‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ Opens with Perfect Score on RT Before Theatrical Release

Horror enthusiasts have had a mixed experience with the Twisted Childhood Universe since its inception. Initially, it was a gimmick that reimagined beloved childhood figures as ruthless killers, but it has since evolved into a vast franchise that has faced considerable skepticism along the way.

This skepticism has lingered through various installments, with critics and audiences frequently divided on the longevity of these twisted fairy tale adaptations. The franchise’s inconsistent history has led many casual moviegoers to dismiss each new release before it even reaches theaters.

This context makes the response to ‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ particularly noteworthy. The film has achieved a remarkable 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes (currently 92%, still impressively high), setting a record as the highest-rated film in the Twisted Childhood Universe and becoming the first entry to earn a Fresh score.

Written and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, ‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ draws inspiration from Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’. The story follows the titular puppet as he embarks on a killing spree to become a real boy. Set in an elite London prep school, Pinocchio is influenced by a sinister Cricket, portrayed by Robert Englund, and created by Geppetto, played by Richard Brake, as he violently carves himself into a real boy, piece by piece, just like his brother James.

When the score first made waves, the film had only 10 reviews counted. Nevertheless, the early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have lauded the practical effects, classic animatronics, and delightfully excessive gore, with many declaring this the strongest entry in the franchise to date.

The film features horror legends Robert Englund and Richard Brake in central roles, marking the fifth installment in the Twisted Childhood Universe. The cast also includes Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, Jack Art Gray, and Peter DeSouza-Feighoney. Notably, the character of Pinocchio was brought to life as a fully practical animatronic, a decision Frake-Waterfield made to ensure the puppet felt genuinely real on screen.

While not every critic has left without reservations, with some noting clunky writing and familiar franchise issues, most agree that these flaws are easily overlooked given the film’s overall enjoyment. A few reviewers even highlighted unexpected emotional depth hidden beneath the bloodshed, suggesting that audiences might find themselves rooting for this particular puppet despite his murderous tendencies.

‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ had its premiere at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival on April 11, 2026, ahead of its global theatrical release on July 24, 2026, via ITN Distribution. With just days left until its release, the film faces the challenge of maintaining its historic score as it opens to broader audiences and begins to accumulate a proper audience tally.

Will this franchise finally achieve its breakout horror hit, or is ‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ poised for a significant drop once general audiences weigh in? Share your predictions before the puppet hits theaters this weekend.