Filmmaker Casper Kelly got his start working on animated shows like CatDog, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, and Squidbillies. In 2014, he gained significant attention for the short film Too Many Cooks, which currently has nearly 30 million views. This led him to write the Cheddar Goblin segment for 2018’s Mandy and to direct 2022’s Adult Swim Yule Log. In 2025, producers J. D. Lifshitz, Raphael Margules, and Tracy Rosenblum approached Kelly to develop a horror film. Inspired by childhood shows like Barney & Friends and Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Kelly wanted to explore the dark aspects of these programs. He co-wrote the screenplay with Jamie King, emphasizing themes of forced cheerfulness and entrapment from his earlier short. On a $3 million budget, principal photography began in July 2025 in Northeast Ohio and ran for 25 days. After premiering at Sundance in January, Casper Kelly’s Buddy hit theaters in August 2026.
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Synopsis
The film centers around a children’s television show called It’s Buddy, starring the titular Buddy the Unicorn (Keegan-Michael Key). Along with his co-host, Betty Bunny (Jimmica Collins), he teaches kids valuable lessons about bravery, cleanliness, and friendship. Unfortunately, not everything is as it seems when cast members go missing and are replaced with little notice. One of the kids, Freddy (Delaney Quinn), suspects something is wrong, so she rallies the others to stop Buddy. Meanwhile, Grace (Cristin Milioti) becomes drawn to It’s Buddy and delves deeper, much to her husband Ben’s (Topher Grace) chagrin. Back in the show, Freddy, alongside Wade (Caleb Williams), Oliver (Tristan Borders), and Hannah (Madison Skyy Polan), tries to escape. While some don’t make it out, the rest set out for Diamond City in an attempt to return home. Will they successfully break the curse, or will they become Buddy’s next victims?
Review
Buddy is one of the biggest surprises I’ve seen this year, especially since I hadn’t heard of it until recently. Going in, I didn’t know what to expect, so enjoying it so much is an even bigger surprise. First, Casper Kelly and his team perfectly recreated the look of a ’90s kids’ show to a tee. From the 4:3 aspect ratio and soft focus to the numerous puppets and simple sets, it all feels authentic. On that note, the practical effects are outstanding, especially toward the climax, when things get worse and worse. Another clever touch is that the aspect ratio changes with the setting, shifting from 4:3 to 16:9. Technical qualities aside, I also appreciate that the film takes its time with the horror instead of rushing in. This film does a great job setting up the world and characters before things become more unhinged.
For such a silly movie, the cast all do an excellent job, especially the child actors, which is a shock. In particular, Delaney Quinn is fantastic as Freddy, acting her heart out and coming off as believable. Caleb Williams, Tristan Borders, and Madison Skyy Polan are also great, with each given their moment to shine. Keegan-Michael Key does a great job as the voice of Buddy, sounding appropriately cheerful until things take a dark turn. Cristin Milioti also shines as a mom who finds herself going deeper down the rabbit hole. Topher Grace is also memorable as Milioti’s skeptical husband, who wants her to return to reality and doubts her claims. Without spoilers, the film also features great cameos that will delight cult cinema fans and offer surprises you’d never expect. No matter the role, everyone in the cast gives it their all and deserves credit for their performances.
What also makes the film work beyond its premise is the lore it establishes and its refusal to overexplain. So many hints are sprinkled into the movie that are left to your imagination to speculate on what everything means. Some audiences might dislike how it drops hints that seem to go nowhere, but I appreciate the mystery they create. If I had any complaints, it’s the tonal inconsistencies where the movie shifts from campy to serious at random. For the most part, this film hits the perfect balance: it takes itself seriously enough while being aware of itself. At slightly over 90 minutes, the film breezes by, moving from one scene to another without feeling rushed. Obviously, this movie won’t appeal to everyone, but if you enjoy campy yet intriguing horror, you might like this. Overall, Buddy is an enjoyably twisted take on children’s media that’s worth a watch.
Buddy is in theaters.
Where to watch Buddy (2026)
