As a horror fan, I was immediately drawn to Rod Blackhurst’s debut, “Dolly.” It really feels like a lost gem from the 70s, the kind of movie you’d stumble upon while browsing a video store in the 80s. It’s deliberately rough around the edges – low budget, gritty, and doesn’t shy away from the gore. But it’s not *just* shock value. Like Tobe Hooper’s “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre,” there’s a surprising amount of artistry beneath the surface, making it stand out from typical slasher flicks.
Let’s not overstate things – “Dolly” isn’t on the same level as Hooper’s groundbreaking horror film, and that’s okay. Director Blackhurst (who also co-wrote the script) clearly loves classic horror, and he pays tribute to it while also adding his own unique, disturbing twist. The result is a genuinely creepy and enjoyably twisted throwback that horror fans will really appreciate.
Blackhurst and Weavil divide their story into roughly seven chapters, each with a simple, evocative title like ‘Mother,’ ‘Daughter,’ ‘Home,’ and ‘Reunion.’ This structure, while not crucial, surprisingly enhances the story’s dark and unsettling atmosphere. The story centers on Macy (Fabianne Therese) and her boyfriend, Chase (Seann William Scott), as they drop off Chase’s daughter before embarking on a hiking trip. However, this isn’t a typical romantic getaway; Chase intends to propose to Macy, unaware that she’s questioning whether she’s ready for marriage or stepmotherhood.
Chase and Macy were enjoying a walk on a forest path when they reached Chase’s favorite scenic viewpoint. Just as he was about to propose, Chase couldn’t resist investigating a strange, musical sound coming from a small radio, even though he’d promised to stay on the trail. When Chase doesn’t come back, Macy goes to find him. Instead, she meets a large, silent woman named Dolly (played by wrestler Max the Impaler) who attacks her and carries her away to an isolated house hidden in the woods.
Macy wakes up to a terrifying situation: she’s in a nursery, dressed as a baby, and placed in a large bassinet. Before she can figure out what’s happening or escape, a woman named Dolly enters. Dolly is frightening, wearing a torn dress and a roughly made doll head, and she intends to raise Macy as her child. The situation is even more disturbing when Macy realizes she’s not the first – many others have suffered and died at the hands of this unstable woman who sees herself as a mother.
Similar to classic horror films, the situation inside the house quickly becomes increasingly disturbing and strange. Dolly’s mental state begins with fixations on baby items, but rapidly spirals into something far more shocking. Her twisted maternal instincts are constantly disrupted by intense bursts of self-hatred, making her even more frightening. Meanwhile, Therese, inspired by iconic horror heroines, displays a fierce determination to survive, leading to several brutal confrontations with her captor.
The movie “Dolly” was filmed in just 19 days in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Its deliberately grainy, Super 16mm film look creates a unique and immersive experience, and it feels like a nod to classic films. This visual style is key to building the film’s overall mood and atmosphere. Director Blackhurst and cinematographer Justin Derry also used a variety of interesting camera angles and movements – like tilting, tracking, high and wide shots, and close-ups – even including an old-fashioned iris shot, to enhance the storytelling.
Okay, let me tell you, “Dolly” is seriously twisted – and I mean that in the best way! It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, things get pretty gruesome as it goes on. But it’s got this weirdly funny side to it, and the director clearly knows what they’re doing. Even with the dark humor, you’re still genuinely creeped out by Dolly herself – she’s totally unhinged – and her house is just… disturbing. The special effects are amazing, really gritty and full of blood. Honestly, all of that combines to make it incredibly satisfying. But what *really* grabbed me, as someone who loves this kind of movie, is how much it feels like a throwback to classic horror. It’s exactly what I was hoping for!
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2025-09-24 17:58