Dolly Review: A Fresh Take on the Slasher Genre
The slasher genre has long been a staple of horror cinema, with iconic villains like Leatherface and Michael Myers becoming household names. But what happens when a new slasher villain emerges, one that feels both familiar and fresh at the same time? That's the question I had when watching Dolly, a new horror film that takes a violent and unexpected turn.
A Familiar Setup, A Fresh Approach
Dolly follows a couple, Macy and her partner, as they venture into the woods for a romantic getaway. But their peaceful plans are soon disrupted by Dolly, a deranged woman obsessed with dolls and eager to raise Macy as her own child. The setup is familiar, but the execution is where Dolly truly shines. The film takes a psychological approach, focusing on the cat-and-mouse game between Macy and Dolly, rather than relying on cheap shocks and gore.
A Grindhouse Aesthetic
One of the things that immediately stands out about Dolly is its grindhouse aesthetic. The film is shot on film, with proper grain and film imperfections, giving it a worn-out, vintage feel. This style is a welcome change from the digital-heavy approach that many modern horror films take. The result is a visually striking film that feels like a love letter to the grindhouse era of cinema.
Strong Performances, Impactful Kills
The performances in Dolly are strong, with Fabianne Therese delivering a particularly impressive performance as Dolly. The film also features Sean William Scott and Ethan Suplee, both of whom bring their trademark disturbed characters to life. The kills in Dolly are few but impactful, with a jaw rip standing out as a particularly memorable moment. The practical effects work is impressive, with a blend of CGI enhancement that makes the kills look both realistic and terrifying.
A Grounded, But Absurd, Experience
What makes Dolly truly fascinating is its ability to balance a grounded, realistic approach with moments of absurdity. The film wants to be taken seriously, but it can't help but veer into over-the-top territory at times. This is particularly evident in the third act, where some of the character decisions feel colossally stupid. It's a shame, because there are some truly interesting ideas at play here, ideas that could have been developed further if the film had stuck to its more psychological approach.
A New Slasher Villain, But Not Without Comparisons
Dolly is a welcome addition to the slasher genre, with a fresh take on the classic villain. While there are obvious comparisons to be made to Leatherface, Dolly manages to overcome these similarities and create a unique, creepy villain in her own right. The use of a shovel as a weapon is a nice touch, and the physicality brought by professional wrestler Max the Impaler is a welcome addition to the film.
A Mixed Bag, But Worth The Watch
Overall, Dolly is a mixed bag. It has its strengths, particularly in its grindhouse aesthetic and strong performances. But it also has its weaknesses, with some absurd moments and character decisions that feel out of place. Despite these flaws, Dolly is still worth watching for fans of the slasher genre. It's a fresh take on a familiar setup, and it's a reminder that there's still room for innovation in a genre that has been around for decades.
In my opinion, Dolly is a film that deserves more attention. It's a thoughtful, engaging, and at times, disturbing, exploration of the slasher genre. While it may not be perfect, it's a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, and that's a testament to its power and impact.
