Family-friendly horror movies are rare, so it’s unusual to see a new one coming out. But here’s Dust Bunny, the first feature film directed by Bryan Fuller. The movie stars Mads Mikkelsen as a hitman unexpectedly hired by his eight-year-old neighbor, Aurora (played by newcomer Sophie Sloan), after a monster kills her family. Critics who’ve seen the film—scheduled for release in 2025—have given it overwhelmingly positive reviews.
Sigourney Weaver, David Dastmalchian, and others also star in this imaginative thriller, which Nick Venable of TopMob calls essential viewing. However, the heart of the story is the connection between the young girl and the hitman. Natalia Keogan from AV Club gave the film a B grade, praising Bryan Fuller’s skillful direction – especially considering it’s his directorial debut – in managing complex elements like monster puppets, a new child actor, and extensive visual effects. Keogan notes that Fuller handles it all with impressive confidence.
Bryan Fuller, known for his work on shows like Hannibal and Pushing Daisies, makes his film directing debut with Dust Bunny. The movie takes the common childhood fear of monsters under the bed and makes it a real danger for people of all ages. While it’s less graphic than Hannibal, it shares the same darkly playful style as Pushing Daisies, but tells the story through the eyes of a clever child.
Rotem Rusak from Nerdist highly praises Dust Bunny, noting its unique approach to combining comedy with action and horror, and its ability to ground fantasy in a realistic setting. Rusak highlights the intentionality behind every shot and commends Sophie Sloan’s performance as remarkably mature for her age. Rusak adds:
Bryan Fuller’s debut film, Dust Bunny, isn’t just well-acted and visually stunning with memorable costumes and a charming story – it truly feels original. The movie cleverly blends familiar elements from various genres – think 80s adventure horror, James Bond-style spy action, and fast-paced Kung Fu – but weaves them together in a way that’s uniquely Fuller’s. Dust Bunny delivers what audiences crave: something new, exciting, and genuinely enjoyable.
Bryan Fuller has a knack for balancing dark themes with lighthearted humor, according to Michael Gingold of Fangoria. Despite containing some violence, the show’s rating makes it potentially suitable as an introduction to horror for younger audiences, though parental guidance is still advised. Gingold notes:
Despite increasingly wild events, including gunfire and monstrous behavior, the film’s emotional core remains the connection between Mads Mikkelsen and newcomer Sloan. Mikkelsen expertly portrays a hardened, intimidating figure, while Sloan delivers a remarkably grounded performance. She convincingly plays a character who is both wise beyond her years and still vulnerable, and Mikkelsen subtly reveals his character’s growing protectiveness of her without losing his composure.
Aimee Hart from Polygon believes the film’s R rating is unnecessary and highly recommends seeing it. She notes that Bryan Fuller excels at blending everyday life with fantastical elements, and Dust Bunny successfully manages to be both enjoyable and frightening. According to Hart’s review:
Dust Bunny might not deliver the same wild, unpredictable energy as Fuller’s past work, mostly because it’s geared towards a younger audience. Even with an R rating, Fuller created this film for kids who feel different or like they don’t fit in. It’s a story that connects with your childhood imagination, while also subtly reminding you that you control your own fears. Dust Bunny is a unique and visually interesting horror fairytale that Fuller’s fans are sure to enjoy.
Okay, so Variety’s Carlos Aguilar described this film as beautifully dark and imaginative, and I have to agree. What really struck me was how, even with a connection developing between the mysterious neighbor and Aurora, the director, Bryan Fuller, managed to avoid anything overly sentimental. A lot of that is thanks to Mads Mikkelsen, who brings this wonderfully cool and detached energy to his role. And Sophie Sloan? She absolutely nails the film’s dry, understated humor. It’s a really impressive performance, and it keeps the whole thing from feeling too precious.
The creator of ‘Pushing Daisies’ has crafted a unique film that’s a surprising blend of styles. Imagine the action of ‘John Wick’ combined with the charming stop-motion of ‘Wallace & Gromit,’ all presented with the visually distinctive flair of a Wes Anderson movie. While this combination sounds unusual, the film surprisingly works, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Strong acting and the director’s clever use of mystery – leaving you wondering if a monster is real or not – are enough to hold your attention.
Critics generally loved Bryan Fuller’s first time directing a movie, giving it an 86% ‘Fresh’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes. If you’re tired of the usual superhero films or holiday romances, this horror movie – which mixes classic monster scares with the world of contract killers and a dreamlike atmosphere – could be a great choice.
Dust Bunny is now in theaters, as of Friday, December 12.
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2025-12-12 19:42