'Mimics' Review
- Cassandra Hager
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Release Date: 02/13/26 [Cinemas]
Genre: Comedy. Horror. Romance.
MPAA: Rated R.
Distributor: Panoramic Pictures.
The Verdict: A Maybe
Millennial fans of Nickelodeon’s Are You Afraid of the Dark will eat up Mimics, with its creepy dummy and underlying wholesome message somewhat reminiscent of the ‘90s kid show. In fact, Mimics is an apt name for the film which appears to be inspired by many movies before it – think Joker with a dash of Late Night Night With The Devil. A rags-to-riches Hollywood tale, it asks how much you’d be willing to pay to make your dreams come true. And in the end, would it be worth it?
For the most part, Mimics is surprisingly watchable. Kristoffer Polaha in his starring role gives an earnest performance as struggling impressionist Sam, who while slumming it at his day job is dreaming of a better life. Each night he sits on his sofa with his beloved grandpa (Stephen Tobolowsky) and tunes into his favorite late-night talk show. Hosted by Jack Conrad (Chris Parnell), being a guest is the highest achievement one can have as an entertainer. Sam imagines one day appearing on the show, though the lackluster response from audiences to his performances make it clear that probably won’t be happening.
Sam’s luck seems to change when a mysterious man makes him an offer he simply cannot refuse. After quite literally signs his life away, Sam introduces a mysterious ventriloquist dummy into his act that seems to have a mind of its own. It’s a silly premise that at times feels absurd. But for a b-movie about a scary doll, the acting is pretty good and I found myself strangely endeared to Sam’s story.
The film definitely peaks in its second act, specifically when Sam finally achieves his dream of appearing on “The Latest Show” – where an awkward interaction with Jack Conrad leads to a stern warning from Parnell’s character. I think my main gripe with the film is it just doesn’t have enough Chris Parnell. Unfortunately the movie does fall apart a bit in the third act, dipping into occult-territory and then losing some steam. But Mimics has enough entertaining and creepy moments to make it not a total fail.
