Episode 334: 'The School Duel' (2025)/ 'Animale' (2025)

There is a lot of news surrounding the real Annabelle doll in recent weeks. We weigh in on what we feel is true, what is fake, and what lies in between. You may be surprised to hear what we think about the supposedly cursed doll. We also talk about being attractive in the 1980s and the latest comedic reboot of a serious property.

We thought The School Duel would be a much rougher watch. It does deal with school shootings and the depiction of a bullied teenager will affect some audiences, but it did not have the out and out carnage we were worried about. Instead, it is a well told character study that sucks the audience in.

So, why didn’t we care that much for it? The last third of the film feels like it is spinning its wheels. The part that should be the most exciting feels tacked on and pointless. It gets a little too much like a video game. And the ending undermines all the good the earlier parts of The School Duel had carefully built.

Animale is a confusing French horror movie. The storytelling is straightforward and there is a lot of good here. It is atmospheric, dark, and has one of the most unique settings we have ever seen. The plot is very engaging and the writing does an excellent job of providing character depth.

The final moments feature some amazing imagery that will stay with anyone who sees it. It is disturbing and will make anyone who sees feel something. The delicate subject matter is treated with sensitivity and ties everything together. It is what happens after that left us unsure how to feel.

Adventures in Movies! is a part of the Morbidly Beautiful Podcast Network. Morbidly Beautiful is your one stop shop for all your horror needs. From the latest news and reviews to interviews and old favorites, it can be found at Morbidly Beautiful.

Adventures in Movies! is hosted by Nathaniel and Blake. You can find Nathaniel on Instagram at nathaninpoortaste. Blake can be found on Twitter @foureyedhorror and on Instagram at foureyedhorror. You can reach us personally or on Twitter @AdventuresinMo1.

Music in the background from https://www.FesliyanStudios.com