‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ Opened With A Rare Perfect Score on RT Ahead Of Its Theatrical Debut
Horror fans have had a complicated relationship with the Twisted Childhood Universe since it first clawed its way onto screens. What started as a gimmick built around reimagining beloved childhood characters as bloodthirsty killers has slowly grown into a sprawling franchise, one that has drawn plenty of skepticism along the way.
That skepticism has followed the series through multiple entries, with critics and audiences often split on whether these twisted fairy tale mashups have any real staying power. The franchise’s uneven track record has made it easy for casual moviegoers to write off each new installment before it even hits theaters.
That is what makes the reaction to ‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ so notable. The film has debuted to a perfect 100% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes (currently 92%, but still very high), officially breaking the record for 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’ is based on Carlo Collodi’s 1883 novel ‘The Adventures of Pinocchio’ and follows the titular puppet as he goes on a killing spree in pursuit of becoming a real boy. The story unfolds inside an elite London prep school, where Pinocchio is influenced by a sinister Cricket, played by Robert Englund, and created by Geppetto, played by Richard Brake, ultimately launching a violent crusade to carve himself into a real boy just like his brother James, one piece at a time.
At the time the score first made headlines, the film only had 10 reviews counted. Still, the early reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics have widely praised the practical effects, old school animatronics, and gleefully over the top gore, with many calling this the strongest entry the franchise has produced so far.
The film stars Robert Englund and Richard Brake as its central horror legends, marking the fifth installment in the Twisted Childhood Universe, alongside cast members Cameron Bell, Jessica Balmer, Jack Art Gray and Peter DeSouza-Feighoney. Notably, the Pinocchio character himself was brought to life as a fully practical animatronic, a choice Frake-Waterfield reportedly made because he wanted the puppet to feel genuinely real on screen.
Not every critic has walked away without reservations. Some reviews acknowledge clunky writing and familiar franchise flaws, though most agree those issues are easy to overlook given how much fun the film ultimately delivers. A few reviewers have even pointed to unexpected emotional depth buried beneath the bloodshed, suggesting audiences may find themselves rooting for this particular puppet despite his murderous streak.
‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ premiered at the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival on April 11, 2026, ahead of its worldwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026, through ITN Distribution. With the countdown to release now down to just days, the pressure is on for the film to hold onto its historic score once it opens to wider audiences and a proper audience tally begins to form.
Does this franchise finally have its breakout horror hit, or is ‘Pinocchio Unstrung’ setting itself up for a steep fall once general audiences weigh in? Sound off with your predictions before the puppet hits theaters this weekend.
