Worry Dolls, Innovative Approach On Paranormal Horror 

Worry Dolls Film Details

Director: Padraig Reynolds

Writer: Danny Kolker, Christopher Wiehl

Release Date: 2016 (USA)

Release Format: Video On Demand

Genre: Horror


In the aftermath of the hunt for a notorious serial killer, Henry Leonard Bale, a peaceful town erupts in a chain of random, brutal murders. Detective Matt Williams soon discovers these killings are linked to an ancient set of Worry Dolls that was gifted to Bale when he was a boy. Now, with a curse unleashed upon the town and his young daughter’s life hanging in the balance, Detective Williams is pitted against the clock to find the dolls and break their curse in order to save her life.


“Worry Dolls” is an independent Horror release

from Worry Dolls Productions. The plot possesses a plot structure on the supernatural. The Afro-Carribean religious practice of voodoo implies as the central theme. Yet, Danny Kolker and Christopher Wiehl penned a narrative without cliché overtones.

Act I within the opening scene built the foundation for the film. Homage is paid toward the Slasher genre by this climactic exhibition. Henry Leonard Bale’s latest victim attempts to escape from his captivity. Actor Matty Ferraro portrays the role of Bale, a psychotic serial killer. Local authorities are in pursuit his deranged. Yet, Bale’s homicidal urges prove too difficult to harness. Thus, setting the stage for this scene.

The exhibition is all too familiar. A disheveled homicidal maniac armed with a menacing power tool. The threat pursues a beautiful damsel in distress. The chain of events culminates with gore and bloodshed.

From this point onward writers, Kolker and Wiehl shift direction in story narrative. The plot continues without derivatives. It is now that the film matures with a distinct application of its own. Ordinary citizens succumb to unexplainable homicidal tendencies. “Worry Dolls” Co-Writer Christopher Wiehl also stars as the protagonist, Matt. Wiehl portrays a grizzled Detective hellbent on solving the outbreak of unprovoked attacks.


“Worry Dolls” is rich with a remarkable use of practical effects. Most of the scenes feature prominent blood splatter. Each application is like a brush stroke from a renaissance painter. The bounty of bloodshed is not provided with wanton. Practical effects applied to the film reinforce the visual storytelling.

“Worry Dolls” co-writers, Danny Kolker and Christopher Wiehl composed an engaging Horror story. Characters have a life of their own. Each role finds commendable interpretation by the talented cast. The performances added depth in dimension to the film. A special mention goes to child actress Kennedy Brice. Brice continues her rise within the Horror genre with this her second feature film.

Director Padraig Reynolds and cinematographer Adam Sampson  created a stunning film. The visuals were well executed and calibrated with mood and ambiance as objectives. “Worry Dolls” is genre defining for its narrative and unique interpretation on paranormal aesthetics. With its creative application “Worry Dolls” will please many Horror enthusiasts. Especially those looking to part from the repetitiveness in modern Horror cinema.


There were but a few scenes to which dialogue and on-screen chemistry did not flow exceptionally.



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