Have you ever wondered what happened behind the scenes of the Child’s Play films? If so, a new documentary, Living with Chucky, has set out to answer many of those burning questions. Before this movie hits your screens, we are here to bring you all of the info you will need before watching this look at a horror classic.
About Living with Chucky
Horror movies have scared audiences for decades, but only a few have earned the title of iconic. These are the films that even non-horror fans know. Among those titles is Child’s Play starring the killer doll Chucky. Better known as the Chucky movies, this franchise tells the story of a serial killer who puts his soul into a Good Guy Doll.
In Living with Chucky, viewers get a unique look behind the scenes to see how this franchise began. Various people involved with creating these movies take part in this documentary. They explain the process that brought the killer doll to life and how the story progressed. Never-before-seen footage from the creation provides incredible insight.
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Many big names appear in the documentary, including writer Don Mancini and some of the stars, such as Brad Dourif, Fiona Dourif, Billy Boyd, Jennifer Tilly, Alex Vincent, and so many more. Effects professionals, directors, puppeteers and others also participate. The film was written and directed by Kyra Elise Gardner.
My Thoughts
I have been a fan of horror movies for quite a long time. When I was younger, I did not want to know how the films came into being; learning that destroyed the magic for me. However, my dearly departed grandfather was mildly obsessed with behind-the-scenes information for horror. Photos, documentaries, director’s commentaries, and anything that described the process that went into creating the media he loved.
As I’ve grown older, I have found a particular enjoyment in these same things. Now, instead of causing a loss of magic, knowing how the movies work lends a new layer of fascination. Taking these things into consideration, I was thrilled when I learned about Living with Chucky.
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Seeing Don Mancini talk about becoming a screenwriter and designing one of the most well-known horror villains was incredible. Hearing him talk about finding ways to include queerness and representation in the stories made me smile ear-to-ear. The Child’s Play films were some of the first to introduce a non-binary/trans character with Glen/Glenda who later became two separate characters.
In addition to hearing Mancini describe his experiences with the character and the project, viewers are treated to information from Brad Dourif, who played Charles Lee Ray, AKA Chucky, including providing his voice to the doll. Alex Vincent, better known as the original Andy Barclay, talks about being a child actor and interacting with the puppets. Jennifer Tilly also discusses becoming the iconic Tiffany Valentine.
It is clear that all of those involved connected with the project in one way or another. The actors seem to have adopted those characters as part of themselves. Mancini and the crew all have personal reasons for continuing Chucky’s legacy.
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I also found it fascinating to learn how the effects team created the original doll and how a different group had to figure out how to recreate the look for later films.
There is far too much in Living with Chucky to break it all down. Overall, I want to say that if you enjoy seeing how horror movies come to life and hearing the story straight from those involved, you need to watch this documentary. I enjoyed every minute. Each moment brought new and interesting facts. The rest of the time featured the obvious love the creators have for this incredible thing they made.
The original Child’s Play spawned six sequels, a remake and most recently, a television series heading into its third season. It is safe to say that this is one of the most well-loved series in the genre.
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Living with Chucky gets a digital release in the UK and Ireland on April 24. Fans can find it to rent or own on Google Play, Virgin Media, Sky Store, Amazon and Apple TV. It is also available on Blu-ray. Other areas will see a digital release at a later date.
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