Buddy (2026)

Viewer Discretion: Not family-friendly (despite the disguise!)

The Hook: Curiosity Got the Best of Me

I am not typically a fan of horror movies. However, when news started circulating about parents unknowingly taking their young kids to see Buddy - only for everyone to get freaked out - my interest was piqued. I had to see what all the fuss was about. Going in with low expectations, I was genuinely shocked to find that I actually liked it.

What Works: Uncanny Nostalgia & Audio-Visual Aesthetic

If you were a '90s kid, Buddy hits a very specific nostalgia nerve. The film is loaded with nods to the iconic shows of our childhood, featuring clear parodies and references to classics like Barney & Friends, Dora the Explorer (complete with her backpack), and Blue's Clues.

Beyond the references, the technical presentation is spot-on:

• 4:3 Aspect Ratio: The film uses the classic, boxy square format of old tube TVs rather than standard widescreen, instantly pulling you back into a '90s living room.
• Retro Audio Design: The audio intentionally clips and distorts, mimicking the distinct, slightly harsh sound of lapel body mics used in vintage children's television production.

The Themes: Screens, Distraction, and Social Commentary

Underneath the creepy surface lies a surprisingly insightful message about modern childhood. Back in the day, kids were outdoors playing cops and robbers, riding bikes, or playing ding-dong ditch with neighborhood friends. Today, children are increasingly sucked into screens - iPads, computers, and TVs - losing real human interaction. Buddy explores this phenomenon almost like a figurative (and literal) demonic force trapping children inside their screens, making the story far more compelling than a typical jump-scare film.

The Atmosphere: Creepy, Slow-Burn, & Unanswered Questions

Buddy is a slow burner at the start. It's easy to see how unsuspecting families could be tricked into thinking it's a wholesome children's feature before the unsettling undertones kick in.

• The Creep Factor: It touches on eerie, almost demonic territory - which isn't usually my preference - but it stays right on the threshold without crossing into unbearable territory.
• The Climax & Ending: Without giving away spoilers, the ending leaves a lot of intriguing questions unanswered and sets the stage perfectly for a potential sequel.

Final Verdict

For a non-horror fan, giving a scary movie a 4 out of 5 is a rarity for me, but Buddy earned it on first viewing. If you're a fan of horror or looking for something unsettling that relies on eerie atmosphere and '90s nostalgia rather than pure gore, it's well worth the watch. Just leave the kids at home!

My Rating: 4 / 5 Stars

Did Buddy creep you out too, or did the nostalgia win you over? Sign in with your Discord account and leave a comment - and until next time, share a smile, they're contagious!