Review published 11th January 2026

Watch the official trailer.

A Terrifying Encounter in the Bush

It’s a great evening for the three campers who are sharing some drinks around a campfire. That is, until one of them walks into the nearby bush to go to the toilet. While urinating, the man looks up and sees something strange and unexplainable- a koala with glowing red eyes in the tree above him. The man’s head is ripped off, and his body is left hanging upside down.

Tourists Face Danger in the Aussie Outback

Five years later, we follow a group of four young tourists travelling through the great Aussie outback. The group includes Ollie (Connor Pullinger), Emily (Jessica Burgess), Liam (Adam Ovadia), and Jessica (Caymond Hodge). The group decide to take a tour run by a bloke named Stevo Ewin, who proudly wears a Crocodile Dundee hat.

Pranks Turn Deadly as the Legendary Killer Strikes

During the tour, Stevo (Lucas Andrews) and his co-worker Bazza (Kieran Thomas McNamara) warn the group to watch out for Dropbears. At first, the group laughs it off, and when they arrive at their next destination, they prepare for the evening, setting up camp and getting a fire going. However, Stevo and Bazza have plans of their own to scare the group and make them believe that Dropbears exist. But while their prank is underway, the group discover that a real Dropbear is lurking nearby. Now, they must come together to face the ultimate Australian killer before they are all brutally slaughtered one by one by the blood thirsty Dropbears.

John deCaux Brings Australia’s Legendary Folklore to Life

Directed by John deCaux, whose past work as a director includes the title Loxton Basketball: 70 Years, released in 2021. For those not aware, the term ‘Dropbear’ is a longstanding piece of Australian folklore, created initially as a practical joke, and it remains a running gag often mentioned by many Australians today. Research also suggests that the idea of the Dropbear may have been invented by bushmen, soldiers, or possibly tour guides who take joy in scaring newcomers to Australia. Naturally, stories about dropbears were always full of plenty of exaggeration, and the jokes and gags surrounding this wild “monster” continue to live on in this tradition even today.

A Playful and Outrageous Take on Aussie Folklore

I love the idea of a killer Dropbear on film, and I’m grateful that someone has finally given this concept a proper go. Given that it’s based on an old folklore gag, the potential to create such a creature is enormous. After all, folklore like this allows the filmmaker a playful approach to imagining what the monster might look like if it were real. The idea of dropbears is ridiculous and outrageous, and the same goes for the entire film. Nothing should be taken too seriously here, including the killer threat, the characters, and the journey on-screen.

Overlong Jokes and Cartoonish Horror Undermine the Threat

The jokes here are, sadly, either over-the-top or tedious. With all the over-the-top on-screen banter, drama, and deep or random chatter, I couldn’t help wondering after thirty minutes where on earth the Dropbear was and when the body count would start to rise. When the Dropbear finally appeared, both the monster and the kills looked more cartoonish, and the CGI feels passable at best, lacking real scares or any sense of realism. Even the colour of the blood splatter felt animated rather than gory or violent.

Rising Threats and a Standout Character Amid Flawed Execution

As the film progresses, the threat grows larger, which is pleasing. This includes the introduction of Koala King (Yoz Mensch), initially rumoured to weigh over 300 kg. Much like Jaws, if viewers are patient, his presence becomes a highlight of the film, including an Ash Vs Evil Dead-like showdown. Sadly, the music score feels simple, cheap, and often repetitive, fitting more for a television audience aimed at younger viewers. At best, Kieran Thomas McNamara, as Bazza, was the most likable character on-screen, bringing energy, random one-liners, foul language, and an unhinged personality, qualities bound to resonate with audiences. The rest of the characters, however, are unlikeable and forgettable.

A Fun Concept Hampered by Weak Characters and Underwhelming Execution

Overall, I absolutely support this film and its premise as a horror movie, as the scope of what could be done is vast, and I’m grateful that someone has taken on the challenge of interpreting the Australian folklore tale of the Dropbear. Sadly, though, this isn’t the epic feature I had hoped for.  While there are some Australian gags, references, and a clever play on the famous Dropbear rumour, the characters, except for Bazza, played by Kieran Thomas McNamara (who I’m sure many viewers will enjoy), are forgettable and unlikable. The musical score isn’t much better, and the CGI, while perhaps intended to add humour, didn’t work for me, lacking both hype and fun. King Koala’s reveal is entertaining, given his grand entrance, but as the film progressed, I couldn’t help thinking this could have been far greater, especially given the premise and the horror potential alone. All hype, very little horror, and minimal entertainment.

Dropbear (2025) is Coming Soon to Australia!

About the Reviewer

Peter Walkden

Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.

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