Daddy’s Head Film Review: Should You Watch It This Halloween Season?

Daddy’s Head is a chilling horror movie crafted by writer and director Benjamin Barfoot. Featuring Julia Brown and Rupert Turnbull in pivotal roles as a stepmother and her surrogate son, respectively, the film is produced by Patrick Tolan, Jamie Harvey, and Matthew James Wilkinson. The executive production team includes James Atherton, Matthew Cooksley, Simon Lewis Marriott, and Jan Pace, among others.

This film marks Barfoot’s second feature, following his debut with Double Date in 2017. It premiered globally at the Fantastic Fest on September 22, 2024, and made its exclusive debut on the streaming service Shudder on October 11, 2024.

According to Shudder, the movie’s premise is as follows:

“After the sudden death of his father, a young boy finds himself in the unsettling isolation of a vast country estate alongside his newly widowed stepmother… As he navigates the eerie hallways, unsettling sounds begin to fill the air, and he soon encounters a grotesque entity that bears an alarming likeness to his deceased father.”

The synopsis continues:

“Though the boy’s pleas are dismissed as mere flights of fancy from a grieving child, the malevolent force tightens its grip on their fragile lives.”

Daddy’s Head is a thrilling option for horror enthusiasts this Halloween season, packed with jump scares, haunting imagery, a gripping soundtrack, and a terrifying creature that will have viewers on the edge of their seats.

What’s the plot of Daddy’s Head?

In the story, a young boy named Isaac (played by Rupert Turnbull) faces the tragedy of losing his father, James (Charles Aitken), in a devastating car crash soon after his mother’s passing. Left in a vulnerable position, Isaac’s only protector is his stepmother, Laura (Julia Brown), who seems reluctant to step into the role of guardian.

Barfoot drew from his own experiences of his parents’ divorce to shape this screenplay, thus weaving themes of bereavement, emotional disconnect, and suppressed feelings throughout his narrative.

Isaac struggles with the heavy burden of grief, growing increasingly suspicious of Laura after he witnesses her sharing a kiss with her ex-husband, Robert (Nathaniel Martello-White). In his fragility, Isaac finds solace in a mysterious creature that closely resembles his father.

As he delves deeper into his despair, Laura becomes increasingly alarmed and joins forces with Isaac to confront the monster that begins to take on his father’s visage.

The performances by the lead actors, particularly young Turnbull, are outstanding in their roles.

Technically Impressive: Daddy’s Head

A standout element of the film is the eerie, multi-limbed monster that bears the unmistakable likeness of James. Matthew Allen embodies this insect-like entity, enhanced by stunning visual effects inspired by renowned British video artist Chris Cunningham.

Additionally, the creature roams in a wooded dwelling behind the estate, echoing the motifs of the classic fairy tale, Hansel and Gretel. The unsettling sounds of the shadowy creature scurrying, scratching at surfaces, and murmuring gently build a tension that culminates at the film’s climax.

Is this monstrous figure a product of Isaac’s grief and isolation, or does it possess an otherworldly origin? The film invites viewers to draw their own conclusions based on the final scenes.

Ultimately, while the psychological thriller doesn’t quite reach the heights achieved by The Babadook in exploring similar themes of loss, trauma, and healing, it offers a wealth of unsettling moments reminiscent of Under the Skin, ensuring an unsettling atmosphere throughout its 97-minute runtime.

The film effectively utilizes the familiar horror trope of a lurking creature in the shadows while enhancing the narrative with exceptional cinematography, visual effects, production design, and sound design. Although the script might not quite match the technical brilliance on display, the experience is certainly one worth having at least once this Halloween.

Stay tuned for the latest updates on the most talked-about films and TV shows in 2024.

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