The best thing about every horror movie is the fact that the monster on the other side of the screen can’t break through the screen. But what would happen if 1) the monster could cross over and 2) they were disguised as someone completely harmless? That’s the premise of the new Hulu horror film Mr. Crocket.
Directed by Brandon Espy, and adapted from Espy’s short film of the same name, the film follows a mother’s search for her son, after the host of an old children’s TV show comes out of her television set and kidnaps him. When nobody believes her, she takes matters into her own hands, uncovering a pattern of other abducted kids as well as the truth about the sinister host along the way.
Jerrika Hinton stars as said mother, and delivers a very relatable performance. Not just because of the determination she exhibits when her son goes missing, but because she is often critical of her own parenting. She obviously loves her son, but ever since the death of his father she questions if she is doing enough to keep him in line. Her self-reflection in the wake of her son’s disappearance is something that will resonate with any parent. And it not only makes her a stronger protagonist, but it makes her journey to get her son back more cathartic.
The real star, however, is Elvis Nolasco’s Mr. Crocket. Part Mr. Rogers and part Candyman, he is the kind of horror antagonist that is both terrifying and fun to watch. The first time he appears on screen, he comes off as a sort of anti-hero, saving a little boy from his overbearing and abusive father. However, as the film goes on and we see him abduct children, it appears that his intentions are just as mean-spirited. Is he really saving these children? Or is he just saving them so that he can prey on them himself later? Despite his character’s intentions, Nolasco plays Mr. Crocket with such a charm that he is likable. By the time the origin of his madness is revealed, you can’t help but sympathize with him.
If that sounds conflicting, it’s because the whole film is conflicting. Espy’s direction is solid, the characters are tangible and yet, it is derivative of so many other intellectual properties. As previously mentioned, Nolasco’s performance no doubt derives from Tony Todd’s Candyman, but the film itself borrows heavily from A Nightmare on Elm Street and Ringu (or The Ring) franchises. The latter comparison is especially unavoidable considering that the character loves to pop out of TVs.
That’s not to say that the film never finds its footing. For example, the film’s climax, which takes place within Mr. Crocket’s studio hellscape is uniquely horrifying. It just would have been nice to see Espy lean more on the lore of his own world than constantly reinvent ideas from others.
Now, Mr. Crocket may not be entirely original. While some may view it as a cinematic rerun, it’s worth watching for its exploration of what it means to be a modern parent. At the very least, it’s worthy watching for the chance at witnessing Nolasco become a nightmarish new horror icon.
