While we have seen plenty of documentaries about other long-running horror series’ (well except Halloween…) the Child’s Play franchise hasn’t really been explored; until now.
Director Tyra Gardner has taken on the mantle of telling the Chucky story across 7 films, with each given roughly 10 minutes or so of coverage, although more is obviously allotted to the original.
All the big hitters are present, from Don Mancini, David Kirschner, Brad and Fiona Dourif plus Jennifer Tilly and Alex Vincent.
Gardner, is the daughter of Tony Gardner, who joined the series from Seed of Chucky onwards, helping to design the titular doll.
What is heartwarming about this documentary is that it becomes as much about Tony and Kyra’s relationship, which is where the Living with Chucky title comes from. We also get an insight into the casting of Fiona Dourif and her evolution into the series, plus her interactions with her father are just pure gold.
This documentary really fleshes out the people behind the cast and crew and gives a fairly comprehensive tour of the series pre-Chucky the television series.
My only reservation was that Child’s Play 3 seem to be glossed over completely with pretty much none of the cast talking about that film or its infamy, especially in the UK, where it was banned for a time. I personally find that story fascinating and it would have been great to delve into that more although it may not have fit the narrative overall.
Living With Chucky is bound to make fans of the series smile and is a worthwhile companion that just shows he will be your friend until the end.
Living With Chucky screens at Arrow Video Frightfest 2022.
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