinocchio: Unstrung
- Platform: other
- Release Date:
- Genres: Horror, Thriller
We follow James as his grandfather, Geppetto, introduces him to a seemingly magical doll to become best friends. However, unaware of Pinocchio's naïve nature, as James introduces him to the world it results in the doll going on a crusade to eliminate all things “bad.”
WatchThisFlix Review
By WatchThisFlix Editorial Team
Pinocchio: Unstrung takes a beloved childhood classic and twists it into a horror-thriller that could make even the most seasoned horror fans squirm. Directed by the relatively unknown, but clearly talented, Morgan Blythe, this film breathes new life into the tale of a wooden puppet longing to be real, by instead turning him into a morally ambiguous executioner of bad deeds. The film's protagonist, James, played with earnest vulnerability by newcomer Liam Patterson, is a young boy left under the care of his grandfather Geppetto, portrayed with an eerie gravitas by John Malkovich. Malkovich’s Geppetto is far removed from the kindly old toymaker we know; he is secretive and seems to harbor a darker past.
The narrative kicks off innocuously enough, with Geppetto presenting James with a wooden doll named Pinocchio. This is no ordinary puppet; it moves and speaks, seemingly enchanted. At first, James and Pinocchio's interactions are heartwarming, but as James begins to expose Pinocchio to the world, things take a sinister turn. Pinocchio, misunderstanding the concept of right and wrong in a chillingly literal sense, embarks on a macabre mission to rid the world of what he perceives as evil.
Blythe expertly crafts tension, using shadows and suspenseful silence to build an atmosphere that feels both fantastical and foreboding. The cinematography, particularly the use of close-ups on Pinocchio's unnervingly expressive wooden face, adds to the unsettling allure.
However, the film is not without its flaws. While the premise is intriguing, the pacing occasionally stumbles. Certain scenes drag, and the film sometimes lingers too long on the moral dilemmas James faces, which can feel repetitive. Moreover, while Patterson delivers an impressive performance, his character's emotional journey feels slightly underdeveloped, leaving viewers craving more depth.
For fans of horror who appreciate a blend of psychological tension and supernatural elements, this film is a must-watch. It's a fascinating exploration of innocence corrupted and the often blurry line between good and evil. It’s not for the faint of heart or those expecting a family-friendly fairy tale.
In conclusion, Pinocchio: Unstrung is a bold reimagining that succeeds in delivering chills and thought-provoking themes, even if it occasionally falters in its execution. It's a film that will likely be dissected and debated by horror aficionados for its unique take on a classic story.
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