• Release year: 2025
• Director: Rod Blackhurst.
• Producers: Rod Blackhurst, Joseph C. Grano, Noah Lang, Bryce McGuire, Ross O’Connor.
• Screenplay by: Rod Blackhurst and Brandon Weavil.
• Cinematography by: Justin Derry.
• Music by: Nick Bohun.

Shotgun Commentary: disturbing yet hypnotising.

Review

Dolly is the kind of horror movie you don’t want to watch… but you sort of do. It is the horror film that many people will watch between their fingers because it is disgusting as hell but so damn interesting.

The big no-nos

The story follows Macy (Fabianne Therese), a woman who goes on a hike with her boyfriend knowing he will very likely ask her to marry him. On their way to the special petition-designated spot, they come across a bunch of creepy porcelain dolls arranged haphazardly. Her boyfriend, Chase (Seann William Scott), intelligent man that he is, wants to jog on and ignore the sinister display. However, Macy thinks it is hilarious—because there is always one of those in horror movies—and begins to play with the dolls and to joke about taking them home.

Surprisingly enough, this is not what sets off the great evil upon them. It happens way later, because the villain is kind enough to let them enjoy the views first (or maybe evil enough to make them suffer through the whole trek before intervening?). Whatever the reason, the nightmare begins with the old-school “Have you heard that?” “I’ll go check it out. Stay here.”

Now, it is 2026, people. Are you seriously telling me that there are still people out there who will hear creepy music in the middle of the woods—after having seen an ominous porcelain doll display, mind you—and decide to exit the designated paths to go investigate ON THEIR OWN?! At this point, it is not even naivety; it is pure natural selection. The moment you make a decision like that in your life, you know which tombola you have just signed yourself up for. In fact, the second you see a bunch of dolls in the middle of the woods and decide to continue your hike like nothing matters, you have started to accumulate tickets for said tombola.

Mother dearest

Obvious stupidity aside, the film’s main highlight is its creepy take on motherhood. While there are many different horror approaches to motherhood, from Rosemary’s Baby (1968) to Mamá (2013), this is a particularly, let’s say… tart perspective. One along the lines of V/H/S Halloween’s segment “Coochie Coochie Coo” (2025), where all the bodily fluids and other goo involved in raising a baby are used to unnerve you and make an already horrific situation—being kidnapped by an evil creature wearing a porcelain doll mask—extra disturbing.

Therese does a great job as the final girl of this feature. Her character is quite nicely written and, other than the doll incident, does not do any incredibly stupid thing, which is commendable in any horror movie. In fact, she is quite realistically resourceful and imperfect, which only makes you root even more for her. Scott’s role, while more anecdotal than anything, is still hilarious in a pretty gory way. And funnily enough, Scott plays a pretty normal man instead of the usual clown, which is a bit like seeing a shooting star.

All in all, Dolly is one of those horror films so well done that, no matter how revolting, you can’t stop watching. Every aspect of the film works, from the script to the editing, acting, and visual effects. There is no dissonant element in the narrative, which makes the experience all the more immersive. Did this review pique your interest? Dolly will be in UK cinemas from 6th March!

Thanks to Vertigo for early access!

Advice to take from this movie:

• If your film doesn’t need chapters, don’t give it chapters.
• Sometimes a movie needs subtitles, even when you know the language. If documentaries have them, why not movies?
• In a life-or-death situation, you can use your weapon of choice MORE THAN ONCE.

What’s your take? Have you watched Dolly? Don’t hesitate to let me know your thoughts in the comments section below, or leave a message on my contact page! For more reviews and cinema-related articles, check out the rest of my blog! 😀