Indie Horror Hit 'Marshmallow' Draws Donnie Darko Comparisons

There’s a certain pleasure in stumbling across a lesser-known horror flick that manages to surprise even the most seasoned fans. The streaming landscape is awash with new releases, but every so often, a title emerges that quietly builds a following. Such is the case with Marshmallow, an independent production that’s recently found its way onto AMC+ and, rather unexpectedly, climbed to become one of the platform’s most-watched films.

What sets this particular story apart isn’t just its setting—a summer camp, familiar territory for the genre—but the way it toys with expectations. The plot follows a reserved twelve-year-old, Morgan, who arrives at a remote camp only to find that a ghost story told around the fire begins to manifest in unsettling ways. The legend of a sinister ‘doctor’ stalking the woods soon becomes more than just a tale to frighten the new arrivals. As the night unfolds, Morgan and his companions are forced to confront a reality that’s far stranger and more dangerous than they’d imagined.

Unfolding the Mystery

The official synopsis teases:

"When timid 12-year-old Morgan arrives at a secluded camp, a spooky campfire story about a sinister 'doctor' begins to unfold with terrifying accuracy. As the legend comes to life and a mysterious figure stalks the woods, Morgan and his new friends must fight to survive the night and uncover the terrifying truth hidden beneath the camp's idyllic surface — a revelation that challenges everything they thought they knew about fear, identity, and the real nature of their existence."

Directed by Daniel DelPurgatorio and penned by Andy Greskoviak, the film features a cast including Kue Lawrence, Kai Cech, Giorgia Whigham, Max Malas, Maxwell Whittington-Cooper, Pierson Fodé, Winston Vengapally, Samantha Neyland Trumbo, Alysia Reiner, Corbin Bernsen, and Paul Soter. After premiering at Panic Fest in Kansas City, it had a brief theatrical run before landing on streaming, where it’s been met with a warm reception from both audiences and critics.

Critical Response and Cult Comparisons

With an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Marshmallow has been described as “cerebral” and “full of bloody scares.” One reviewer, Avi Offer of NYC Movie Guru, drew a bold parallel:

"Refreshingly unpredictable, exhilarating, provocative and genuinely heartfelt. It's kindred spirits with another equally smart, surprising and moving sci-fi movie, Donnie Darko."

It’s not every day a new release is likened to Richard Kelly’s 2001 cult classic, but the comparison seems to have struck a chord. The film’s blend of science fiction and horror, coupled with its willingness to subvert expectations, has led to a steady stream of positive feedback. Matt Donato from Daily Dead called it

"a sneakily thought-provoking experience that's so much more than what we assume it to be."

Audience Reactions and Streaming Success

Viewers have echoed these sentiments, awarding the film a 78% score on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter. One person remarked,

"It is not at all what you think it will be,"

while another observed,

"Marshmallow is not your average summer camp slasher and a crucial reminder that the kids are definitely not alright."

For those in search of something a bit different to watch this weekend, Marshmallow is now available to stream on AMC+. It’s a title that’s quietly making its mark, and one that’s likely to linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.