Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026)

Pinocchio Unstrung takes a story you think you know and twists it into something wickedly fresh: a fairy-tale nightmare where innocence becomes the most dangerous weapon in the room. Rhys Frake-Waterfield leans into a grim, storybook-meets-slasher vibe, building dread out of moral certainty and the creeping realization that “good intentions” can turn predatory when they’re too literal. The voice cast adds a delicious layer of character to the darkness—especially Robert Englund, whose presence alone feels like a handshake from horror royalty—while the film keeps you hooked with a mystery-thriller momentum that’s more unsettling than splashy. If you’re looking for a faithful, family-friendly Pinocchio, this isn’t it, but if you want a bold, mean-spirited fantasy horror that commits to its premise and dares you to laugh nervously while you squirm, it’s absolutely worth the trip.

Pinocchio Unstrung is clearly aiming for a dark fairy-tale remix where innocence curdles into moral absolutism, turning a “magical best friend” premise into a slashy cautionary tale. If you’re hoping for layered mystery, clever mythology, or real emotional weight, this may feel more like a blunt concept stretched into a feature, with familiar beats and a tone that leans on shock over suspense. The performances (especially the novelty of Robert Englund’s voice work) can be fun, and the idea of Pinocchio policing “bad” has a nasty little hook, but the execution is likely to satisfy only if you’re already on board with rough-edged, low-budget horror that prioritizes momentum and mayhem. If you’re sensitive to violence involving a childlike character or you want your fantasy-horror to be subtle and character-driven, this probably isn’t your night.