Most known for his work writing hit TV shows such as Hannibal and Pushing Daisies, Bryan Fuller is much beloved by horror fans. Now, he’s making his feature film debut as a director for a fantastical, action-packed horror film he also wrote, Dust Bunny. Dust Bunny follows 8-year-old Aurora who believes a bloodthirsty monster lives under her bed. When she tries to hire her mysterious neighbor to kill the monster, it takes the pair on a dangerous, heart-warming journey.

The best way to describe Dust Bunny is if someone combined Leon the Professional with a Dr. Seuss story to create a horror film. Fuller has always had a unique voice, but this is the first time audiences have had the chance to see him bring that voice to the big screen as a director. The plot takes the basic idea of a child being afraid of the monster under the bed and expands it into a sinister fairy tale. Aurora is convinced something is under her bed and it will eat anyone who gets too close. She discovers her neighbor is a formidable killer himself, so she tries to hire him to solve her problem. It weaves together the whimsical world as Aurora sees it with the seedy criminal underbelly the neighbor lives in. The closer these two unexpected allies get, the more the truth comes out. It allows for a layered tale that also connects to the ideas of found family as these two very different characters find each other in the most bizarre way possible. Fuller does a wonderful job of keeping the audience guessing, throwing in plenty of surprising moments along with thrilling action. It transports the viewer to another world, all while telling an exciting story sure to warm hearts everywhere.

Dust Bunny features a great performance from Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal, Casino Royale) as the “intriguing neighbor.” Mikkelsen might be a bit more understated in this role than fans are used to. Because of the line of work the neighbor is in, he is quite cool under pressure and mostly keeps to himself. When Aurora enters his life, Mikkelsen shows a different side of the character, conveying the warmth and heart he tries to keep hidden. Young Sophie Sloan makes her feature film debut as Aurora. Sloan manages to immediately endear the audience to Aurora, portraying a scared little girl who is also highly independent, intelligent, and capable. She exudes a precocious nature while still making it clear Aurora is a child in need. Sloan really holds her own alongside Mikkelsen and the chemistry between their two characters is a joy to watch. The film also includes great performances from Sigourney Weaver (Alien), Sheila Atim (The Woman King), and David Dastmalchian (Late Night With the Devil).

While the story and performances in Dust Bunny are phenomenal, the real highlight is the artistry. There is clear artistic intention woven into every fiber and frame of the film from start to finish. Right away audiences will be drawn into Fuller’s whimsical world with the gorgeous production and costume design, enhanced with striking lighting. Even the CGI effects help to show the world as Aurora sees it, making the dangers beautiful and fantastical. The film also includes a few great action sequences with memorable fight choreography. Every visual is a true work of art and the sound design helps bring much of it to life, adding some terror to the fantasy. It’s a film experience unlike anything else to come out this year, guaranteeing Dust Bunny is a film audiences will remember.

Dust Bunny is a delightfully quirky, modern fairy tale about found family with plenty of action and horror. Everyone already knew Fuller was a great screenwriter, but now he’s proven he has the directorial skills to match. The way he combines whimsy with horror showcases his unique style, creating a gorgeous, surreal world for these characters to exist in. Mikkelsen and Sloan light up the screen as they play an unexpectedly charming duo. With such a compelling plot, wonderful performances, and absolutely stunning visuals, Dust Bunny is sure to be an instant classic. You can see Dust Bunny in theaters beginning Friday, December 12th. And be sure to stick around for a little mid-credit scene.

OVERALL RATING: 8.5/10