Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026) Spoiler Free Review
The Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU) continues to surprise me, and Pinocchio: Unstrung (2026) is easily the strongest installment the franchise has delivered so far. While the series has earned a reputation for turning beloved childhood stories into over-the-top slashers, this latest entry proves there’s genuine growth behind the scenes. It’s still unapologetically a B-horror movie, but it’s one that embraces its identity while noticeably improving in almost every aspect.
Geppetto introduces his grandson, James, to a magical doll called Pinocchio, who develops a friendship. However, unaware of Pinocchio’s naïve nature, James introduces him to the world, resulting in the doll going on a crusade to eliminate all things bad.
Film synopsis
Like the previous films in the franchise, the movie opens with an animated prologue that provides the necessary backstory before throwing viewers into its twisted version of Carlo Collodi’s classic tale. One of the biggest surprises is the film’s tone. It begins with a surprisingly wholesome setup before taking a sharp turn into violent horror-comedy. The unexpected humor works incredibly well and constantly reminds the audience that, beneath all the carnage, Pinocchio is still a puppet trying to understand what it means to become a real boy. That balance between childlike curiosity and brutal violence creates some genuinely entertaining moments that separate this film from the earlier entries in the universe.
Visually, this is a huge step forward. The Pinocchio puppet itself is impressively designed and manages to be both expressive and unsettling at the same time. The cinematography, combined with a solid soundtrack, and overall production quality also feel significantly more polished than previous TCU films, making this one of the franchise’s best-looking installments.
Of course, horror fans are here for the kills, and Pinocchio: Unstrung certainly delivers. The creative kill sequences, practical gore, and special effects makeup are consistently entertaining and never disappoint. More importantly, the violence actually serves a story. Unlike some earlier entries that felt like little more than a sequence of murders, this film has a clear narrative that gives Pinocchio’s actions purpose. Even though it’s a horror retelling of a well-known story, the plot never becomes as predictable as you might expect.
The performances are another pleasant surprise. While no one is trying to reinvent the genre, the cast does a solid job, with the acting landing above expectations for this type of production. Richard Brake brings plenty of presence to Geppetto, while Robert Englund once again proves why he’ll always be considered a horror legend. That said, I couldn’t help wishing we had gotten even more of his character, the Cricket.
Longtime fans of the Twisted Childhood Universe will also enjoy a few references that connect this film to Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey and Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare, further expanding the shared universe. Be sure to stay through the credits, as there’s a post-credit scene teasing what’s next.
Overall, Pinocchio: Unstrung is a fun, entertaining slasher that exceeds expectations. It embraces its B-movie roots while showing clear improvements in storytelling, visuals, production value, and overall execution. More than anything, it’s a reminder that the creative team behind these films continues to learn and evolve with every installment.
Pinocchio: Unstrung only in theaters Friday July 24, 2026.