'Don't Let the Cat Out' Review: Grief, Gore, and Comedy in a Wild Halloween Horror
- Becca Johnson
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
By Becca Johnson - August 22, 2025
Last year, director/writer Tim Cruz and actor/writer Anthony Del Negro impressed FrightFest audiences with Ladybug, a romantic ghost story with intriguing twists. This year they’re back with another spooky outing, once again directed by Cruz, written by both Cruz and Del Negro, and starring Del Negro in the leading role. Don’t Let the Cat Out is a grief-fuelled, darkly funny horror comedy about a woman who refuses to accept the death of her beloved cat - and attempts a soul transfer that spirals into chaos.
Delving into how far we’d go to avoid saying goodbye, Don’t Let the Cat Out boasts solid performances, inviting autumnal visuals and a batshit crazy idea, but due to the storyline that becomes less intriguing as each act progresses, it doesn’t quite hit the landing.
Ladybug was an impressive viewing experience in its unique storyline and desire to try something new - Don’t Let the Cat Out follows suit. From the get-go it’s a weird, wild and wonderful time that never lets you in on where it’s going next, offering many a surprising element. The script knows not to take itself too seriously, in turn providing a watch that’s equal parts silly and thrilling. Cat lovers will appreciate the feline visuals and motive of the villains, even if they’re taking things extremely far, and horror fans will enjoy the mixture of gore and laughs it provides. The first act is absolutely stellar, hooking you in with action and blood within the first 20 minutes. Set on Halloween night, it’s rife with spooky imagery that autumn fans will love, from lit up jack-o-lanterns to witchy purple fairy lights. The tone and vibe is immediately set, drawing in its target audience effortlessly. However, it’s the second and third act that risk losing them.
When the Claws Come Out – A Generic and Messy Second Half
As the plot progresses, it unfortunately becomes less unique and less engaging. There are still some fun if sporadic moments of horror and playful imagery, and anytime our lead character is in cat-like peril it’s suitably entertaining, but it feels like it can’t keep up with its own identity and ideas. Becoming painfully generic within the second half by resorting to a simple cat-and-mouse affair (no pun intended), it shakes off much of the unique flair it boasted prior. The script also introduces a character mid-way through who we’re expected to root for, but due to her late physical arrival into the plot (we do have some prior phone conversations with her) and slightly annoying tendencies, she’s not entirely easy to get on board with. The shift in character focus leads the plot into feeling a bit messy, forcing us to root for someone new when we’ve already bonded with and chosen to back Del Negro’s Charlie. There are also times n which the plots lacks excitement, hitting a lull around the middle.
Regardless of the wavering plot that floats in and out of exciting, Anthony Del Negro is continually fantastic in the leading role. He impressed audiences as young artist Grayson in last years Ladybug, and somehow he is even better in Don’t Let the Cat Out. His performance is more demanding physically, which really allows him to flex his range, and he shows a strong sense of urgency from beginning to end. Feeling natural and lived in, Charlie is easy to get behind and wish safety upon, with help from Del Negro bringing him to life in an effortless way. A house sitter just trying to make ends meet and get on the good side of his employer, he’s as relatable as he is natural. The side performances are also impressive, particularly from Cerina Vincent (Cabin Fever). Despite Don’t Let the Cat Out not being her first foray into the horror genre, she undertakes the challenging role particularly well. The cast elevate the material they’re given, even when that material isn’t the most compelling in itself.
Uneven but Entertaining – Cruz and Del Negro Prove Their Talent
Don’t Let the Cat Out can’t help but feel like a movie of two halves, as the second half struggles to live up to the unique, fast-paced excitement the first 40-or-so minutes provide. However, by implementing much spooky imagery, a snappy run-time that doesn’t overstay its welcome and good performances across the board, it should have the ability to stay on the audiences good side. Balancing horror with humour very well and offering a new take on the house/baby sitting trope, it’s certainly one to watch that despite being weaker than Ladybug, proves Del Negro and Cruz’s talent even further.
'Don't Let the Cat Out' premiered at Frightfest London 2025
Want more film reviews from Frightfest London 2025? Check out more horror filled delight on our website Film Focus Online!
