A Unique Take on Supernatural Terror

Read Time:4 Minute, 25 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Control Freak
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Shal Ngo
Writer(s): Shal Ngo
Cast: Kelly Marie Tran, Miles Robbins, Toan Le, Kieu Chinh
Where To Watch: premieres March 13, 2025, on Hulu

RAVING REVIEW: CONTROL FREAK sneaks up like that creepy feeling you get when walking alone at night, capturing your attention with its unsettling vibe. Produced by WorthenBrooks and premiering exclusively on Hulu, this psychological thriller twists familiar horror elements into something fresh and engaging. Director Shal Ngo turns his earlier short, CONTROL, into a full-length nightmare, exploring identity, heritage, and the emotional chaos of losing control of one's reality. While it might not completely redefine horror, it succeeds in delivering tension-filled entertainment anchored by standout acting and carefully executed scares.

Kelly Marie Tran takes center stage as Valerie, a motivational speaker who appears confident and in charge. Tran takes on a challenging role, delivering a genuine and emotionally powerful portrayal. Valerie's polished facade gradually breaks apart as she battles an unexplained torment that pushes her toward a psychological breaking point. Tran’s performance makes Valerie's emotional unraveling believable, and she balances vulnerability and strength with finesse. She doesn't simply act out Valerie’s terror—she embodies it, creating an authentic connection between the character's struggle and the audience’s sympathy.

Miles Robbins plays Robbie, Valerie’s husband. Robbins steps into the role of the supportive spouse, gradually dragged into the chaos, providing a necessary emotional grounding. As Robbie becomes increasingly concerned and bewildered by Valerie's situation, his performance captures a relatable sense of helplessness and confusion.

Beyond the central duo, CONTROL FREAK also introduces meaningful secondary characters, notably Valerie’s father, Sang, portrayed by Toan Le, and Aunt Thuy, brought to life by veteran actress Kieu Chinh. These relationships enhance the story and give an intriguing perspective to the horror elements. The dynamic between Valerie and these family members touches on generational struggles and cultural heritage, providing insight into Valerie’s motivations and conflicts. Le and Chinh offer nuanced performances that strengthen the narrative and add weight to Valerie’s ordeal.

Director Shal Ngo favors atmosphere and subtlety over flashy special effects or excessive jump scares. His employment of shadowy cinematography, framing, and sound design establishes a mood that steadily builds tension. Instead of shocking viewers with gruesome imagery (mostly), Ngo prefers to tease anxiety and uncertainty, creating suspense through visuals and quiet moments of unease. This approach to psychological horror allows audiences to experience Valerie’s dread on a deeply personal level, making her emotional journey all the more engaging.

Despite these successes, CONTROL FREAK doesn't fully capitalize on all its potential. One of the film’s most intriguing elements—Valerie’s career as a motivational speaker—is noticeably underdeveloped. Her public confidence contrasted with her private torment could have been a fascinating subplot, heightening the stakes. By expanding scenes that showcased Valerie’s professional persona struggling against her anguish, the film might have deepened its impact, better illustrating how her personal and professional worlds collide.

While the film effectively introduces Eastern folklore and heritage, it stops short of fully exploring these thematic parts. The demon originating from Valerie’s homeland provides a unique twist to typical horror threats, but additional context or a deeper dive into its background might have elevated the story further.

CONTROL FREAK distinguishes itself by blending traditional supernatural horror with culturally significant themes, creating a uniquely thoughtful experience. Rather than relying solely on well-worn genre clichés, Ngo introduces audiences to deeper emotion and identity struggles seldom represented in mainstream horror.

Ultimately, CONTROL FREAK is a compelling entry into a genre I’m not a huge fan of; the body horror elements never really connect with me. It’s a psychological thriller that encouraging viewers to reflect on deeper fears and emotional vulnerabilities rather than simply seeking surface-level scares. While it might not revolutionize the genre, it adds worthwhile depth and engaging storytelling, making it a satisfying watch for anyone looking for intelligent horror.

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[photo courtesy of HULU, WORTHENBROOKS]

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