Horror Movie Review: Three Blind Mice (2023)

Three blind mice. Three blind mice.
See how they run. See how they run.
They all ran after the farmer’s wife,
Who cut off their tails with a carving knife.
Did you ever see such a sight in your life
As three blind mice?

That is a good-old fashioned English nursery rhyme. First published around the time of 1609. Yes, it really is that old, although time means it has slowly drifted from most people’s consciousness. Yet, it is still familiar and serves as inspiration for writer David Malcolm and director Pierre B’s new horror movie, Three Blind Mice.

A bloody and violent movie, with a strong lead role, and plenty of twists and turns to its story, Three Blind Mice is a better movie than expected. It stars May Kelly, Lila Lasso, Natasha Tosini, Samantha Cull, and Danielle Ronald.

Abi is in denial. She doesn’t have a drug problem, even though she clearly does, and refuses to listen to the pleas of her family to get help. Feeling as though they have no choice, they stage an intervention and invite a professional along to help with this. Abi is defensive and unwilling to listen, but does agree to go away to a cabin in the woods to go ‘cold turkey’. The idea being that some time away from her usual environment would help, and the lack of phone reception will mean she is isolated.

To help her through what is sure to be a difficult experience though, the entire family and a friend are going to come along too. As maybe it’s a chance for the family to reconnect and find out what drove Abi to drugs in the first place.

Or at least it would be, if it wasn’t for the fact that three mutant mice/human hybrids are currently calling this place their home and they do not like visitors. The family have barely unpacked their bags when they come under attack from the murderous rodents. It’s now all about survival, but what created these monstrosities?

Three Blind Mice didn’t need to delve into that area and it still would have been a fun film. Yet, by exploring that aspect and resolving it nicely, the film showcases more depth and is measurably better for it. While the overall synopsis and inspiration might sound silly, it’s a film that plays it quite serious. This works in its favour as the focus is on Abi and her issues, finding out where it went wrong for her, and if she has strength to save both herself and her family.

Unsurprisingly, May Kelly is wonderful in the lead role, but anyone familiar with her other work, will know how talented she is already. She gets to do the most, but that’s not to underplay what is a strong cast overall.

What is also really welcome, is just how violent and gory Three Blind Mice is. There is no shortage of blood spilled here, as well as some really graphic scenes involving eyes, acid, arrows, and good old-fashioned beatings. Three Blind Mice isn’t afraid to make you winch, and most of the effects hold up well. Aside from some really awful looking fire effects right at the end.

It’s very easy to be cynical and immediately roll your eyes upon seeing the title and reading a short synopsis. After all, these nursery rhymes/children’s stories transformed into horror seem to be in vogue at the moment. However, Three Blind Mice stands out as being one of the more exciting and imaginative offerings we’ve had so far.

Three Blind Mice releases October 17th on Digital and DVD via Uncork’d Entertainment.