Cult of Chucky (2017)

Directed by Don Mancini. Starring Fiona Dourif, Michael Therriault, Adam Hurtig, Alex Vincent, Elisabeth Rosen, Grace Lynn Kung, Zak Santiago, Martina Stephenson Kerr, Jennifer Tilly, Ali Tataryn, (voice) Brad Dourif. [R]

Seventh entry in the venerable killer-doll series is a companion piece with the last one (in much the same way that the campy fourth and fifth episodes are sewn together with catgut). Nica has spent the last few years committed to a mental institution where she’s been gaslighted (gaslit?) into believing that she was actually responsible for the massacre that Chucky perpetrated in Curse of Chucky; then, multiple Good Guy dolls show up and, well, you can see where this is going, right? As a matter of fact, not knowing where it’s all going is one of the best aspects of this outing; instead of Chucky just scampering around and slaughtering patients and staff, the juice comes from its unusual character relationships and a new gimmick where Chucky can transfer his soul into multiple bodies (and dolls) at once. Not as much down-and-dirty and atmospheric fun as the last one, but the script’s escalation into screwy territory is more satisfying. Some of the performances are drab, but Fiona Dourif certainly looks like she’s having fun embracing her wild and crazy side. Considering how it comes out of left field, that “girl power” wrap-up doesn’t feel earned (and has no real resonance). As with Curse, this one premiered on home video.

60/100