Fear, Folklore, and the Horror of the Unknown

Read Time:4 Minute, 33 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
I Heart Willie
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2025
Runtime: 1h 28m
Director(s): Alejandro G. Alegre
Writer(s): David Vaughn
Cast: Maya Luna, Sergio Rogalto, Daniela Porras, Micho Camacho, David Vaughn, Craig Morgan, Drew Hartley, Cristina Zulueta, Alejandro G. Alegre, Julieta Perez, Dulcycela Alvarez
Where To Watch: in select theaters for One Night Only, February 26, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: It’s February of 2025, and I’ve now watched three horror films based on the 1928 short film STEAMBOAT WILLIE. And I can honestly say none of them were “bad,” which shocks me; I thought these would be direct-to-video cash grabs like the endless 50+ AMITYVILLE HORROR sequels (no, literally, there are over fifty now.) Horror thrives on reinvention, and I HEART WILLIE takes that concept to a chilling new level. Alejandro G. Alegre takes an iconic piece of animation history and morphs it into something grotesque, warping nostalgia into nightmare fuel. A film that fuses slasher sensibilities with legend-driven folklore, it crafts an eerie and bloody experience that keeps diehard horror fans engaged from start to finish.

The story follows YouTubers Daniel (Sergio Rogalto) and Nico (Micho Camacho,) who take their ghost-hunting escapades to a location tied to a disturbing legend. Local myths speak of a boy born with severe deformities, his mouse-like features marking him as an outcast. Years of cruelty and neglect shape him into something far more terrifying—a figure whispered about in shadows, feared but mostly forgotten. However, his presence never truly faded. In seclusion, he honed a grisly skill, constructing a nightmarish bodysuit stitched together from the skins of ‘trespassers.’ What starts as a routine exploration for Daniel and Nico quickly transforms into a harrowing battle for survival.

David Vaughn, who wrote the script and embodies the film’s unsettling antagonist, brings an unshakable menace to the screen. His chilling portrayal is complemented by the others in the cast, such as Maya Luna as Nora and Daniela Porras as Jess, who bring layers of intrigue to their roles. Unlike many horror films that rely solely on spectacle, I HEART WILLIE balances brutality with a psychological undertone, exploring how rejection and suffering can create something truly monstrous.

The film leans into its slasher roots, paying homage to the genre’s classics while developing a distinct voice. It sidesteps the trap of excessive exposition, weaving its horror through unsettling imagery, an atmosphere dripping with dread, and an ever-present sense of impending doom. Alegre allows tension to mount gradually before slamming audiences into moments of chaos. Every dimly lit space, every flickering shadow, feels like it could harbor unspeakable horrors, keeping the suspense dialed up at all times.

The movie made a strong impact when it premiered at the Morbido Film Fest in Mexico City, earning an encore screening due to overwhelming demand. It quickly racked up accolades, securing wins for Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Director across various festivals. Executive producer Princeton Holt clarified that the film was designed for horror enthusiasts, promising a thrill ride that would resonate. And if his words are anything to go by, viewers will do well to stay through the credits—there may be more lurking beyond the final frame.

Set for an exclusive one-night-only theatrical release on February 26, 2025; I HEART WILLIE embraces the limited-event horror experience that often cements films as cult favorites. This unconventional horror film is geared toward audiences looking for something fresh and unconventional in the genre, a departure from the repetitive formulas of mainstream horror franchises.

That said, there are areas where the film could have gone further. While the practical effects are impressive, certain moments feel restrained when they could have leaned more into the grotesque. A bit more intensity in key sequences would have amplified the sheer terror on display.

Despite these minor critiques, I HEART WILLIE is an experience that refuses to be ignored. It takes a bizarre yet fascinating concept and plays it straight, allowing the horror to breathe rather than leaning on irony.

For those who revel in the stranger, bloodier side of horror, this is a film worth seeking out. Whether it ultimately claims cult status is yet to be seen, but one thing is certain—this legend isn’t disappearing anytime soon.

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[photo courtesy of HEWES PICTURES, RUBEY ENTERTAINMENT]

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