Horror Movie Review: Happy Little Bunnies (2021)

Stradling the line between genius and madness, writer and director Patrick McConnell has crafted a compelling comedic horror tale in Happy Little Bunnies.

Be warned though, it’s not for everyone and it’s likely to divide viewers into two simple categories. You’re either going to love it (we did) or you’re going to hate it.

John (Jon-Scott Clark) has dark thoughts. Very, dark thoughts and is contemplating ending his life to escape from them. At the end of his tether, he takes a chance on ‘therapist’ Carl (Simon Manley) who swears that he can help Jon deal with his thoughts. In his own unique way.

The majority of the film takes place in the therapy session with flashbacks and subplots fleshing out the story. What feels nonsensical at first, will slowly begin to make sense as the film reaches its conclusion. Well, a lot of it will but plenty won’t. Such is the ‘unique’ nature of this movie. You’ll scratch your head, you’ll furrow your brow, you’ll laugh confusedly and you’ll exclaim loudly about how odd the film is but, you’ll be obligated to watch on.

There are several reasons why. The first, and maybe the most important, is the characters of John and Carl and the actors that portray them. Talk about seeing people invested in what they are doing. The building drama, the layers of dark and twisted thoughts that exist in both, their chemistry and the questions about just who is really helping who and why. The characters are incredibly watchable and the actors are phenomenal.

Seeing the roles turn, the horrifying direction the movie goes in makes all the nonsensical moments worthwhile. It’s a finale you don’t want spoiled.

Another reason as to why you’ll see this movie through to the end is the blend of irreverent comedy and twisted horror. Happy Little Bunnies can be funny and chilling in equal measures, the majority of the latter coming from a sub-plot involving a bunny-masked killer who seems to be targeting deviants, perverts, paedophiles and more.

Whereas the former comes from the straight-faced comedic timing of the actors, some baffling but hilarious fourth-wall breaking stuff and nervous energy that surrounds the main plot.

Then we have the simplistic nature of the film and how it is shot. With the main focus being on the two characters sitting at a table, it almost has a stage-show feel but has enough cinematic value with lighting and sound, that you’re drawn in.

There’s so much about Happy Little Bunnies that works. Stuff that easily overshadows the stuff that doesn’t. Regardless of which side you fall on, the love or hate side, you won’t forget this movie anytime soon.