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

The latest addition to the twisted fairy-tale horror universe, Pinocchio: Unstrung, has arrived in theaters, and early reactions from critics are focused less on its gruesome plot and more on the technical craft behind its central menace. According to a review published this week, the film’s most striking element is its puppetry work, which elevates an otherwise familiar slasher premise into something far more unsettling.

Released July 22, 2026, the 82-minute feature is directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, the filmmaker behind the controversial Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey series. This time, he turns his attention to Carlo Collodi’s wooden boy, but with a decidedly darker spin. The official synopsis describes a Pinocchio who, influenced by a sinister Cricket voiced by horror icon Robert Englund, embarks on a violent crusade to transform himself into a real boy. His goal: to become like his brother James, one piece at a time - literally.

The cast includes Jude Evan Lloyd as the voice of Pinocchio, Cameron Bell as James, Jessica Balmer as Mia, Richard Brake as Geppetto, Jack Art Gray as Dudley, Scott Chambers as Christopher Robin, and Kelly Rian Sanson as Miss Daniels. With an 8.3 out of 10 rating on TMDb, the film has already generated strong word-of-mouth among genre fans.

Puppetry Takes Center Stage

What separates Pinocchio: Unstrung from other low-budget horror reboots, according to the review, is the physical performance of the puppet itself. Rather than relying entirely on CGI, the production team built a practical Pinocchio figure that is manipulated on set, giving the character a tangible, eerie presence. Critics note that the puppet’s movements are deliberately stiff yet fluid, creating an uncanny valley effect that amplifies the horror. One line from the review sums up the consensus: “Killer puppetry is the best thing about this killer puppet slasher.”

The attention to detail in the puppet’s design - its cracked wooden joints, painted-on smile, and the hollow sound it makes when moving - has drawn comparisons to classic stop-motion horror and the work of Italian giallo filmmakers. For audiences weary of digital effects, the practical approach here is a welcome throwback.

A Familiar Slasher Formula Underneath

While the puppetry earns praise, the review also acknowledges that the story itself treads familiar ground. Pinocchio’s quest to carve himself into a human body echoes other “killer toy” narratives, though the film adds a layer of tragic irony: Geppetto, played by Richard Brake, made Pinocchio as a companion for his late son James. When Pinocchio learns that James is still alive, he becomes consumed by jealousy and a desire to replace him.

Robert Englund’s performance as the Cricket - here a malevolent whisperer rather than a cheerful conscience - adds a welcome sense of menace. His voice work is described as “slithering” and “uncomfortable,” grounding the fantastical premise in something more psychologically disturbing. Jessica Balmer’s Mia and Jack Art Gray’s Dudley round out the human cast, though the review suggests they function more as victims than fully developed characters.

A Growing Universe of Twisted Tales

Pinocchio: Unstrung is not a standalone film. It exists in the same shared universe as Frake-Waterfield’s earlier horror adaptations, with Scott Chambers reprising his role as Christopher Robin from Blood and Honey. This interconnectivity has divided critics: some see it as a marketing gimmick, while others appreciate the ambition of building a fractured fairy-tale cinematic world.

The film’s short runtime - 82 minutes - works in its favor, according to the review. It moves quickly, wasting little time on exposition before delivering the scares. That efficiency, combined with the standout puppetry, makes it one of the more watchable entries in the micro-budget horror revival.

Final Verdict Among Critics

With an 8.3 rating, Pinocchio: Unstrung has already outperformed many of its peers in audience scores. The review concludes that while the film won’t convert skeptics of the genre, it offers enough practical craft and committed performances to satisfy horror fans looking for something both twisted and tactile. The puppetry alone, the review argues, makes it worth a watch - even for viewers who think they’ve seen every variation of Pinocchio’s nose grow.

As the summer horror slate continues, Pinocchio: Unstrung stands out not for its story, but for its willingness to get its hands dirty - literally, with wood, strings, and a creepy cricket.

Source: Variety