Remember the Watts brothers who gave us the gothic thrills of Playhouse? They’re back, and they’ve got a doll to show us. Well, kind of. Their new film, Black Daruma, is anything but your typical doll horror. This time, they’re diving into Japanese luck and curses with a camera trick that’s sure to shake up the genre.
In Black Daruma, we follow Ryan, an unemployed man in his mid-30s, who grabs onto hope in the form of a Japanese luck doll. Bad idea. From the moment the doll enters his life, everything unravels. And not in a subtle way. It’s a chaotic storm of bad fortune and worse decisions.
Gremlins Meets Paranormal Activity—With A Twist
Directors Fionn and Toby are known for their knack for unusual takes on horror, but this one is special. Fionn describes Black Daruma as a mash-up of Gremlins and Paranormal Activity. But here’s the catch—the whole movie is shot from the perspective of the doll itself. That’s right. You see the world through the eyes of a cursed object. If that doesn’t scream tension, what does?
It’s a disorienting watch, but that’s all part of the fun. According to Fionn, the goal was to find a fresh angle on the doll horror sub-genre, and the POV approach did the trick. The result? A film where you, the audience, are the silent observer, always watching but never interfering.
Eight Days, Real-Time Chaos, and A Doll You Might Never See
Toby says they wanted Black Daruma to feel intimate and immediate, like watching a play unfold. They shot the entire film in eight days, using master shots to maximize time and bring out raw performances from the actors. Most of the scenes are improvised, creating an atmosphere that feels intense, chaotic, and incredibly real.
“We wanted to make a film very different from our debut, Playhouse, which relied on lavish cinematography bolstered by a remote, wind-swept Scottish castle. With Black Daruma, you are much more focused on the story, like watching a play.”
– Toby
But here’s the kicker: will you ever see the doll? That’s the question. Toby teases, “Part of the suspense is never quite knowing if and when you will see it.” So while you’re watching Ryan and his partner Louise spiral into madness, you’re left on the edge of your seat, waiting for the doll to make its appearance—or not.
A Fun Ride That Plays Tricks on You
Is it creepy? Absolutely. Is it a fun ride? Fionn promises it is, but with a side of intentional chaos. The movie uses jump cuts as its main editing tool, throwing you straight into the characters’ spiraling lives. It’s raw, unpredictable, and keeps you guessing.
For fans of doll horror, Black Daruma offers something different. It’s not about the doll creeping around at night. Instead, it’s about how far someone’s life can fall apart after inviting a cursed object into their home.
Black Daruma will be released globally on VOD shortly. But when you watch it, remember: the doll may be watching you too. But while talking about dolls check out The Most Creepy Dolls in Film History.
