⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Covering every entry in the long running Child’s Play franchise, this finely crafted documentary is sure to be a hit with fans of the wise-cracking killer doll, Chucky, and horror lovers in general.
Directed by Kyra Elise Gardner
As the daughter of special effects wizard Tony Gardner [Seed of Chucky (2004), Curse of Chucky (2013), Cult of Chucky (2017)] documentarian Kyra Elise Gardner grew up surrounded by all things horror and, specifically, Chucky. Not only did she spend hours on Child’s Play film sets with her father — one of the lead puppeteers in charge of bringing the animatronic Chucky doll to life — but she came of age with the vibrant cast of horror movie actors, directors, and crew as her second family.
That feeling of familial cohesion shines through in Living With Chucky giving this behind-the-scenes documentary a sense of warmth and camaraderie not often found in interview-heavy productions. And, as the film’s sole editor, any bumps or rough spots have been masterfully smoothed out by Gardner’s steady hand.
Going through the Child’s Play franchise chronologically, Living With Chucky takes the viewer all the way from series creator Don Mancini’s initial screenplay for “Blood Buddy” to the most recent theatrical installment, Cult of Chucky (2017), and briefly touches on the Chucky (2021) TV series. Along the way, Gardner talks with many of the actors, producers, and voice talent that helped draw in the cult following the franchise enjoys today:
- Brad Dourif, the original voice of Chucky
- Jennifer Tilly, the voice of Tiffany
- Alex Vincent, played the original Andy Barclay from Child’s Play (1988)
- Fiona Dourif, played Nica who joined the franchise as a character in Curse of Chucky (2013)
- John Waters, played Pete Peters in Seed of Chucky (2004)
- David Kirschner, producer of all things Chucky
- and many more!
Living With Chucky does have a fairly stout runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes, but you’d never know it. Once you get wrapped up in the stories and behind-the-scenes details coming from the franchise’s colorful cast of characters the time just flies by.
This is most definitely a Must See for anyone who’s a fan of the Child’s Play series and it’s highly recommended for horror aficionados in general. Living With Chucky is a prime example of a behind-the-scenes documentary done right.
Living With Chucky recently enjoyed its world premiere at the 2022 Popcorn Frights Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Its next stop will be at FrightFest in the UK on August 29.
Review by Robert Zilbauer.