In ‘Dust Bunny,’ Bryan Fuller invites us into a whimsical world where childhood fears come to life, blending horror and humor in a captivating narrative.
‘Dust Bunny’ Review: A Whimsical Horror Adventure
Childhood fears often manifest in deeply personal ways, yet many are universally relatable. The fear of darkness and the monsters lurking within that unknown void is one of the most common. “Dust Bunny,” the debut feature film from prolific television creator Bryan Fuller (“Wonder Falls,” “Pushing Daisies,” “Hannibal”), poses a simple yet intriguing question: “What if the monster under the bed is real?” This film crafts a thrilling and heartfelt action-horror-comedy that showcases Fuller’s signature blend of whimsical maximalism and macabre humor.
Plot Overview
The film stars newcomer Sophie Sloan as Aurora, a young girl whose belief in the monster under her bed is so strong that the creature takes physical form—a cute yet sinister dust bunny that eventually transforms into a giant, room-sized menace. When her parents dismiss her fears, she wishes on a falling star for someone to help her defeat the beast.
Enter Resident 5B, portrayed by the charismatic Mads Mikkelsen, Aurora’s neighbor. Believing she witnessed him slay a dragon in Chinatown, Aurora seeks his help after the monster devours her parents. Despite the chaos in her apartment, he initially dismisses her fears as mere exaggeration. However, as a hired hitman, he suspects that one of his own monsters may have mistakenly harmed her parents and could come for Aurora next.
Action and Humor
The film unfolds like a blend of “Leon: The Professional,” “Poltergeist,” “City of Lost Children,” and “John Wick,” as Resident 5B battles both monsters and men, bonds with Aurora, and protects her from a ruthless professional killer played by Sigourney Weaver. David Dastmalchian adds his unique flair in the final act as one of the hitmen pursuing Resident 5B, while Sheila Atim rounds out the cast as an FBI agent with a commanding presence.
Visual Style and Themes
Fuller’s film is a vibrant tapestry of themes, imagery, and characters, capturing the essence of a family-friendly horror film with a Fullerverse twist. Shot in Hungary, much of the action occurs in a luxurious apartment building, featuring winding staircases and vintage decor. The art direction nods to the opulence of “Hannibal” and the colorful palette of “Pushing Daisies.” Familiar viewers will appreciate the visually stunning food shots, styled by Janice Poon, reminiscent of her work on “Hannibal.”
DP Nicole Hirsch Whitaker enhances the film’s colorful imagery with a fairytale-like quality, employing old-fashioned techniques like split diopter shots and chiaroscuro lighting to add depth. Eccentric details, such as a moving bunny dim sum and whimsical decor, firmly root “Dust Bunny” in Fuller’s unique universe, though some may find it overwhelming.
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Character Dynamics
Mikkelsen delivers one of the most tender performances of his career, with Sloan’s expressive portrayal creating a captivating chemistry. A running joke about Resident 5B’s thick Danish accent mispronouncing Aurora’s name evolves into a term of endearment, symbolizing their newfound family forged from shared trauma.
Conclusion
At its core, “Dust Bunny” is a sweet film exploring the darker aspects of childhood—our fears and the anger that accompanies them. While the ending may feel simplistic to some, it resonates deeply, reflecting the monsters we carry into adulthood. Fuller encourages acceptance of these parts of ourselves, channeling them into emotionally resonant, visually stunning, and delightfully gruesome art about the power of chosen family.
Grade: B
“Dust Bunny” premiered in Midnight Madness at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival and is set for theatrical release by Lionsgate on December 12.
