Puppet Master

Four gifted psychics are drawn together by a cryptic summons from a former colleague who vanished years ago. They converge at a remote, deserted hotel, hoping the reunion will reveal clues about their unusual gifts. The atmosphere tightens as storm winds rattle the windows and uneasy whispers bounce off the walls. Soon the group senses they are not alone and a silent menace moves through the hallways. What starts as a tense reunion quickly spirals into a survival ordeal as a cadre of puppet figures comes to life with a merciless intent. The psychics must rely on their abilities to discern reality from illusion and stay one step ahead of the deadly wooden killers that stalk them through the night.

Directed by David Schmoeller, Puppet Master grew from an original concept by Charles Band with Kenneth J Hall and J S Cardone. It arrived in 1989 as a flagship Full Moon feature and helped establish Band’s indie horror footprint, attracting fans of practical effects.

Box office: the film had a modest theatrical run and later found a larger audience on home video, but precise worldwide grosses aren’t widely documented. The movie’s enduring popularity owes more to its fan base and late night viewings than blockbuster numbers.

Cultural impact: Puppet Master became a cult touchstone for late 80s horror, famed for its hands on practical puppetry and the recurring killer dolls. It sparked a long running series, occasional merchandise, and a devoted fan base that celebrates DIY creature effects, practical makeup, and the quirky charm of Full Moon cinema.

Reception has been mixed, with critics noting the film’s inventive effects and eerie mood alongside budget constraints. Some praise Schmoeller’s tense pacing and the unsettling atmosphere that makes even the smallest room feel dangerous. Thematically, the film probes control and manipulation, the blurred line between puppeteer and puppet, and the peril of elevating a creator's vision into a weapon.