Child's Play

Buddi is a doll produced by the Kaslan Corporation. It's a high-tech companion that can connect to the myriad of Kaslan products. A disgruntled employee turns off all the safeguards in one of the dolls. Karen Barclay (Aubrey Plaza) is a struggling single mom to hearing impaired Andy. She is desperate to get a Buddi and the store cashier takes a damaged returned doll from her workplace. The doll insists on being called Chucky. Detective Mike Norris (Brian Tyree Henry) is the son of the Barclays' neighbor. Chucky, with the bad programming, starts killing and Detective Mike investigates.

This is NOT Chucky. This is not the franchise. This is all wrong. The doll is ugly AF. Chucky is a beautiful horror icon. If one overlooks those stuff, this is actually a well-made horror movie. It seems to dabble in some camp but mostly, it's a sincere horror. Before watching it, I had full expectation of an ugly mess. The first visual is the ugly mug of the doll and it seems to be well on its way. Somehow, the camp slowly faded and it gets replaced by a competent effort in all areas. The kids are great rooting interest. Aubrey Plaza is a fine mom with an edge. I am struck by the sense that the movie is in good hands. I have never seen anything from this director but maybe I will keep an eye out for him in the future.