Bryan Fuller, creator of 'Pushing Daisies,' steps behind the camera for his first feature film, 'Dust Bunny,' a stylized action dramedy starring Mads Mikkelsen and Sophie Sloan. The story follows a young girl convinced a monster under her bed has taken her parents, enlisting her assassin neighbor to confront it. Reviewed online on December 9, 2025, the film blends morbid fantasy with gritty action in a visually ornate world.
Plot Overview
In 'Dust Bunny,' young Aurora (Sophie Sloan) lives independently in a dark, gritty unnamed city, terrified by what she believes is a monster under her bed that swallowed her parents. Unfazed by street rats, she witnesses her enigmatic neighbor (Mads Mikkelsen) dispatch a 'dragon' in a fireworks-lit action sequence, prompting her to hire him for the job. As their peculiar partnership unfolds, the neighbor's secret life as a hidden assassin emerges, shifting focus from the unseen creature to real human threats pursuing him.
Style and Performances
Fuller's direction draws comparisons to 'John Wick' infused with 'Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit' and Wes Anderson's aesthetics, creating a cohesive yet familiar blend of bizarre elements. The film maintains ambiguity about the monster's existence, exploring themes of adult dismissal of children's fears. Mikkelsen delivers a stoic, reluctant hero with grizzled nonchalance, while Sloan's deadpan restraint makes her a strong counterpart. Sigourney Weaver appears in a coldly playful role as the assassin's colleague, sharing confrontational scenes with Aurora. Supporting cast includes Sheila Atim and David Dastmalchian.
Production Details
Elegantly designed locations, like Aurora's home, feature intricate pastel details and vintage effects, complemented by costumes from Olivier Bériot and Catherine Leterrier. Cinematographer Nicole Hirsch Whitaker uses warm lighting for a nostalgic, dreamlike glow, contrasting violent sequences. The screenplay stays slight and dialogue-sparse initially, building a morbid bond through activities like body disposal, evoking 'Léon: The Professional' and 'Delicatessen' in a tamer vein. Music by Isabella Summers enhances the whimsical tone. Running 106 minutes, 'Dust Bunny' is a Roadside Attractions release from productions including Dust Bunny Prods. and Thunder Road Pictures, produced by Fuller, Basil Iwanyk, and Erica Lee.
