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Stressed In Show

Just in time for Halloween, one last movie enters the marketplace before Spooky Season 2026 wraps up. Writer-director Alex Goyette's "Breeder," which had its premiere at this year's Tribeca Film Festival, is flying a bit under the radar but is worth seeking out for those looking for one last thrill at the movies during October.

Russell (Daniel Doheny) is a college student who has dedicated his studies to researching bees. He's passionate about his work and has a project that could save a bee population, but he doesn't have the right credentials that would make anyone comfortable about helping him with funding. He's engaged to Haley (Tanaya Beatty), who remains supportive of his work, even though she knows it's hindering them moving forward with their lives together.

At a bit of a loss of what his next steps should be, Russell is surprised with a unique offer that might answer his financial woes. Patti (Dot Marie-Jones) is a decorated poodle breeder, who reaches out to Russell with an offer to fund the remainder of his project. All she asks is that he comes to her secluded ranch and have dinner with her and her daughters, so she can get to know more about him and his project.

Haley is skeptical of the offer and it's obvious Russell is as well, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Russell heads off to meet Patti and immediately the entire atmosphere feels off. Patti runs a strict household, and no one should be fooled by her love of her dogs and the pink fanny pack she wears labeled "Treats." She means business.

Of course, things become much darker and more sinister as Russell spends more time with Patti and her daughters. The framework of "Breeder" is familiar - a character is lured into a compromised position and must fight for survival - but Goyette has found a different approach to the tried-and-true formula seen in horror-thrillers that came before "Breeder." He mixes thrills and unsettling moments with dark humor and balances them effectively without the tones ever crashing up against each other.

But, the star of the show here is Jones, who brings a terrifying Annie Wilkes-like energy to her performance as Patti. She has a clear mission in mind, refuses any deviation from what she wants, and will make sure Russell doesn't even think about going against the stipulations she put in place for him to receive the funding from her. Her towering presence is captured by Goyette at just the right angle to show that Patti is always looking over what is going on in her home.

From a writing and editing perspective ("Breeder" was also edited by Goyette), the final stretch of the 98-minute film can feel a bit rushed in an effort to end the movie, but it doesn't always take away from the intensity of what came before it. Movies have trapped many characters in big, foreboding houses, but Goyette truly puts an original spin on it. "Breeder" is a strong way to end the Halloween season at the movies.