Buddy, a horror-comedy film directed by Casper Kelly, arrives in theaters on August 28, according to Roadside Attractions. The movie features a titular orange unicorn who hosts a children’s television show, though the plot shifts toward terror when a child refuses to participate in the program’s activities.
Cast and Production of Buddy
The film features an ensemble cast including Keegan-Michael Key, who provides the voice for the character of Buddy. Other credited actors include Cristin Milioti, Topher Grace, Delaney Quinn, Patton Oswalt, and Michael Shannon.
Casper Kelly directed the project from a script he co-wrote with Jamie King. Kelly previously gained recognition for the 2014 viral horror short Too Many Cooks, which aired on Adult Swim. The production team includes producers Tyler Davidson, Drew Sykes, Raphael Margules, J.D. Lifshitz, and Tracy Rosenblum. Executive production credits are shared among Kelly, King, Kevin Flanigan, Dexter Braff, Roberto Linck, Nathan McAuley, Emilio Schenker, Gideon Tadmor, Adam J. Wilde, Geoff Yaw, and Ryan J. Kelly.
Plot and Creative Direction
The story centers on the set of a classic children’s show titled It’s Buddy! While the program appears perfect on the surface, the atmosphere turns dark when the titular unicorn’s mood shifts. The teaser trailer highlights this contrast by splicing scenes of Buddy dancing with children against moments of horror.
The film premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival before its scheduled August theatrical release via Roadside Attractions.
Critical Reception
Writing for The Hollywood Reporter, chief film critic David Rooney described the movie as a sketch-comedy idea expanded to feature length. Rooney noted that while the film increases the gore and “demented detours,” it doesn’t reach the level of extremity or disturbance it aims for. However, Rooney identified the “inspired voice work” of Keegan-Michael Key as the film’s strongest element.
Quick Facts: Buddy (2025)
- Release Date: August 28
- Distributor: Roadside Attractions
- Director: Casper Kelly
- Lead Voice Actor: Keegan-Michael Key
- Genre: Horror-Comedy
- Premiere: Sundance Film Festival