Dolly Review: Mannequin Horror Film Delivers Gory Camping Nightmare
Horror cinema has long warned audiences about the perils of venturing into the great outdoors, and the new film Dolly adds a terrifying chapter to this tradition. This gory thriller, set for release in UK and Irish cinemas from March 6, presents a compelling case against camping, hiking, or any form of communing with nature, as an attractive couple learns a brutal lesson in the woods.
A Doomed Proposal in the Wilderness
The story centers on Macy, played by rising scream queen Fabianne Therese, and Chase, portrayed by Seann William Scott, forever known as Stifler from American Pie. Chase plans to propose to Macy atop a mountain after a hike, a decision that marks him as a fool who has clearly never seen a horror film. Macy, however, harbors doubts about becoming a stepmother to Chase's daughter Evy, played by Eve Blackhurst, possibly related to the film's writer-director Rod Blackhurst.
The Terrifying Antagonist: A Six-Foot Mannequin
Their romantic getaway turns into a nightmare when they are attacked by a deranged figure dressed as a six-foot doll. This antagonist, with a blond wig and a pseudo-ceramic, infantile-looking head mask featuring one fake blue eye, is played by non-binary wrestler Max the Impaler. The other eye socket is a blackened void, from which eerie, babyish whimperings occasionally emanate. The figure does not speak but communicates through gestures, suggesting a fixation on childhood games and a desire to adopt Macy as a new toy.
A Creepy House of Horrors
After incapacitating Chase, the mannequin drags Macy to a creepy, dilapidated house filled with toy dolls. The film then unfolds as a prolonged game of catch and release, with characters escaping, being recaptured, and attacking each other with shovels and other dirty, potentially tetanus-bearing household implements. This repetitive cycle can make the film feel like a bit of a snooze at times, but it is salvaged by Therese's exceptional performance.
Fabianne Therese's Standout Performance
Fabianne Therese excels at channeling terror and distress, delivering a powerful portrayal that somewhat redeems the trope-filled narrative. Her performance peaks in a climactic sequence that pays homage to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a film that has influenced countless horror movies. Therese's ability to go hog wild with fear and desperation adds depth to an otherwise predictable plot.
Echoes of Maternity and Mayhem
The film subtly echoes Macy's misgivings about maternity through the mayhem inflicted by the mannequin, which seems obsessed with childhood and toys. This thematic layer adds a psychological dimension to the gory thrills, though it is often overshadowed by the relentless violence and horror tropes.
In summary, Dolly is a gory, trope-filled horror film that reinforces the age-old warning: no good can come from communing with nature. While it may not break new ground in the genre, Fabianne Therese's compelling performance and the eerie premise make it a noteworthy entry for horror enthusiasts seeking a chilling camping nightmare.
