Hot on the heels of Mycho's Cleaver 3: Maximum Cleavage comes yet another movie from the independent horror cinematic universe
Following on from the spooky goings on of 2019’s Bannister Doll House, this movie carries on the haunting tale of the demonic dolls.
Taking inspiration from classic heist movies AND old-school ghost stories, microbudget maestro MJ Dixon once again sets out to show he can do something new.
The House has yet to find a Mychoverse movie that disappoints - is the streak about to be broken?
Read on...
BANNISTER DOLL HEIST (2026)
Dir: MJ Dixon
Stars: ANGELIQUE TAYLOR, JACK GLANVILLE, PETRINA RICHARDSON, PHILIP ROGERS, CHRIS MORLEY, WILLIAM MARSHALL, JON-PAUL GATES, SEAN ABBOTT, TIANA ROGERS, AUDREY PERKINS
Opening with a daring raid on a police evidence locker, Bannister Doll Heist shows us a bunch of don on their luck career criminals looking for one big pay day. Sadly, things do not go to plan for Rey (Taylor), Frank (Philip Rogers), Judith (Richardson), and Davis (Glanville), and several police officers lose their lives.
Fleeing with their loot, the gang meet up with their corrupt inside man Officer Lawford (Marshall) at an old warehouse, praying their buyer will be able to give them a suitable payoff to escape the heat coming down on them.
However, they don't realise they are not the most dangerous thing in their hideout...
THE BEST BITS (mild spoiler warning): While Bannister Doll Heist is releasing very close to Cleaver 3: Maximum Carnage, the movies could not be further aprt in terms of tone and pacing.
The film is smaller, quieter, and significantly scarier than its counterpart. Taking the creepy and unsettling tone of its predecessor, this is a fantastically creepy little picture.
Feeling like a unique blend of Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and The Conjuring, the movie combines fun, memorable characters and chilling set-pieces.
The highlights come from the fantastic Taylor, who imbues Rey with a subtle vulnerability and toughness that ensure you'll be rooting for her throughout. She's very much the heart of the movie so her nailing the part is vital - thankfully, she does.
Philip Rogers also impresses as the volatile tough guy Frank. He oozes menace and even brings some subtle humour to the part. Great stuff!
I raved about Marshall's increased role in Cleaver 3, and I was delighted to see him play another larger part in Bannister Doll Heist. He brings enough sleazy energy to the character to ensure you can't wait for him to get his comeuppance.
Morley also brings some nice gravitas to his character - one of the few survivors of the shocking events of Bannister Doll House (AKA The Haunting of Molly Bannister) his character ties everything together and acts as the catalyst for the events of the movie.
I always want to single out the incredible Perkins who brings the story's villainous entity to life in a very unnerving way.
Of all of Mycho's movies, I'd argue this has some of their scariest scenes. A cool combination of Perkins's terrifying performance, simple but effective special effects work, and fantastic sound design make the puppet-like demon true nightmare fuel.
Perhaps that is the movie's biggest strength - it is simple and focused on story and scares. It absolutely delivers both.
THE WORST BITS (mild spoiler warning): There is very little to find fault with in Bannister Doll Heist. It's a lean, mean, spooky thriller that never overreaches. Sure, some knowledge of what has come before is necessary, but I imagine many viewers will quickly be able to piece together the necessary information to keep up with events.
It's also lower budget than your typical Blumhouse blockbuster. It has a rough indie charm to it, but honestly, I feel that better suits the movie's tone anyway.
THE VERDICT: Let's get straight to the point - I loved Bannister Doll Heist.
The writing was on-point, the characters compelling, and the scares visceral. This is a shining example of British indie filmmaking, and I thoroughly recommend it.
You can read more about the movie at the Bannister series' official Facebook page. Or better yet, hit up the Mycho Patreon and help them create more quality indie horror.
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Until next time, I hope you enjoyed your stay.
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