Metecan Duren’s “Pretty” is an ambitious debut for a 19-year-old filmmaker with genuine visual talent, even if the screenplay and pacing keep the horror film from reaching its full potential.
The horror genre has seen a bit of a resurgence in 2026 with successful films like “Obsession” and “Backrooms.” Moviegoers seem eager for original horror, judging by the strong box-office performances of both films.
I have to admit, horror is not my favorite genre. "Pretty won't be for every viewer, but I can see horror film fans salivating for Duren's movie.
Amid a surprisingly strong year for independent horror, "Pretty" arrives with genuine ambition but ultimately struggles to sustain its ideas.
Sometimes less can be more in independent filmmaking. I think here, "Pretty's" longer runtime may have taken the tension it created away. Some shots linger too long, while others feature too much exposition or clunky dialogue.
Here, I think Duren, the writer and actor, let down Duren the director. The Turkish teen also scored the film. It was truly a one-man production. That is admirable and a daunting task for a young artist.
Duren clearly understands composition in his film. He frames his actors well, creating several striking images. A tighter runtime would have kept our attention as the story plods through some of the scenes.
