Is ‘Control Freak’ a Horror Hit or Just a Scratch on the Surface?

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In the chilling new horror movie on Hulu titled “Control Freak“, a driven motivational speaker, portrayed by Kelly Marie Tran, grapples with an incessant discomfort at the back of her skull. It appears this irritation may never find resolution. The film’s appeal to horror enthusiasts is uncertain, as it stands 50/50 on whether it will captivate or disappoint, given its star-studded debut led by Tran and helmed by director Shal Ngo (inspired by his Hulu short film “Control“) from the world of motivational speaking. Despite this uncertainty, Tran delivers a convincing portrayal as Valerie, a swiftly rising speaker who descends into a psychological nightmare filled with gruesome horror.

The movie is a joint production between Hulu and WorthenBrooks, known for producing several hit horror films such as “The Mill,” “Appendage,” and “Carved.” In this film, the protagonist, Val, confronts a puzzling parasitic entity from her native land that she suspects has infiltrated her body, causing an irritating sensation. The intriguing premise definitely piques our interest, but unfortunately, the movie doesn’t fully deliver on its promise, instead offering more of a tantalizing tease rather than a satisfying resolution.

The movie “Control Freak” features Miles Robbins playing Val’s partner, both romantically and professionally, named Robbie, alongside Toan Le and Kieu Chinh. Although the filmmaker skillfully guides us towards the movie’s conclusion, it might not deliver the dramatic impact as anticipated. However, throughout the journey, be prepared for an abundance of symbolic expressions.

Scratch if You Dare

In this setting, Valerie appears to have achieved everything she desires. Known as the queen of self-help, she is preparing for a grand tour titled “Unstoppable.” However, there seems to be an obstacle slowing her down, and the more Valerie scratches her head, the more unsettling this suspenseful tale unfolds. The storyline becomes repetitive as well. Valerie’s latest enigma stirs worry, but she has other pressing matters on her plate too. Her dreams are filled with cryptic totem animals and crawling ants, which hint at an unresolved parental or romantic issue from the past. Regarding those…

Poor Val finds herself under duress on multiple fronts. Her husband is insistent about starting a family, which puts added pressure on her. Furthermore, the anniversary of her mother’s passing weighs heavily on her mind, intensifying her feelings of stress. However, it’s important to note that these issues aren’t the root cause of her distress. As the movie progresses and the bizarre events unfold, the film shows potential and Tran delivers a remarkable performance. Still, Val deserves more meaningful roles in her acting career than what this movie offers her.

Blood, Gore, and Patience

Exciting news! The director Shai Ngo skillfully sparks our curiosity about Val’s secretive past. It’s enjoyable to follow Tran as he tries to unravel her predicament, adding momentum to the movie. However, we initially trust Val, but this trust is gradually put into question as events unfold. Overall, it’s well-executed and keeps us eager to continue the adventure. Regrettably, the concluding part of the journey could have been more satisfying.

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In the movie “Control Freak“, the intense fear and apprehension are prevalent throughout, but it’s not until the last 20 minutes that we encounter graphic, violent scenes. The special effects are typical, though there is a standout gory scene involving a saw. “Control Freak” might not present anything particularly revolutionary in terms of horror filmmaking, but it does show a deep commitment to storytelling. This film can be compared to movies like “The Substance”, as it effectively delivers on its horror promise under Tran’s direction and an exhilarating climax.

However, “The Substance” moved swiftly, contrastingly to “Control Freak,” who tended to fall behind. It grows increasingly frustrating to ponder if Val will address some of the psychological themes presented in the film. Despite being insightful and truthful, the conclusion that the movie arrives at seems not genuinely warranted by Valerie. Ultimately, it scratches a horror itch as a symbolic beast, but it might leave you perplexed when everything is said and done. “Control Freak” premieres on Hulu on March 13. You can watch it via the link provided below:

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2025-03-12 03:33