'The Fox' Review
- Connor Petrey
- Mar 16
- 2 min read
Release Date: --/--/-- [TBA]
Genre: Comedy. Fantasy.
MPAA: Not Rated.
Distributor: TBA.
Seen for SXSW 2026.
The Verdict: A Must-See
The Fox is a wild experience that's unlike anything you’ve ever seen before; a wholly original story about a man that’s struggling to keep his partner content and ultimately gets the idea to shove her in a deep hole from a literal fox. Yes, the animal… a talking fox played by Olivia Colman. Jai Courtney (Dangerous Animals) plays the man in question and his partner - Emily Browning (One More Shot, A Series of Unfortunate Events).
It’s a ridiculous dark comedy loaded with insane puppetry, nudity and off-the-wall humor that was inspired by Japanese and Korean folklore mixed with Russian tales, this is a blend that is purely original in its execution and that’s thanks to the mind of writer/director Dario Russo. It makes you question whether there is a moral to the tale being told or if it’s far too complex (or insane) to figure out.
Emily Browning and Jai Courtney’s Nick and Cori are as dysfunctional a couple as they come, set on different mental paths but locked in an unfortunate engagement. With one of the pair cheating and not wanting to stick around, the advice of fox drives them down a physical (not metaphorical) hole. This is a world where talking animals doesn't seem like much of a big deal and a Sam Neill (Jurassic Park) voiced Magpie openly blackmails people for fresh chicken from the shop.
When following a fox’s life advice turns south and Nick’s life begins to spiral rapidly… there’s really no knowing if he’ll manage to get it back to his ideal life. Supported by two tremendous “friend” performances that assist in the chaos to a severe degree are Damon Herriman’s Derek and Claudia Doumit’s Diana; a couple that rivals Nick and Cori’s dysfunctionality. The entirety of the cast is made for this film, but Emily Browning in full "fox" mode is the true standout.
It’s an incredible feat to tackle something this absurd and make it into something so profound and funny all in one atypical package. While it certainly won’t be for everyone, those that find it will undoubtedly have a fantastic time with the material and it’s safe to say this will go down as a cult sensation.
Where to Watch:
