PopHorror Let's Get Scared
A Texas Chain Saw–style atmospheric horror film filled with creepy dolls? Sign me up. There was zero hesitation when it came to reviewing Dolly (2025) ahead of its release.
Let’s take a look…
Synopsis
A couple ventures into the woods for a peaceful hike, only to discover an unsettling collection of dolls scattered throughout the forest. What they don’t realize is that a monstrous presence is watching—searching for its next “doll.” Their quiet getaway quickly spirals into a violent nightmare.
Director, Rod Blackhurst, is no stranger to the horror genre, having previously helmed Her Alone (2016) and contributed to the screenplay for Night Swim (2024). That experience clearly feeds into this brutal and unsettling new project.
The film also boasts a familiar cast. Seann William Scott—forever recognizable as Stifler from the American Pie franchise—continues his foray into horror after appearances in Final Destination (2000) and The Wrath of Becky (2023). Joining him is the always-compelling Ethan Suplee, whose extensive career spans multiple genres. While many remember him fondly from Mallrats (1995) and the infamous “sailboat” Magic Eye scene, Suplee has continually impressed audiences, both through his performances and his personal journey, which he openly discusses on his podcast, American Glutton. Seeing him attached to Dolly was genuinely exciting—he brings a grounded intensity that elevates any project.
Rounding out the cast for Dolly is Fabianne Therese and Kate Cobb, both familiar faces within the horror scene. Therese delivered a strong supporting performance in Starry Eyes (2014), while Cobb appeared in Okie (2024). Though not yet household names, they bring the necessary grit and feminine strength that Dolly demands.
What Works
Dolly (2025) feels like a collision between The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) and Incident in a Ghostland (2018). Elements of both films—gritty cinematography, relentless gore, and twisted family dynamics—are unmistakably present yet reassembled to tell a disturbing story all its own. The woodland setting amplifies the film’s eerie atmosphere, heightening the sense of isolation and dread and further setting Dolly apart from its influences.
Ethan Suplee delivers a performance in Dolly unlike anything I’ve seen from him before. Over the years, he has carved out memorable roles across countless classic films and genres, often bringing an inherent likability to his characters. That familiar warmth is completely absent here. Instead, Suplee’s turn in Dolly is dark and deeply unsettling. He’s so effective, in fact, that he made me genuinely uncomfortable.
Fabianne Therese leads the film as Macy, delivering a performance rich with emotional range and intensity. She pulls the audience deep into the character’s dark journey, forcing us to endure every step of her horrific experience alongside her. It’s a gripping, fearless performance that makes me eager to see Therese explore the horror genre further.
Seann William Scott delivers a truly jaw-dropping performance as Chase—and yes, the pun is fully intended. His scenes account for much of the film’s most gruesome violence and unforgettable gore, eliciting winces and full-body cringes from just how painfully brutal they are.
What Didn’t Work
Call me old-fashioned, but I have a strong preference for practical effects. While I appreciate the effort, the moments that relied on CGI didn’t quite work for me and hey, that’s my prerogative.
Dolly is set to be released March 6, 2026. Go check it out and let us know your thoughts!
