Overview
- Premiering in Park City’s Midnight program, Buddy is now courting U.S. buyers following its Sundance screenings.
- The horror-comedy centers on children trapped in a 1990s-style TV show where the cheery mascot turns violent when challenged.
- Keegan-Michael Key voices Buddy, with Cristin Milioti, Delaney Quinn, Topher Grace, Michael Shannon and Patton Oswalt among the cast.
- Reviewers highlight tactile production design and practical effects, including multiple mascot suits performed on set by Sergey Zhuravsky with puppeteers.
- Early notices praise the concept, world-building and child performances, while many cite slack pacing and a less effective real-world subplot in the 95-minute film.