Exploitation horror took off in the 1970s, when low-budget films provided thrills by shocking audiences in ways that mainstream films couldn’t. Humans like novelty, so when you show them something they’ve never seen before (especially on a giant screen), they’ll likely remember it and tell their friends about it. Over time, the subgenre moved from movie theaters to the rental market: for just a few dollars, you could pick up the latest exploitation film from Blockbuster and see something crazy.
Cat is the first feature film from creator Ole J. Hartmann and appears to be a love letter to the exploitation genre. Like those decades-old films, Hartmann was also working on a small budget: just $25,000. Despite this, he manages to put together a film that has none of the hallmarks of a low-budget affair. The special effects are terribly convincing, the action shots are well choreographed and even the editing and color grading of the film are of high quality. For a first-time filmmaker on a micro-budget, Hartmann delivered some very effective horror.
The film follows a family of three after they move to a new house in nowhere Texas. After discovering a tablet in his closet, the son begins talking with an AI named Beelzebul. The AI promises to show the boy something cool, but only if he doesn’t tell his parents. We then see family life deteriorate over the next three days.
Potential viewers should know that this film is raw. There is one scene in particular (involving a toilet) that will forever be etched in my eyes and mind and my soul. Fortunately, Hartmann shows restraint by including only a few such scenes in the film, so the squeamish can simply look away for a moment to avoid any lasting psychological damage. What’s striking about Hartmann’s disgust is that it seems incredibly real, producing an image you can practically feel.
For a low-budget feature film, the acting is also surprisingly strong. While some of the supporting characters are a bit goofy, the main actors play their characters convincingly. Carter Sirianni, in particular, plays a loving and refreshing husband – who still flirts with his wife even after years of marriage. I wasn’t expecting to see positive role models in this film, but Sirianni delivers.
One thing I can’t really figure out is if the movie wants to be camp. The exaggerated performance of the demon, the exchange between the demon and the grandfather, the entire character of Hartmann (also named Hartmann) – all of this strongly signaled camp. Yet some moments in the film that presented perfect opportunities for camp instead opted for a more serious angle. If the film had been a little more campy, it could have better illustrated the chaotic nature of the demon and the ridiculous situation our protagonists found themselves in.
There were some pacing issues in the middle of the film, but they were minor. It’s clear that Hartmann had a vision for the film and that each shot was deliberately composed. The lighting, props, and audio were all consistent and comparable to films with much larger budgets. In a word, the production quality was excellent. And of course, it wouldn’t be a horror movie if it didn’t have a controversial ending. I won’t spoil it for you here, but I find myself thinking about all the different ways I wish this had ended.
Cat is a gripping horror film that makes the most of its small budget to deliver a memorable, disgusting and frightening experience. I can’t wait to see what Hartmann does next, because it’s clear he has the right instincts when it comes to creating a compelling story.
The public can watch the film on Amazon from September 4, 2026. Also see @chatmovieofficial on Instagram to learn more about the film, see exclusive clips, and hear more from director Ole Hartmann.
