MOVIE REVIEW: BUDDY

Buddy begins as a wondrous children’s tv show with the lesson of the episode being, "You gotta be scared to be brave!" A child in the episode doesn’t want to dance at the upcoming party because he’d rather read his book in peace. Buddy takes HEAVY, MURDEROUS issue with the boy’s stance and he’s never seen again. That event kicks off our movie and reveals just a portion of the monster that Buddy is, when he feels he’s losing control.

FIELD	MOVIE
TITLE & MEDIUM	BUDDY (Horror/Thriller/Dark Comedy)
QUICK VERDICT	9/10
THE HOOK	A killer, demonic, Barney
BEST FOR	Those unnerved with kids bursting into synchronized song on Children’s shows.

https://youtu.be/0mil0YgOtu8?si=cQtxaakGr6KSPbnj

World & Narrative:

Where to even begin with the lore? By the end of the movie I was left with MANY more questions than answers. But kind of in a good way I think? The main thing I was wondering was how deep does this hole go? At the end of the movie, we see more of the “production” of the tv show, and it leaves you to make many, MANY inferences. The thing I loved that’s beautifully sickening is that often the kids recited Buddy’s lessons in song to keep their spirits up, so it makes you think that even for a sick beast like Buddy, some of the things he preached had merit. It makes you uneasy knowing Buddy's had some innate presence in how the kids use real life lessons of his to persevere against him.

BUDDY (Credit: Roadside Attractions)

Craft & Execution:

Everyone on the Art and Production deserves a fat kiss on the lips. Every set, costume, and prop was 10/10 in function and color design. It was clear that they had absolute fun while designing the characters and environments and that shines through in the movie. Seeing the world and sets they came up with is worth the price of admission on its own.

At the same time, all of the child actors worked their butts off and I’m happy with all of their performances. Freddie (Played by Delaney Quinn) was the main protagonist we’re latched onto, and she did a wonderful job conveying every feeling I myself had. Tristan Borders who played Oliver… you did amazing. I hated Oliver. 10/10 performance.

Personal Opinion + Rating + Recommendation:

If you’re looking for an unconventional horror movie, I recommend Buddy. Though I will say, you could be left with a feeling of longing towards the end, which could be a negative or a positive for you.

The Highs & Lows

• The Highs:

  • Amazing set and costume design.

  • Multiple moments that got a laugh out of me.

  • Clear deeper lore at play.

  • Well done uncomfortable moments.

  • Well acted from all actors.

• The Lows:

  • Pacing slows down heavily after an intense high moment.

  • Leave with more questions than answers.

  • Can be seen as repetitive in the beginning.

(L–R) Topher Grace, Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Casper Kelly, and Keegan-Michael Key pose with the character Buddy at the “Buddy” Premiere during the 2026 Sundance Film Festival at Library Center Theatre on January 22, 2026, in Park City, Utah. (Photo by Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)