When it comes to horror, 2025 delivers another contender for the best horror movies list, Control Freak directed by Shal Ngo. In this gripping horror movie review, we'll delve into how a simple itch can spiral into a gripping tale of psychological terror. Buckle up because this isn't just another dime-a-dozen fright fest—it's a head-trip in every sense!
What's the itch all about, you ask? Well, Control Freak centers on a motivational speaker played by the ever-talented Kelly Marie Tran, who suddenly finds her life spiraling out of control due to an unrelenting itch at the base of her skull. The plot thickens as this seemingly benign irritation begins to unravel her mind, leading to a series of events that oscillate between the real and the surreal. The movie beautifully explores themes of obsession, control, and how the smallest disruptions can trigger our deepest fears.
Let's talk about the performances, shall we? Kelly Marie Tran is simply mesmerizing. Her portrayal of a woman at the edge of sanity is both haunting and relatable. Miles Robbins joins the fray, bringing a mix of charm and dread that perfectly complements Tran's performance. Veterans Kieu Chinh and Toan Le lend their gravitas to the film, while Callie Johnson provides much-needed grounding. Together, they create a tapestry of characters that feel incredibly real despite the surreal circumstances. Ngo's direction is sleek yet gritty, making excellent use of shadows and sound to keep us at the edge of our seats. The screenplay, also penned by Ngo, is a tight labyrinth of twists that keep you guessing—like a rollercoaster ride you didn't know you signed up for.
If you’re familiar with the genre, you might compare it to the likes of The Babadook or even Midsommar, but Control Freak adds its own unique flavor. Unlike the typical jump-scare culture, this film leans heavily into psychological terror, evocative of Hitchcock's trait of turning everyday objects—and in this case, an itch—into wielders of doom. It's akin to peeling back layers of sanity and offers something fresh in a genre that often recycles old tropes.
When it comes down to it, if you’re a fan of horror and adore movies that work your brain as much as your heart rate, Control Freak is a must-watch film. You come for the scares, but you stay for the thought-provoking cues and sublime acting. Sure, there are moments where the narrative takes its sweet time to build up—which may leave some impatiently twitching—but stick around, because the payoff is rewarding! If you love unraveling the threads of sanity, this is one cinematic experience you shouldn't miss. So, get your popcorn ready and dive into the terror that is Control Freak—it's one itch you'll gladly scratch!