Film Review – Buddy (2026)

      Buddy, 2026.

      Written and Directed by Casper Kelly.

      Featuring Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Patton Oswalt, Michael Shannon, Topher Grace, Madison Skyy Polan, and Keegan-Michael Key.

      SYNOPSIS:

      In the vibrant world of “It’s Buddy!”, a group of children enjoys their days singing, dancing, and assisting Buddy in spreading joy. However, when one child opts out of participating, Buddy becomes displeased, leading to cracks in this seemingly idyllic setting.

      The foundation for writer/director Casper Kelly’s Buddy seems to stem from the question of what would happen if a character like Barney the Dinosaur turned violent when a child resisted the upbeat, educational activities of a 1990s children’s TV show, whether they involve singing, dancing about courage, or doing chores. The film skillfully balances its tone, beginning with an amusing concept (even as one child is pulled off-screen to face dire consequences for not wanting to join in a dance practice), and evolving into a genuine horror experience that has no qualms about putting the children in peril. Their safety is uncertain, and any one of them could face death at any moment.

      Much like the filmmaker's critique of suburban sitcoms showcased in Too Many Cooks (a 15-minute viral short that aired on Adult Swim and gained immense popularity, yet was somewhat irritating to this critic), great efforts are made to immerse viewers in that world. Unexpectedly clever, the film commences by gradually developing the narrative through a series of 10-minute episodes that feel reminiscent of Nickelodeon and PBS, while hinting at the dark undercurrents lurking beneath the surface.

      Adding to this false sense of security is the presence of Eric Bauza (known mainly for his work in Looney Tunes and various other cartoons) voicing everything from talking mailboxes to more, alongside well-known actors like Michael Shannon in similar roles, making for inspired casting decisions. Presenting the TV show as a safe space for children to learn, grow, and collaborate (the children convincingly embody both the show’s spirit and its time period) contributes significantly to the effectiveness of the high-concept horror and adds a layer of mystery to the unfolding events.

      In a creative twist, Buddy briefly departs from its fantasy realm to introduce the real world, featuring a mom (Cristin Milioti) seeking therapy and psychic help as she experiences a mental breakdown, sensing something amiss. Her husband (Topher Grace, in a largely underdeveloped role) dismisses her concerns, claiming she is losing her grip on reality, especially regarding her behavior with the children. Still, she finds herself drawn into the show through her television.

      Meanwhile, the children escape from their colorful clubhouse park to a much darker and less welcoming environment, navigating an eerie, possibly enchanted forest as they flee Buddy. They meet an older man, once a child in the show, now outgrown and hiding in his clothes, unable to escape. All the children are given roughly equal importance as characters, with Delaney Quinn’s Freddy serving as the main protagonist, striving to discover her inner bravery while being intricately tied to the larger narrative (the fun part is that viewers can validate their theories by observing the closing credits of each episode).

      The drawback is that Buddy tends to lag when it strays from the fantasy land, the TV show, or even the clubhouse itself. Much of it feels like an undeveloped world, failing to fully materialize. The familial drama element lacks a rewarding conclusion as well. Nevertheless, the film is commendable for its consistent refusal to conform to safe or conventional storytelling. Even its more crowd-pleasing segments are interspersed with bold decisions that might disturb some viewers. With its intriguing premise, Buddy stands out as both a remarkable achievement in production design and a suspenseful, original interpretation of creature features.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder