Natty Knocks is a 2023 American horror film about a babysitter and the kids she is looking after fending off a serial killer.
Directed by Dwight H. Little (Anacondas: The Hunt for the Blood Orchid; Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers; Phantom of the Opera (1989), Freddy’s Nightmares TV episode) from a screenplay written by Benjamin Olson. Produced by Danielle Harris, Sandy Little, Benjamin Olson and Jason James Richter. Executive produced by Vineesha Arora-Sarin and Amit Sarin.
The Knock Knock Films production stars Robert Englund, Bill Moseley, Danielle Harris, Charlotte Fountain-Jardim, Thomas Robie (Insidious: The Last Key), Noen Perez and Jason James Richter.
Plot:
On the eve of Halloween a small-town babysitter and the kids she is looking after struggle to survive a serial killer named Abner Honeywell (Bill Moseley)…
Reviews:
“The actors are appealing, as well, giving dedicated performances across the board. Seeing Englund, Moseley, and Harris together is fun for horror buffs. Natty Knocks simply lacks thrills and originality. With those three teaming up, you reasonably expect more terror than the movie delivers.” 2 out of 4, The Aisle Seat
” …Natty Knocks struggles to find its identity. It attempts to blend elements of a ghost story, slasher film, and teen horror movie, but it needs to excel in these categories. A more substantial commitment to one specific genre or a more campy approach to complement the film’s youthful protagonists may have resulted in a more cohesive and enjoyable experience. While it’s not a terrible film, it also falls short of being considered good.” All Horror
“Natty Knocks has a lot of good twists and turns, with numerous characters having more to them than we see at first glance. There’s a fair amount of detective work, scares, peril, and general intrigue to keep us invested, along with enough blood to make this inarguably a horror movie. Director Little maintains a pleasingly creepy pre-Halloween look.” Grade: B, Assignment X
“It’s part ghost story, part slasher, and part teen horror movie… but doesn’t fit any of those very well. Perhaps a commitment to a harder slasher or, if they didn’t want to go in that direction, a more campy feel to compliment the kids who are front and center for most of the film, might have worked better. It’s not terrible, but not exactly good either…” Cryptic Rock
” …in attempting to do too many things at once, Natty Knocks needlessly overcomplicates what should have been simple and fun. With a focus solely on Honeywell, Natty Knocks could transform into a Black Phone-esque chiller; the witchy Natty stalking and killing folks by way of her ghostly, traumatized presence would be another in a long line of hauntings.” 2.5 out of 5, Josh at the Movies
“The film started off really strong, but then things died down a little bit while we waited for the kids to stumble upon everything. At times, it felt a little filler, but we eventually got back on track and I thought that the film finished strong so this wasn’t a major con.” TV Fanatic Girl
“Natty Knocks could have used more supernatural elements throughout the story to make the end feel more earned. With Britt further possessed by the end, the movie takes an interesting turn, but it feels like we’re watching the start of a different movie.” Wherever I Look
YouTube reviews:
Trailer:
Release:
In the US, Natty Knocks was released day and date by Vertical on July 21, 2023. The movie is available to rent or buy via Amazon Prime
Vertical SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi said in a statement, “Natty Knocks immediately intrigued us given its collaboration of prolific horror icons who defined the genre for decades. The film is a testament to Dwight’s experience as a filmmaker, and we’re pleased that we were able to come on board for the project.”
“We couldn’t be happier that our indie thriller Natty Knocks has found a perfect home with Vertical,” the producers added. “Vertical is doing great things with independent distribution and we can’t wait for audiences to see the entertaining movie our talented cast and director have delivered.”
Technical specs:
1 hour 46 minutes
