The Wasteland Reviewer

Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026) Written Review

How invested are you in the growing Poohniverse? Rhys Frake-Waterfield has spearheaded The Twisted Childhood Franchise with some beloved characters from children-focused media (books and movies) and interpreted them in the most twisted and messed up ways. Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey roared onto the screen while upsetting many and freaking out those who love these adorable characters. Peter Pan and Bambi were quick to follow, and now Frake-Waterfield’s focus has fallen upon the classic Italian tale of a puppet attempting to become a real boy. Murderous Geppetto, a Freddy Krueger version of Cricket, and Pinocchio who rips people’s flesh to pieces…that is Pinocchio: Unstrung.

How does Frake-Waterfield approach the telling of this darker Pinocchio adaptation? The important piece is the approach with some heart. This is not a film completely devoid of emotion as Pinocchio befriends a young boy, James, and is motivated by protecting him. We can get behind that. For the first half of the film, there is some genuine heart flowing. Frake-Waterfield also injects plenty of humor as well. The humor is balanced between some bonkers physical comedy and some low brow laughs from shock. A gym sequence highlights how morbidly funny the film can be with some wild body horror and the juxtaposition of Pinocchio’s harmless reaction to the mayhem he indirectly causes. But as the film goes on, the film shifts into a mean-spirited atmosphere with plenty of cruelty, a maniacally murderous Pinocchio, and plenty of sexist and disgusting dialogue thrown at some of the female characters. Hearing Pinocchio and Cricket calling women “Bitch” loses its potency after the first few times (or honestly the first time). The practical effects and character designs are some of the elements worth a decent amount of praise as they make these iconic characters so creepy. If you are sitting down to witness some unhinged gore, Pinocchio: Unstrung does not disappoint. For the film that is barely 80 minutes, this wild ride certainly movements along well.

Does the screenplay by Frake-Waterfield maximize this twisted concept? The most important aspect of the film is Pinocchio’s journey. There is an interesting arc that is introduced for Pinocchio: Unstrung. Pinocchio begins as a naïve child who loves his new best friend. But he soon wants nothing more than to be a real boy like James and to protect him. The first couple of deaths at Pinocchio’s hand elicit some remorse from Pinocchio with potential to tackle some nuanced elements of regret. But then the film leaps too quickly into Pinocchio maniacally laughing over the mutilated corpses of his victims. Cricket feels too ham-fisted too quickly into the story and his influence to turn Pinocchio purely evil feels too easy and convenient. The mythology that leverages folklore and evil tree spirits who turn into killer puppets like Pinocchio feels a bit too underdeveloped. Geppetto feels like there is potential for some impressive depth with a dark and twisted scientist, but the film just leaves him as a murderous psychopath. James and the rest of the younger characters feel quite one-note but the main trio of James with his friends are empathetic enough to worry about them. The plot is quite simple as it turns into a buffet of murders by Pinocchio to protect James and harvest body parts, but it is enough for such a lean film.

How does the cast deliver in this twisted flick? Richard Brake is a recognizable character actor who always seems to play the most twisted and unnerving of antagonists. He plays Geppetto with plenty of menace and then goes full blown wild in the third act of the film (you can tell he is starting to have fun). Robert Englund is brought in to voice Cricket and honestly just some Freddy Krueger light work with curse word ladened quips. June Evan Lloyd is the one saddled with bringing Pinocchio to life and he does a fine job of balancing the maniacal and evil with a sincerity that makes him so empathetic at the beginning. Cameron Bell is solid as the young James who is charming enough to care about. The rest of the cast hits their marks but are not given too much to do next to some of the bigger names.

Does Pinocchio: Unstrung find the groove for The Twisted Childhood franchise? The bar might not be terribly high, but this is by far the best outing yet. The character growth for Pinocchio might not be the smoothest and could have used more time but Pinocchio: Unstrung has an interesting concept to rethink this beloved character. A couple of veteran performers add some weight and plenty of gnarly practice effects bring this one to life. A good balance of humor and horror just might make you excited for the first big crossover event for the Poohniverse.