The Twisted Childhood Universe is carving out another nightmare. This time, it brings a conscience made of a wooden boy.
Hitting cinemas nationwide today (July 24, 2026) via Altitude is Pinocchio: Unstrung. It arrives fresh off its UK premiere at the Raindance Film Festival, where it locked down four major award nominations. Steered by director Rhys Frake-Waterfield and producer Scott Chambers, this isn’t just another bargain-bin cash-in on public-domain IP. It is easily the best, most wildly entertaining entry in the franchise that already gave us dark takes on Winnie-the-Pooh and Bambi.
A Grandfather to Fear
The narrative kicks off when Geppetto gifts a handcrafted wooden doll to his grandson. Clearly having never seen a single horror movie in his life, the kid introduces his new puppet to the real world. Naturally, things go horribly off the rails. Pinocchio decides that the quickest path to moral purity and becoming a “real, good boy” is by violently butchering anyone he deems “bad.”
Horror veteran Richard Brake (3 From Hell, Barbarian) delivers a stunning dual performance as Geppetto. Surprisingly, Brake’s opening turn as a tender, loving grandfather is almost more deeply disturbing than when his character inevitably goes off the deep end. Known for playing unhinged creeps, seeing Brake lay on the sweet, gentle charm feels inherently terrifying in the best possible way.
Opposite Brake, newcomer Cameron Bell delivers a standout breakout performance. Bell brings an effortless warmth and empathy to the grandson, James. He gives the audience a grounded, tragic emotional anchor right as the practical gore starts flying.
Pure Practical Terror & Horror Royalty
Visually, the film is an absolute triumph for genre purists. The Pinocchio puppet itself—crafted by creature FX master Todd Masters—is a marvel of practical design. Giving detail right down to the eerie, realistic knots in the wood grain.
To top off the madness, horror icon Robert Englund voices the puppet’s demonic bug advisor, Jiminy Cricket. Having Freddy Krueger himself guide a killer doll’s moral compass is a stroke of twisted genius. Englund does what he does best. He delivers a raspy, malicious performance that proves why he remains absolute royalty in the genre space.
The Verdict
Packed to the gills with eye-popping practical gore, brutal action beats, and a pitch-black sense of humor, Pinocchio: Unstrung is an absolute blast for gorehounds. It takes a classic bedtime story, douses it in gasoline, and sets it ablaze.
If you want to dive deeper into the bloodbath, be sure to watch our exclusive interviews with Richard Brake, Cameron Bell, and Todd Masters. Clear your schedule, lock your doors, and get ready—the Twisted Childhood Universe is just getting started. Get your tickets now!
