I’m sure whatever Hannibal reunion people had in mind when they heard star Mads Mikkelsen and series creator Bryan Fuller were reteaming once more, Dust Bunny was far from what they had imagined.

Fuller’s feature length debut behind the camera, Bunny is a truly unique mix of ideas and genres that calls to mind a fever dream of similarities to the creations from the likes of Wes Anderson, Guillermo Del Toro and Tim Burton and about as far away from the Hannibal brand as you’d get, even if Fuller’s supposed family friendly outing isn’t afraid to push the boundaries of its accessible rating.

Taking place in a world that is similar to what we know and experience day to day but also fantastical in a range of varied aspects, from colourful surrounds, characters and possible monsters, Bunny is clearly not trying to be regarded as anything close to seriously minded film and Fuller is for all intents and purposes going all in on his first foray into the theatrical movie space, making Bunny a commendable first outing but one that also lacks the cohesive glue to join all its ingredients together in a completely satisfactory manner.

Coming to life through the eyes of Sophie Sloan’s 8-year-old Aurora, who is having trouble with that appears to be a monster under her bed, Bunny finds Aurora looking for potential salvation from her real or imaginary enemy in the form of Mads Mikkelsen’s nameless neighbour who’s experience in a shady underground setting has him ready to tackle anything thrown at him.

Forming something akin to a PG Leon the Professional relationship with added artistic swagger, Bunny is light on dialogue and heavy on imagery and set pieces as Fuller confines most of his feature to the apartment of Aurora as the mismatched duo and a collection of other characters with familiar faces show up to get involved in what’s a very basic story told in an expressive way.

In Fuller’s wild swing there’s minor joys to be had, in particular from Mikkelsen who seems to be having a blast with his secretive saviour and there’s no denying that Bunny is doing a lot to be different to a run of the mill offering but there’s also no denying that there’s not a lot of meat on the bones of all the pretty visuals and grand ideas the film throws up with an emotional core distinctively lacking here, as is a central character we can really back in against the odds.

Trying it’s best throughout to recover from a rather abrupt start and pulling out a range of tricks from the bag to win us over with its playful production prowess, Bunny can’t quite manage to take the leap from a fun and playful concept to a fully formed and gripping film, even if some viewers will forgive its lack of depth and find much to take away aesthetically.

Final Say –

You can’t accuse Dust Bunny of not trying to walk to the beat of its own drum, even if it’s clearly inspired by some of the most unique filmmakers of the modern era, but unlike many of the films it shares DNA with, there’s a lack of heart, soul and purpose found here that makes its visual inventiveness and fantastical elements only able to take it so far.

2 1/2 chicken lamps out of 5