In the movies, their fears are occasionally justified. In Dust Bunny, a little girl is so sure her monster exists, she hires an assassin to kill it.
Aurora (Sophie Sloan) tries to convince the adults in her life that the monster under her bed eats anyone standing on the floor. When they don’t listen, she delivers a very solemn, “I told you so.” When Aurora spies her neighbour (Mads Mikkelsen) killing a dragon in Chinatown, she decides to “procure his services.” An investigation of her apartment reveals Aurora’s parents met with foul play. But the neighbour believes the monsters were of the gun-toting human variety. This is a world in which both can be true.
Bryan Fuller creates acclaimed television series, but this is his first time writing and directing a feature-length film. He brings his unique storytelling vision to the big screen in a fantastic tale starring his Hannibal collaborator, who gives himself over to the strange script. The surreal film transports audiences into a world where anything is possible. It’s wonderfully vibrant, which brings a sense of artificiality to the girl’s life. The aesthetic is similar to filmmaker Wes Anderson’s visually rich style, but Fuller uses it to blend fantasy and horror.
This eccentric world is populated by wonderful actors, all of whom are led by the young Sloan. The supporting cast, which includes Sigourney Weaver, Sheila Atim, Rebecca Henderson and David Dastmalchian, bring a variety of emotion to the film, though much of their performances are also restrained. They expand the story world in spite of most scenes taking place in the old school apartment building.
Fuller’s work on the small screen is extensive, but hopefully this film lays the groundwork for establishing a signature style we’ll see more of in the future.
Director: Bryan Fuller
Starring: Mads Mikkelsen, Sophie Sloan and Sheila Atim
