This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the work being covered here wouldn’t exist.
Natty Knocks sees three genre icons come together in a horror movie set around Halloween. Britt (Charlotte Fountain-Jardim) is a babysitter who is watching over a family she truly cares for. A series of circumstances involving a local legend has the group soon in a fight for their lives.
The cold open hints at a supernatural story, but there is more going on. Natty (Joey Bothwell) was accused of being a witch more for being popular among the men of the town than for any powers she had. This did not stop her from meeting a fiery death and leaving a deadly legacy.
Natty Knocks owes a heavy debt to the slashers of the 1980s. Robert Englund, Danielle Harris, and Bill Moseley are the names that will attract the most attention. Mosely is his usual creepy excellent self, while Englund plays completely against the Freddy Kreuger role he is most known for. Harris fans will enjoy her role as the protective mother who is strong-willed and protective.
But it is the younger members of the cast that drive the plot. Much like many scary movies of the 80s, it is the kids who get into trouble and learn all of the dark secrets. Everyone is great in their roles with Fountain-Jardim standing out in her feature debut. Britt’s role is Horror 101, but Fountain-Jardin makes sure the character has a take-charge attitude while still having the vulnerability needed for the part. Channah Zeitung also shines as Jolie, the younger sister who constantly finds herself in over her head.
Writer Benjamin Olson and director Dwight Little (Halloween 4) have crafted a story that can feel derivative at times, but is never stale. Natty Knocks is constantly moving forward as it morphs into more of a mystery. The ending does feel a little confused as things suddenly switch to a more traditional horror, but it is an overall good time.
Natty Knocks is available to stream
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