By Mark Young
Just before we drop into the film, a little about Raindance. It’s widely regarded as the UK’s biggest indie film festival, and all good things have returned just in time to bake with the rest of us. Pinocchio: Unstrung is one of a strong number of horror films that form part of this year’s line-up, with a familiar face (or two) that might be recognisable to one or two of you out there…
This is exactly the sort of film that I’d want to watch at a festival, an easy slow burn that takes a relatively well-known tale and gives it a suitably dark polish. The early moments where we learn of the events leading up to where the story starts are handled well, especially that first introduction between James, Geppetto and the doll in question. The animatronic effects are spot on, channelling a certain visual appearance that sets it apart from the cute and cuddly.
Of course, things never run smoothly, and soon events show that Pinocchio has no problem writing wrongs, with some incredibly gnarly effects on show. I think what makes these worse is the voice, angelic as it is. It’s dark too when it needs to be, the other creatures in that basement are the stuff of nightmares as well as Geppetto’s home movies.
It has that special genre feel to it, where the players are treating the material the right way, especially Richard Brake, who never fails. At its heart is that sense of wonder, of exploration that is manifested by Pinocchio, as well as that sense of loneliness that he feels when James talks about his best mates, which I think is something that we have all felt at some point, that outside looking in feeling. I mean, we never went and skinned someone, but apart from that you get my point.
If you get the chance to catch this on the big screen, do so, as it is a well-made and well-acted British film that puts a dark spin on this classic story.
Pinocchio Unstrung screened as part of Raindance Film Festival 2026.
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