Film Review: ‘Breeder’ is a Moody and Weird Horror Effort That Keeps You Guessing

When a horror movie does something different, it gets a lot of credit from yours truly. Big or small, a fright flick with something on its mind, as well as an unusual way of executing things, they get some leeway from me. With Breeder, it’s a strong enough film to not have to be graded on a curve, while also benefitting from a sense of a surprise. The less you know going into this one, the more shocked you might be by the end.

Breeder has an uncanny ability to keep you locked in, even as things seem to be moving slowly. There’s a deliberate pace to the story, which is as much a very dark comedy and a thriller as it is a horror effort. The mix works, since it keeps you on your toes, never quite sure what might be about to happen. Most of the time, what goes down isn’t what you’d expect, and even if it is, it’s largely well executed.

Brilliant but financially strapped college student Russell (Daniel Doheny) is working on a solution to save the endangered bee population from certain extinction. He has a plan that would be a game changer, too, but there’s a catch: he doesn’t have the PhD needed to properly secure funding for the project. His dedication is close to the point of obsession, which his fiancé Haley (Tanaya Beatty) does support, though her family’s concerns about his ability to provide is wearing on her. Then, a potential lifeline shows up in an unusual financial offer.

A wealthy poodle breeder named Patti (Dot-Marie Jones) reaches out with interest in funding Russell’s research. Tempted by the offer, Russell visits Patti at her off the grid ranch to see if things are too good to be true. The money appears to be legitimate, though there are several odd moments that have him considering running for the door. However, it soon becomes apparent that the cash is his to take, with one notable string, as Patti doesn’t just breed dogs. Russell will have his project fully financed if he breeds with Patti’s daughter Ainsley (Maddie Phillips). From there, the rest is best left discovered.

The performance from Dot-Marie Jones is certainly one of the genre’s most compelling this year, easily leading the way in this film. Jones is as creepy and unsettling as she is often funny. It’s the sort of singular performance that catches you completely off-guard. It’s crucial, too, as Daniel Doheny is fine, yet operating in far less captivating airspace. Their interactions are often mini duels, with lots of laughs, though also a sense of dread. Tanaya Beatty and Maddie Phillips have less to do, but are also solid enough. Some of the supporting cast here includes Charlotte Kavanagh, Paige McGarvin, Isla Spencer, and more, but Jones is the star.

Filmmaker Alex Goyette‘s feature debut is surprisingly assured. Breeder runs a little long at 97 minutes, given the light plot, and the initial scene suggests something different than we ultimately get, but the twists and turns are handled very well. The mixing of genres and sense that anything could happen is genuinely well done. Whatever Goyette opts to do next, especially if Jones is involved, will have me paying attention. There’s a moodiness here that’s compelling to witness, whether it turns things towards comedy, horror, or thriller, sometimes in the same scene.

Breeder has some missteps, and arguably goes on a bit too long, but it’s an accomplished work by Goyette, making for an excellent calling card, while Jones is a hell of a movie villain. If you like your horror a little different than expected, this is a very solid film and is coming out at absolutely the perfect time.

SCORE: ★★★