Control Freak: A Hulu Horror That Will Make You Fear the Itch
Control Freak: A Hulu Horror That Will Make You Fear the Itch
Hulu’s newest psychological horror film, Control Freak, offers a chilling yet darkly comedic dive into perfectionism, control, and the horrifying consequences of losing both. Starring Kelly Marie Tran in a captivating lead role, this movie transforms a simple nuisance—an itchy scalp—into an unsettling body horror experience that will make you hyper-aware of every little tingle on your skin.
Kelly Marie Tran takes on the role of Val, a motivational speaker known for her TED Talks, where she inspires thousands to take charge of their lives. On stage, she exudes confidence, but behind the scenes, Val struggles with internal battles she cannot seem to win. Beneath her poised exterior lies a woman plagued by compulsions and anxieties that refuse to be tamed.
When an unexplained itch starts tormenting her scalp, Val initially chalks it up to stress. But as the irritation worsens, her grip on reality begins to unravel. The more she scratches, the deeper her paranoia digs in. Could it just be psychological, or is something far more sinister at play? Her nightmare truly begins when she visits her homeland and unknowingly becomes the host of demonic, ant-like insects—tiny, relentless creatures burrowing under her skin with a persistence that rivals the most determined horror villains. As Val’s obsession with controlling her own body spirals, the line between self-discipline and self-destruction blurs, leading her down a harrowing path of paranoia and grotesque self-mutilation.
Control Freak:Official Trailer
Psychological Horror Meets Body HorrorWritten and directed by Shal Ngo, Control Freak seamlessly blends psychological torment with visceral body horror, creating a slow-burning dread that intensifies with each scene. It’s one thing to fear losing control over your life, but what happens when you lose control of your own body? The film critiques the toxic pressures of self-improvement culture, where the relentless pursuit of perfection often conceals deeper insecurities and fears. Through Val’s descent into madness, Control Freak delves into themes of anxiety, repression, and the horrifying consequences of trying too hard to fix what isn’t broken.
Tran delivers a gripping performance, balancing Val’s public charisma with her private unraveling. As her condition worsens, viewers are taken on a deeply unsettling journey filled with skin-crawling imagery that will have them resisting the urge to scratch their own skin.
Cast
Kelly Marie Tran as Val
Callie Johnson as Crystal
Miles Robbins as Robbie
Kieu Chinh as Aunt Thuy
Zack Gold as Mason
Scott Takeda as Dr. Chen
Toan Le as Sang
A Must-Watch for Horror Fans (and Anyone Who’s Ever Had Lice)Control Freak is a one-of-a-kind horror experience that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. With haunting cinematography, a deeply psychological core, and a standout performance from Kelly Marie Tran, it’s a must-see for fans of unsettling, cerebral horror. If you’ve ever dismissed an itchy scalp as nothing, this film will make you reconsider—or send you scrambling for anti-itch cream. For viewers outside the U.S., Control Freak will be available on Disney+ later in the year.
If you ever had fleas as a child, this could be a nostalgic nightmare—or a full-blown relapse into childhood trauma. Either way, prepare yourself for some serious phantom itching. So, what’s the worst itch you’ve ever experienced? Chickenpox? Mosquito bites? That time you convinced yourself your bed was infested? Control Freak might just top them all. And speaking of surviving horrors, Kelly Marie Tran has already faced one of the most relentless nightmares of all—Star Wars fans on the internet. If she made it through that, a few demonic insects should be a walk in the park.
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