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Writer's pictureJustin Whippo

The Puppetman (2023)

Updated: Oct 23, 2023

My quick rating - 5.6/10. The Puppetman, a convicted killer on death row always maintained his innocence and that it was an evil force controlling his body as he slaughtered his victims. Now Michal (Alyson Gorske), the killer's daughter, begins to suspect that there may be some truth to her father's claim when those around her begin to die in brutal ways. She must try and break the curse of The Puppetman before all her loved ones are killed. Director Brandon Christensen weaves a gruesome tale of inherited darkness, revenge, and the struggle for redemption. This horror-thriller delves deep into the human psyche, questioning the boundaries of belief, reality, and the supernatural. As the plot unfurls, you are taken on a terrifying journey where the line between truth and nightmare blurs. At the heart of the film lies a haunting question: can evil be inherited, or is it an external force that can manipulate even the most heinous acts? The protagonist, Michal, portrayed with raw emotion and conviction, is the backbone of the story. As she grapples with her father's claims of an evil force controlling him, I can begin to get a feel for her world of fear and desperation. Gorske delivers an admirable performance for this type of flick, capturing the essence of someone torn between skepticism and the unnerving possibility that her father's tale might be true. In pursuit of the truth, I have always been a fan of Michael Paré and he doesn't disappoint as the detective. The highlight for me was it doesn't shy away from violence, delivering a visceral experience for horror enthusiasts. The kills are not merely graphic; they are meticulously choreographed, creating an atmosphere of dread and anticipation. The special effects team deserves applause for their artistry in bringing the brutal scenes to life. Each kill is a macabre masterpiece, elevating the film's intensity. Once it gets going, the film's pacing is relentless, ensuring that the tension never lets up. The cinematography captures the eerie ambiance of the story, immersing you in a world where darkness lurks around every corner. While the film revels in its violent sequences, it doesn't rely solely on gore to create fear. The sound design further amplifies the sense of dread, heightening the impact of every terrifying moment. It was a visceral and thought-provoking horror film that will leave you questioning the nature of evil. With a bit more polish to the overall story, it could've been a must-watch. The flick does contain some well-crafted kills and a compelling narrative, it just needed some extra skill and creativity applied to the overall product.

You can stream this one from AMC or Shudder, both of which you can get with Amazon

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