A Forest of Many Faces
A forest can symbolise many different things. It can be seen as a magical place filled with extraordinary adventures and playfulness, or it can evoke feelings of fear and dread. It might be a setting where hungry wolves lurk and witches stalk their prey, or where children enter and never return. However, most importantly, a forest can also serve as a home where families are born and thrive. Through illustrations, we come to understand the tragedy that befalls a little deer named Bambi in this particular forest. The loss of his mother is just the first of many heartbreaking moments in his life. As Bambi grows, another tragic event shakes his family, filling him with anger, bitterness, and a desire for revenge. Eventually, Bambi discovers a mysterious green chemical that, upon contact, dramatically alters his physical appearance. This time, the forest itself and Bambi will fight back.
A Family Gathering Gone Wrong
After the film’s opening and narration, we are introduced to Xana (Roxanne McKee) and her son, Benji (Tom Mulheron). Benji’s father, Simon (Alex Cooke), was supposed to pick him up and take him to a family gathering in the woods. However, when Simon informs them that something else has come up, Xana decides to arrange for a driver and take Benji herself. Benji suspects that Xana and Simon may be headed for a divorce due to their ongoing conflicts.
Bambi Returns, And He’s Not Alone
While Xana and Benji are in a car on their way to the gathering, they are suddenly forced off the road by a massive deer, also known as Bambi. This leaves them stranded and injured, and they must continue on foot. Seeking help, Xana and Benji manage to reach the family home, where they are welcomed by their grandmother, Mary (Nicola Wright), and their other siblings, who have been waiting for Simon and Benji’s arrival. Although Xana and Benji can rest and recover, their relief is short-lived as the mysterious large deer resumes its hunt, attacking family members one by one. Interestingly, Mary appears to have an unusual connection to the deer, having created various drawings and paintings of this majestic animal. What could this connection mean? Now, the family unites in their efforts to survive the night and defeat the creature.
Welcome Back to the Poohniverse
For those who may not be aware, this film is the fourth instalment in the well-known “Poohniverse.” The previous films include Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey parts 1 and 2, as well as Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare. Directed by Dan Allen, who is known for his work on other horror films such as Unhinged (2017), It Came from Below (2021), The Mime (2018), and Mummy Reborn (2019), this latest film takes a unique twist on the classic Disney story of Bambi, originally released in 1942.
A Bloody and Mutated Take on a Classic
If you’re familiar with the animated film, you know that Bambi is a tragic tale that explores themes of loss and grief. Bambi: The Reckoning takes this story and amplifies it significantly, particularly in the horror aspects. Bambi: The Reckoning has a strong concept and an intriguing premise. Who wouldn’t want to see Bambi seek revenge on those who have wronged him, especially in such a violent and angry way? Alongside the revenge theme, Bambi undergoes mutation due to an unknown chemical, which I found interesting as it makes him stronger and larger.
Deer or Dinosaur?
However, the portrayal of Bambi in the film is a bit inconsistent. At times, he is depicted as a genuinely scary and creepy killer, particularly in close-up shots of his face and teeth. But there are other moments when it’s clear that we are watching a character that has been animated and inserted into real footage. One specific scene in which Bambi breaks down a door illustrates this, as both Bambi and the door appear to be created using CGI. Additionally, Bambi’s size appears to fluctuate throughout the movie, which I found somewhat confusing.
The character of Bambi, along with the overall tone of the film, reminded me strongly of the Jurassic Park films. Several scenes also appear to be inspired by Jurassic Park, or perhaps the film intends to mock it; either way, it was something I couldn’t overlook. Bambi emits a massive roar, reminiscent of a dinosaur, and often attacks with raptor-like agility. The atmosphere and sounds of the dark woods add a nice, creepy touch, creating an eerily immersive experience; however, several ongoing issues are distracting, such as the sudden appearance and disappearance of heavy fog. I also found the rabbits in the film to be very likable, but for the sake of spoilers, I won’t elaborate further on that topic. The kills in the film are gruesome and bloody; however, they often come across as ridiculous, with some deaths occurring accidentally due to characters’ foolish actions in dangerous situations.
Wooden Acting and Plot Holes
As a story, the plot is somewhat vague, and various elements remain unresolved or unexplained. For instance, we never fully understand Mary’s strange supernatural connection to Bambi. Our main characters frequently display a lack of emotion, whether they are injured, involved in a car crash, or witnessing a body being dismembered, their expressions are often as blank as a brick wall. They commonly stare just like a “deer in the headlights” (pun intended).
A Missing Link in the Poohniverse
Xana and Benji’s relationship is another challenging aspect to accept. The film frequently shows Benji ignoring his mother, which always leads to terrible consequences. Additionally, given that this is the fourth entry in the Poohiverse, this film has no connection to the previous instalments. There are no references, no returning characters, and I also didn’t notice any Easter eggs or Disney-like references. This was a missed opportunity as there was nothing to connect this film to any other in the franchise. Bambi: The Reckoning could stand on its own as a film, but it doesn’t feel like a new instalment in an established series.
Final Thoughts: Forest Frights and Missed Potential
Bambi: The Reckoning (2025) is Now Available exclusively at Hoyts Cinemas in Australia!
Published: 24th June 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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