Movie Reviews

‘Midnight Peepshow’ review: Valentine’s Day horror is an entertaining tease

February 14, 2024

Midnight Peepshow combines a number of fan favorite sub-genres. It is holiday-themed (it takes places on Valentine’s Day), is an anthology, and deals with the dark web. On top of all that, its cast includes Zach Galligan of Gremlins fame. The plot is about a peepshow that provides its clients experiences that are built around their deepest fears, desires, and sins. A businessman witnesses three stories that are all connected to him and will lead to someone having to pay a horrible price.

There are certain things to be expected of any anthology. The wraparound tends to be the weakest part while the actual segments do the heavy lifting. Some will be better than others, but it is the individual stories that are the highlight. Midnight Peepshow is different in that a strong argument can be made that the overarching story is the best part of the movie.

This is not necessarily a good thing, however. The larger tale is supposed to just be there to prepare audiences for the smaller parts. It gives time for a breather, hammers home any themes, can add some small laughs or scares and sometimes provides a brief introduction; but it should not stand out.

Which is not to say that Midnight Peepshow lacks in good moments. ‘Personal Space’ is a story about an unhappy couple with a strong ending. The second story is a dark take on a popular game of hypotheticals. that everyone has played. Things close with some of the film’s creepiest visuals.

The main issue is the film never provides enough. There is the promise of sex, sin, and gore, and while Midnight Peepshow does deal in each of those subjects, it always seems to pull back before going too far. It is entertaining, but it is not the over the top watch that many will be expecting.