Ted Bunny 2026 (Millman Productions / Terror Films Inc / Ron Lee Productions / Wild Dogs Productions) Review
Ted Bunny kicks off Jeff Miller’s “Twisted Serial Killer Universe”. A series of films which take inspiration from famous serial killers. Ted Bunny follows the crazed heir of Ted Bundy. The inspiration for this film actually came from another one of Michael Fredianelli’s films, Bury ‘EM Deep. One of the extra’s was wearing the bunny mask and the producer liked the look of it that he wanted to use in a full length film. The other film currently being planned to release is Jeffrey Dollmer (about a possessed doll with the spirit of Jeffrey Dahmer). It’s quite an interesting idea for a cinematic universe of sorts, aiming to overlap between the horror and true crime communities. I am hoping Jeff Miller has plans for a movie called H.H.Homes about a Airbnb filled with traps. (This universe does present some fun possibilities)
Ted Bundy is considered one of America's most infamous serial killers, having to admitted to killing at least 30 women. Ted Bunny at first seems to be focused on telling his story, as the opening sequence unfolds in typical horror movie fashion with Ted Bundy abducting one of his victims. It’s then we time jump to present day, where a documentary film crew shows up landing a interview with a undiscovered victim of Ted Bundy. The film crew is lead by Sasha (Diana Roman), who is trying to produce a documentary that actually makes money. With this new lead, she is hoping for a big break. The victim Catherine (play by Dee Wallace of E.T fame) begins to tell the story of when she was abducted by Ted Bundy and raped.
Final Call for Make up Checks
Things seem to be going fine, until curiosity gets the better of them and two members of the film crew decide to randomly check out the basement during their break. Kind of an odd moment, as there is no sound heard or other reason for them to be heading down there. Guess these guys are just that board. But upon going there, they discover something unusual, the lair of Ted Bunny. One has to give their hats off for the production design of the lair, as it actual looks pretty cool. It’s there where Ted Bunny is introduced and then unleashed into the woods. Sasha’s crew gets wiped out in the process, forcing her to team up with a rouge cop to stop him from his rampage.
It’s from this point on where Ted Bunny switches gears from a psychological thriller to more of an over the top slasher, as the film now focuses on Ted Bunny (who turns out to be son of Ted Bundy). The film then has to introduce new random characters into the plot to become murder victims to keep the kill count up. This lessons the tension a bit since there is no time to form a connection with them, but there are some fun and creative kills to be had here. Some the kills also incorporate some gore and visual effects which look pretty solid for this type of budget.
There’s Something Behind me isn’t there?
The main plot of Sasha and Dante hunting down Ted Bunny suffers a bit due to the first act spending most of its time in flashbacks and with the film crew. It just feels like Ted Bunny shows up when he needs to be there and they mainly just run into him by luck. Ted Bunny himself does have a pretty good look and the mask, while a bit silly, does make for some cool shots when you see lurking about. There is also a dramatic face reveal which I won’t spoil here, but the make up department did some convincing work.
The film has a solid cast of Wild Dog mainstays and talent here, with Mia Parco sporting a gothic look and being a dramatic member of the film crew, to Rosanna Wyant playing Young Catherine in the flashbacks who goes sweet to serious. Dee Wallace also gives off a chilling and fun performance as she recounts a flashback sequence. Trent Avvenire as the bunny himself, manages to give off a menacing vibe despite having no lines to work with.
Ted Bunny is an enjoyable and fun time, if a bit uneven and inconsistent watch. While the narrative core regarding the antagonist’s background is compelling, the film struggles with a tonal inconsistency as it moves through it’s runtime. It attempts to navigate profound, heavy themes while simultaneously leaning into the stylized tropes of a slasher film with a bunny costume and traditional 'kill scenes. As the first film in the “Twisted Serial Killer Universe”, it’s a solid launching pad and it will be interesting to watch as this cinematic universe expands.
