Once upon a time, in 1999, a horror movie called The Blair Witch Project became very successful. It introduced a new style of filmmaking known as “found footage,” where the movie looks like it’s been recorded with a handheld camera by the characters themselves. This approach was a refreshing change from the usual horror films of the time, which mostly followed the slasher format popularized by movies like Scream.
However, when any movie style becomes popular, filmmakers tend to overuse it until it loses its originality. Hollywood did exactly that with found footage horror films. Over the years, some great ones like Paranormal Activity or the V/H/S series have come along, but many more have just been cheap copies, using the same tired techniques: shaky cameras, characters yelling and screaming, sudden scares, and of course, everyone dying in the end.
With that said, a newfound footage film from Australia called Puzzle Box is out today on digital platforms. It tries to break away from the usual pattern. Written and directed by Jack Dignan, who previously made After She Died, Puzzle Box is a smaller-scale movie that focuses more on the characters than on any kind of monster.
Dignan understands that a horror film only works when the audience cares about the people in it. Without an emotional connection to the characters, there is nothing to fear. This movie is not about ghosts or haunted houses.
Instead, it’s more of a psychological horror, where the main characters are isolated in a house at night, and the tension comes from their internal struggles. Puzzle Box does have some flaws, and it’s not going to redefine the found footage genre, but for fans of this style of filmmaking, it stands out as one of the better films to be released in recent years.
The film starts off with a scream in the woods. At first, it seems like it’s going to follow the familiar formula of other found footage horror movies. You might think, “Here we go again.” But just when you’re expecting another story about witches or some supernatural entity brought to life by an Ouija board, the movie changes direction. What we actually see is a family falling apart.
The story focuses on two sisters, Kait (played by Kaitlyn Boyé) and Olivia (played by Laneikka Denne), who are in their twenties. Kait has been struggling with drug addiction for a long time and has failed in rehab multiple times.
Something went terribly wrong during her last stay in rehab, and now her sister Olivia is determined to help her get better. Olivia has taken it upon herself to save Kait, and they both need this to work. Olivia feels like she is running out of patience and just wants her old life back.
The plan is to take Kait to a house they have rented deep in the woods. The idea is to get Kait away from all the distractions of the world so she can detox in peace. Olivia is there to provide support but also to record everything on camera as proof for the doctors that Kait can be helped.
However, it’s not just Kait who needs saving; their relationship is also in a fragile state. Kait doesn’t like the idea of being filmed or the entire plan for the weekend. Olivia is frustrated that her sister doesn’t seem to want to get better. On top of all that, their mother recently passed away, which has added more tension to their relationship.
Puzzle Box understands that the most effective horror comes from taking away everything that makes the characters feel safe. The film removes the sisters from civilization by placing them in the middle of nowhere.
It also emotionally separates them from each other, and to make matters worse, it reminds them of the loss of their mother. These are classic elements of horror, which is why many scary movies take place in isolated locations, like abandoned houses or remote forests, or focus on characters grieving over the death of a loved one.
However, Puzzle Box is not just another movie full of clichés. It uses these familiar elements in smart ways. The plot is somewhat similar to the 2013 remake of Evil Dead by Fede Álvarez, where a character named Mia (played by Jane Levy) is taken to a cabin in the woods to recover from drug addiction. But unlike Evil Dead, where the cabin is small and rundown, the house in Puzzle Box is large and multi-leveled.
It looks perfect at first glance, though there are a few unsettling details, like the fact that there are no curtains on the windows and the homeowners forgot to leave the key card. Eventually, the sisters get inside, but almost immediately, things start to go wrong. The lights go out, and Olivia disappears.
In the first part of Puzzle Box, the camera is mostly focused on Kait, making her the center of the story. Olivia is more of a background presence, giving directions and trying to guide Kait through their weekend plan. But when Olivia suddenly vanishes, Kait is left to fend for herself.
Still from the movie (IMDb)
This is something she has struggled with her entire life, and now she has to face it in a very intense situation. Finding someone who has disappeared inside a locked house is terrifying enough, but then a strange woman appears. This woman, played by Cassandre Girard, looks like she has been through something awful. Her face is covered in blood, and she runs at Kait with a knife, screaming. This, as you can imagine, is not a good sign.
Kait manages to escape the first time, but the bloody woman keeps showing up again and again, no matter where Kait tries to hide. The sound of the woman’s screams in the distance is unsettling at first, but after a while, it loses its effect. It becomes more annoying than scary.
This is a mistake some horror directors make; they overuse a scare tactic, thinking that if it worked once, it will work every time. However, horror often works best when used sparingly. The repetition in this case lessens the impact.
Kait’s main goal becomes finding a way out of the house, but the house seems to have a mind of its own. Every time she tries to escape through the front door, she ends up back inside. Several times throughout the movie, characters walk through one room and find themselves back where they started.
This gives the movie a confusing, dreamlike quality that works well when the camera isn’t spinning too much, leaving the audience just as disoriented as the characters. The film is relatively short at 73 minutes, which helps it avoid dragging on too long. However, the second part of the movie does start to feel repetitive, as it stalls for time before moving into the final act.
The ending of Puzzle Box brings together the different pieces of the story, though it doesn’t entirely stick the landing. Still, Jack Dignan deserves credit for trying to do something different with the found footage style. Many other movies in this genre fall into predictable patterns in their final scenes, but Dignan avoids that here.
Still from the movie (YouTube)
Puzzle Box is not a groundbreaking found footage film. It doesn’t rise to the level of the best examples in the genre, but it’s far from the worst. What makes the movie stand out are the characters. Even if you took away the horror elements, you would still have an interesting drama about two sisters at a breaking point.
Olivia is ready to move on and live her own life, while Kait just wants one more chance to prove she can get it right. Their relationship feels real, and the audience wants to see them succeed. The horror in the movie is just an added layer on top of their already complicated dynamic.
As Kait and Olivia argue, reconcile, and try to escape from the nightmare they are trapped in, the audience is left hoping that they will make it through. The house itself becomes a kind of character in the story, seemingly intent on keeping them trapped inside. Whether or not they can escape is the central question that keeps the audience invested.
Puzzle Box offers a fresh take on the found footage genre by prioritizing character development over traditional horror tropes. While the film may not completely redefine the genre, it succeeds in creating an engaging narrative centered on the complex relationship between two sisters, Kait and Olivia. Their struggles with addiction, grief, and familial bonds serve as the emotional backbone of the story, making the horror elements more impactful.
The film’s setting in an isolated house amplifies the tension, reflecting the characters’ internal battles while introducing chilling supernatural elements, such as the mysterious woman haunting Kait. Although some horror clichés appear, Dignan skillfully manipulates them to create a sense of disorientation and fear, keeping viewers on edge.
The film’s pacing may lag at times, but its shorter runtime prevents it from overstaying its welcome. Ultimately, Puzzle Box stands out in a crowded field of found footage films, drawing viewers in with its relatable characters and emotional depth. By blending psychological drama with supernatural horror, it invites audiences to invest in the sisters’ journey and leaves them pondering the deeper themes of loss, recovery, and the haunting specters of the past.
Brandon Espy’s Mr. Crocket began as a six-minute horror short for Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween collection in 2021. Two years later, it expanded into a full feature that is now part of Hulu’s 2024 Huluween lineup. The movie takes a dark twist on beloved children’s shows, reminiscent of Pee-wee’s Playhouse and Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, infused with the sharp wit of slasher film icon Freddy Krueger.
Espy’s examination of parenthood and children’s television has practical effects designed to frighten young viewers expecting innocent fun. However, like many adaptations from short films to feature-length productions, Mr. Crocket struggles to maintain a coherent story as it stretches to fill the time, yet it still provides a wickedly entertaining Halloween experience in a tight 90-minute format.
A Struggling Mother and Her Son
The film stars Jerrika Hinton as Summer, a single mother grappling with her son Major’s (played by Ayden Gavin) behavior following the tragic death of her husband. The story kicks off when a mysterious community book box falls from the sky outside Summer’s home. Inside, she finds a singalong video titled Mr. Crocket’s World.
Major quickly becomes obsessed with the video, glued to the screen whenever it plays. When Summer tries to intervene and limit his viewing, Major throws a tantrum and is sent to his room. This moment escalates when Summer hears a familiar voice coming from behind a locked door.
To her horror, Mr. Crocket (portrayed by Elvis Nolasco) manifests in real life, using his “magic marker” to kidnap Major—leaving Summer desperate to figure out where they have gone.
Still from the movie (Hulu)
The Creative Vision Behind Mr. Crocket
Espy’s creativity shines throughout Mr. Crocket. The film features clear references to childhood staples, like Pee-wee’s special friends. However, Espy puts a sinister twist on these characters, placing Mr. Crocket’s hideout in Hell. What initially appears to be a wholesome public access set is a deceptive facade. Mr. Crocket’s companions transform into nightmarish versions of animated furniture and characters.
One standout is Blue, a monstrous teddy bear with exposed brains and razor-sharp claws. Espy cleverly incorporates design elements reminiscent of other children’s shows, such as Barney & Friends and Teletubbies, creating a disturbing vision of a child’s play area twisted into a nightmarish environment.
Espy excels at transforming beloved childhood characters into horrifying figures, which creates a strong visual impact. Nolasco’s portrayal of Mr. Crocket embodies the archetypal children’s host but with a malevolent twist. His character uses education to teach “naughty” parents a lesson, resulting in gruesome deaths.
Nolasco perfectly embodies the duality of his role, expertly balancing the cheerful demeanor of a children’s entertainer with the sinister undertones of a predator. His character retains a wide smile while leading children into horrifying situations, reminding viewers of how dangerous charm can be in the wrong hands.
Investigating Mr. Crocket’s Urban Legend
As Summer investigates the legend of Mr. Crocket, the plot becomes less compelling. Espy and co-writer Carl Reid use cryptic tropes, leaving much of the backstory underexplained. Summer’s search for answers is aided by a homeless mother, Rhonda (Kristolyn Lloyd), who has also encountered Mr. Crocket.
Rhonda embodies the archetypal “crazy lady,” adding a layer of absurdity to the story. Additionally, a father named Eddie (Alex Akpobome) becomes an overly interested character, whose eagerness hints at predictable plot developments.
Rhonda, in particular, provides insight into Mr. Crocket’s powers. Her scenes highlight a contrast between sanity and insanity, raising questions about the reliability of characters in the story. She taps into Mr. Crocket’s essence over a set of hardwired television sets in her makeshift workshop.
Meanwhile, Eddie’s overt enthusiasm creates tension as his character pushes the narrative toward expected reveals. Espy succeeds in justifying the film’s runtime, yet the attempt to expand upon the short’s premise raises questions about adapting such a brief idea into a feature film.
While the film depicts the ups and downs of parenthood with some honesty, the exploration of these themes feels underwhelming compared to the horror elements.
However, audiences watching Mr. Crocket primarily come for the gore, and Espy delivers on this front. The film showcases practical effects in creative ways, providing thrills and chills that are often missing from family-friendly entertainment.
Still from the movie (Hulu)
A Showcase of Practical Effects
From the start, Mr. Crocket establishes a commitment to practical effects that heighten the horror experience. In one shocking scene, Rhonda’s husband falls victim to Mr. Crocket’s brutal form of discipline, resulting in graphic imagery as his torso is sliced open, spilling his intestines.
This early moment sets a grim tone for the rest of the film, preparing audiences for the violent spectacle to come. The creativity in the effects design is impressive, blending macabre humor with startling visuals.
The scenes featuring Blue, the psychotic bird puppet, and other anthropomorphic figures serve as reminders that childhood innocence can easily be corrupted. Espy incorporates these characters into violent sequences, showcasing the disintegration of safety that children often associate with their favorite shows. Each gruesome death scene reinforces the film’s premise that the familiar can become horrific, inviting viewers to reconsider their own childhood experiences with television.
Themes of Parenthood and Media Influence
Amid the gore, Mr. Crocket invites viewers to reflect on broader themes of parenting and the media’s influence on children. Summer’s fight to save her son from Mr. Crocket represents a parent’s ultimate fear: losing control over their child. The film critiques the media that often overwhelm children with content, posing the question of whether parents can truly protect their children from the dark influences that lurk in entertainment.
The obsession Major develops with Mr. Crocket mirrors the concerns many parents face today regarding their children’s screen time. The film does not shy away from portraying the psychological impacts of children’s programming, highlighting how easily a child’s innocence can be shattered by dark themes presented in seemingly harmless shows.
The Climax and Resolution
As the plot progresses, the tension continues to rise, leading to an intense climax where Summer confronts Mr. Crocket. This showdown is not just about physical survival; it also represents a deeper emotional struggle.
Summer must confront her own fears and insecurities as a parent, fighting not only for Major’s safety but also to reclaim her role as a protective mother. The emotional stakes make this climax all the more compelling, engaging viewers who may have similar fears of losing their loved ones.
The final confrontation sees Summer battling against Mr. Crocket in a series of visually striking sequences that blend horror with a touch of dark comedy. Espy manages to create a climactic battle that feels both satisfying and chaotic, echoing the unpredictability of parenthood itself.
Despite the film’s dark themes, it concludes with an open-ended resolution that leaves viewers pondering the consequences of Mr. Crocket’s influence. While Summer may have saved her son, the scars left behind by their experiences remain. This conclusion invites discussions about the nature of evil and the complexities of raising children in a media-driven world.
Still from the movie (Hulu)
Final Thoughts on Mr. Crocket
Mr. Crocket presents a fresh take on horror that encourages audiences to rethink their perceptions of children’s media. While it may not redefine the horror genre, it offers a compelling narrative that fuses themes of nostalgia, parental anxiety, and the darker undercurrents of childhood entertainment. Espy’s ability to blend horror with poignant commentary on parenting showcases his potential as a filmmaker.
The film stands out in a crowd of horror films, offering a unique perspective that resonates with both children and adults. Espy creates an atmosphere that is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making Mr. Crocket a worthwhile addition to any Halloween viewing list.
Mr. Crocket stands out as a daring and innovative horror film that challenges traditional views of children’s entertainment. By taking familiar elements from beloved children’s programs and twisting them into dark, disturbing narratives, the film invites viewers to reconsider the influence of media on young minds.
Espy expertly crafts a chilling atmosphere that balances horror with thought-provoking commentary on parenthood and the struggles that come with raising children in an increasingly complex world.
The character of Mr. Crocket embodies the potential dangers hidden beneath the surface of seemingly innocent programming, serving as a reminder that not everything meant for children is devoid of dark themes.
As Summer fears and ultimately confronts Mr. Crocket, the film goes into deeper emotional territories, exploring the anxiety parents face when trying to protect their children from external threats. This connection resonates with audiences, highlighting the importance of vigilance in a world where media plays a significant role in shaping children’s perceptions and behaviors.
Moreover, the film’s use of practical effects and creative storytelling amplifies its effectiveness, providing memorable visuals that stick with viewers long after the credits roll. While Mr. Crocket may not fit the mold of a traditional family film, it serves as a powerful reminder of the necessity for parents to engage with their children’s media choices and the potential ramifications of unchecked consumption.
Espy’s film, with its mix of horror and commentary, leaves an indelible mark on the genre, encouraging both parents and children to reflect on the darker implications of entertainment. As it challenges the boundaries of horror and nostalgia, Mr. Crocket firmly establishes itself as a notable entry in contemporary horror cinema.
