

Movie spotlight
Poppets
‘Poppets’ is a surreal soap opera set in Basildon and the Estuary, following an Essex girl investigating malpractice in a local housing development, and two women who meet and fall in love on a night out at Bas Vegas. They are psychically linked to the story of two Plotlands women (as overshared to them by an old man in the smoking area) who visit their local witch to make a ‘poppet’. A journey through 4 generations of capitalistic town planning, from the smallholdings of the 1800s to the luxury flats built on floodplains of the future.
Insights
Plot Summary
A group of friends on a remote camping trip discover a terrifying secret lurking in the woods, involving sinister dolls and a dark ritual. As they try to escape, they realize they are being hunted by unseen forces tied to the local folklore. The line between reality and nightmare blurs as their survival depends on uncovering the truth behind the cursed poppets.
Critical Reception
Poppets received a mixed to negative reception from critics, who often found its premise intriguing but its execution lacking. While some appreciated the atmospheric tension and practical effects, many pointed to a predictable plot and underdeveloped characters as significant drawbacks. Audience reception was similarly divided, with some enjoying the B-movie horror thrills and others finding it too derivative of other horror tropes.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its eerie atmosphere and a few jump scares.
Criticized for relying too heavily on horror clichés and predictable twists.
Noted for its low-budget charm but ultimately hampered by weak storytelling.
Google audience: Google users were largely unimpressed, with many finding the film to be a derivative and unoriginal horror flick. While a small percentage enjoyed the creature design and the campy feel, the majority felt the plot was nonsensical and the acting subpar, leading to a disappointing viewing experience.
Fun Fact
The unsettling poppet props used in the film were reportedly handcrafted by a local artisan known for her disturbing doll creations, adding an extra layer of authentic creepiness to the production.
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