Horror films of the 1970s are remembered as a transformative decade for this genre, pushing the boundaries by leaving a long and often disturbing impact. Slasher flicks such as Halloween and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre led the pack of realism, psychological depth and isolation through “real life” monsters which later developed into an increase of iconic characters: Michael Myers, Leatherface, Jason Voorhees, Freddy Krueger and more. In an homage to the fear and fright of that era, Director Rod Blackhurst brings us Dolly…an excruciatingly cruel and sadistic “girl” who dresses like a child’s toy, keeping her face hidden by a heavy porcelain doll mask. She is the epitome of cringe. She is soaked in blood. And just like a baby doll, she is completely mute. Feeling icky yet? Oh, you will soon…

The movie is divided into chapters, letting viewers figure out who takes each lead role.

Chapter I: Mother
Single father Chase, (an engaging performance by Seann William Scott), has organized a day of outdoor activities with his girlfriend Macy which will hopefully end with a happily accepted proposal. Unfortunately, he chooses for them to hike through a woodsy area which opens into a saturated land of lost toy dolls stuck to tree trunks and dangling from the branches. As they make their way through this museum of bizarreness, Chase finds the touristy landing overlooking a breathtaking view to prepare a memorable engagement with Macy. However, surrounding noises distract them, filling their minds with unusual ideas - perhaps someone else is nearby who might require help. With this uncomfortable “Blair Witchy” feel, it’s not long before Chase separates himself to seek out the source of strange music coming from the toy shrine which they passed through earlier, and he trots off to explore.

Dolly appears suddenly, creating a frightening and startling scene as Chase mistakenly believes he can assist this strange person—who has just dragged a decapitated body to bury in a shallow grave. Her tool of destruction is a shovel and my god does she know how to use it! True gorehounds will squeal with delight as Chase is savagely attacked and left for dead in an intense and severely violent scene.

Chapter II: Daughter
Predictably, Macy abruptly goes back to the forest forum of creepiness and stumbles upon her beloved slumped against a tree as she screams with the idea that she’s next on the kill list of victims to be mutilated. Despite her efforts to run away, Macy is ultimately knocked out and brought to Dolly’s house of hell.

Chapter III: Home
Waking up in baby clothes and hanging out of a tiny crib, Macy regains consciousness and begins to panic when inspecting her new confinement. She is in a nursery, and Dolly the doll is turning her into one of her own. While she relentlessly tries to escape this maddening environment, a man’s voice behind a wall provides help and support, instructing her to play along, and find the key which will free them both from captivity. “You are her new doll. Play the game. Stay alive.”

What follows is exceptionally depraved and grotesque including being diapered, strapped into a highchair, forced bottle feedings and, umm…. well, see for yourself. It’s humiliating and hideous, but Dolly wants to care for her new baby the only way she can. Through fear.

The seven chapters increasingly intensify the sense of distortion, making Macy’s situation appear so bleak that death seems preferable. In 88 minutes, Dolly will disgust, amuse and perverse you to the point of exhaustion. So, get yourself caffeinated and settle in. This monstrous movie will make sure future proposals are made within the pleasantry of a warm and cozy house far away from a woodland of potential inbred locals.