Honey Bunch Is a Mindbending Mix of Horror, Sci-Fi, and Even Romance (Review)

Most people choose a movie because it simply looks enjoyable. While going to the cinema is a popular way to escape reality for a couple of hours, it’s more than just entertainment. Genres like horror consistently make money, even though they play on feelings like fear. Science fiction often makes us think about big, unsettling questions about our place in the universe and the limits of our understanding. The film Honey Bunch isn’t necessarily fun to watch – it’s strange, unsettling, and imperfect. However, that’s exactly why it’s a valuable film. Its unconventional style offers a truly original cinematic experience.

Honey Bunch tells the story of Diana and Homer, a married couple seeking intensive treatment at a remote clinic. Diana is recovering from a serious accident that affects her memory and requires her to use a cane. The clinic, led by the enigmatic Dr. Trephine, claims to offer full recovery in just four days – the duration of the film. However, things aren’t as they appear. As Diana experiences unsettling visions, Honey Bunch blends horror and science fiction, leaving you to wonder about Homer’s motives and the true nature of the treatment at Dr. Trephine’s center.

Rating: 3.5/5

PROS CONS
Unique genre-bending experience The pacing might frustrate mainstream viewers
Shocking twist that feels genuinely fresh Prioritizes mood over clear storytelling
Retro 1970s aesthetic that creates a thick atmosphere Some scenes and arcs drag on for too long
Committed performances from the lead actors

Honey Bunch Secrets Make It Truly Unique

It’s difficult to discuss what makes Honey Bunch compelling without spoiling its biggest surprises, because the unexpected twists are a key part of the experience. This movie deliberately subverts expectations, forcing you to rethink everything you’ve seen. However, it requires some patience; the film prioritizes atmosphere over a quick plot, resulting in a slow start that might frustrate viewers who prefer faster pacing. Despite this, the payoff is worth it, even if the slow pace occasionally hinders how captivating Honey Bunch could be.

The isolated location of the story is ideal for showcasing Diana’s increasing paranoia and hinting at the strange reality of where she is. Honey Bunch effectively functions as a classic psychological thriller, using Diana’s unreliable perspective to create a mounting sense of unease. The film’s 1970s setting also contributes to a unique retro-futuristic atmosphere, making the trauma therapy methods appear surprisingly advanced for their time. Directors Madeleine Sims-Fewer and Dusty Mancinelli meticulously recreate the decade’s visual style—with muted lighting, warm colors, and a shaky camera—to the point where the film feels like it could have been made back then. This stylistic choice not only gives the movie a distinctive look but also emphasizes Diana’s loneliness by highlighting the lack of modern technology like cell phones or the internet.

The movie Honey Bunch takes a surprising turn that shifts its focus to science fiction, building on existing hints of the genre. This reveal raises many questions, and the character Diana helps the audience piece together what’s happening at the clinic and what motivates Homer. After this point, the film masterfully blends disturbing imagery with genuinely touching moments, creating a rare emotional range. The actors, Glowicki and Petrie, deserve credit for making this change in tone feel natural, as they consistently deliver believable performances throughout.

While Honey Bunch has interesting ideas, it doesn’t fully come together. Certain scenes drag on, and some storylines feel separate from the main plot. It’s clear the filmmakers, Sims-Fewer and Mancinelli, were more focused on exploring themes of love, obsession, and dedication than on a smooth-flowing story. Because of these issues, it’s hard to give a straightforward recommendation. However, viewers who enjoy unusual and unpredictable horror films will likely find Shudder’s release to be a worthwhile addition to their watchlist.

Honey Bunch begins streaming on Shudder on February 13th.

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2026-02-09 15:12