Today’s youth is increasingly glued to their smartphones, and the campy black comedy The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro explores the true consequences of this modern distraction. The film follows a group of high school students who, absorbed in their tech devices during Latin American History class, miss the deeper meaning of their teacher’s lesson on Dom Pedro, Brazil’s true liberator. As their careless behavior spirals into unforeseen consequences, Jayden (Rachel O’Day) and Kayden (Madeline Sclichter) embark on an adventure to uncover the mystery surrounding their friends’ strange experiences. Along the way, they delve into the legend of Prince Dom Pedro to discover whether the myth is grounded in truth.
Writer Joe Fishel, along with director and cinematographer Don Swanson, deliver a fun, unique take on comedic horror tropes. By incorporating trailers for other fictional films, they tease the audience with multiple storylines, adding layers to the experience. The script is packed with witty dialogue and clever banter between the teens, capturing realistic, age-appropriate interactions that feel true to life. The characters embrace their love for games and technology, often hanging out at a local analog gaming club called Your Parent’s Basement, which adds to the film’s authentic vibe.
O’Day and Sclichter command much of the screen time, delivering their lines with playful charm and a natural chemistry that keeps the energy high. While the story occasionally veers into camp, both young actresses bring a sense of fun and enthusiasm to their roles. Audiences are invited to join them on a lighthearted, yet mysterious journey as they investigate the supposed curse of Dom Pedro, encountering peculiar and eccentric characters along the way. Their performances strike a delicate balance between comedic satire and supernatural horror—a challenging feat, especially for young actors. A strong sense of self-awareness underpins their work, with expressive reactions and quirky, whimsical, and ironically delivered dialogue that resonates with audiences. The duo shines particularly in the film’s second half, where their dynamic presence dominates the screen and drives the story forward.
Swanson’s somber yet comedic direction evokes a nostalgic feeling, paying homage to iconic teen thrillers like Scream, Final Destination and I Know What You Did Last Summer. However, the film falls short in some key areas: creativity when it comes to the death scenes and the moments of peril, which makes the aforementioned list of movies so compelling. While the film builds suspense, the deaths of the characters themselves lack the same inventive spark, unfolding without anything particularly unique or memorable. Some of the interiors also come off a bit ordinary and could have benefitted from more complex set design. The extended music sequence that plays like a music video with the band performing, feels out of place and is slightly too long, which impacts the pacing.
Editor Jamie Lockhart assembles the films within the film with a delightful comedic tone, seamlessly weaving in world-specific jokes at just the right moments to build suspense. By presenting three trailers for the in-world films at the beginning, he creates a grindhouse atmosphere that primes the audience for what’s to come, fueling their excitement. World-building is an essential branding opportunity for filmmakers, and Lockhart uses it effectively. By the end of the feature, audiences are treated to a surprise that ties up some of the playful teasers planted throughout the film. It’s a reminder of why it’s always worth sticking through the credits, especially in the realm of grindhouse horror and dark comedy.
The Haunting of Prince Dom Pedro offers a refreshing, self-aware blend of supernatural and genre-savvy humor. Packed with quirky characters, sharp dialogue, and lighthearted twists, the film never takes itself too seriously. Injecting the film with irresistible energy, the pairing of Jayden (O’Day) and Kayden (Sclichter) anchors the story with charm and charisma, guiding viewers through a campy, ghostly romp that satirizes both teen thrillers and tech-obsessed culture. With its mix of grindhouse flair, comedic horror tropes, and a genuine love for storytelling, this film reminds us that sometimes the real magic happens when we look up from our screens and into the haunted history we almost ignored.
