Horror cinema delivers yet another compelling warning against venturing into the wilderness with the release of Dolly, a gory and trope-filled thriller that starkly illustrates the perils of communing with nature. This film reinforces the age-old adage that no good can come from walking in the woods or seeking picturesque hilltop views, as an attractive couple learns a brutal lesson the hard way.
Plot Overview and Characters
The story centres on Macy, portrayed by rising scream queen Fabianne Therese, and Chase, played by Seann William Scott, forever known as Stifler from American Pie. Chase plans to propose to Macy during a hike to a mountain summit, a foolish decision that ignores the countless horror films warning against such ventures. Macy, however, harbours doubts about becoming a stepmother to Chase's daughter Evy, adding emotional depth to their doomed journey.
The Terrifying Antagonist
Their camping trip takes a nightmarish turn when they are attacked by a deranged figure dressed as a six-foot doll, complete with a blond wig and a pseudo-ceramic mask featuring a single fake blue eye. The other eye socket is a blackened void, from which eerie, babyish whimpers occasionally emanate. This character, played by non-binary wrestler Max the Impaler, communicates through gestures and nonverbal cues, fixating on childhood games and seeking to adopt Macy as a new toy in their collection of creepy dolls housed in a dilapidated home.
Film Execution and Themes
The narrative unfolds as a prolonged game of catch and release, with characters escaping, being recaptured, and attacking each other with shovels and other tetanus-laden household tools. While this repetitive structure may induce some boredom, Fabianne Therese's performance shines through her ability to channel terror and distress, culminating in a wild tribute to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. This homage raises the question of whether all such films inevitably pay tribute to that classic in some form.
Release Details
Dolly is set to premiere in UK and Irish cinemas from 6 March, offering horror enthusiasts a fresh take on camping nightmares. The film blends gore with psychological tension, though it relies heavily on familiar tropes, making it a mixed bag for fans of the genre.
