Hulu's "CONTROL FREAK" (2025) Is Itching Towards A Release This March!
Motivational speakers are such an American innovation if you can call them that. The idea of motivational speaking is often credited to Ralph Waldo Emerson and refers to speechgivers whose main objective is to make the audience feel empowered. That empowerment can lead to productivity breakthroughs, discarding of bad habits, or even a better outlook on life…then again, it could all be horseshit. As much good as these kinds of speakers can do, there is also a rich history of abuse, controversies, and drifting. The question sometimes becomes, what itch are these kinds of speakers scratching? Well, Shal Ngo and Hulu may have a take on that in their upcoming film, “Control Freak.”
The film is adapted from a 2021 short that debuted during the second season of Hulu’s “Bite-Size Halloween” and has now been adapted into an exclusive feature-length film for the streamer. Hulu provided us with some exclusive images along with more details on the film which is set to arrive on March 13, 2025, on Hulu, with Disney+ being included at a later date.
From The Press Release
"Control Freak," a provocative horror feature from WorthenBrooks and Hulu Originals has dropped first look images. The film will debut exclusively on Hulu on March 13 and will be available on Disney+ internationally at a later date.
Directed and written by Shal Ngo, known for his work on "The Park," "The Box," and "The Last Fisherman," "Control Freak" introduces a chilling narrative: "A motivational speaker is tormented by an unrelenting itch on the back of her head." This intriguing premise leads into a terrifying journey as she battles a parasitic demon from her homeland, bringing a fresh and thrilling perspective to the horror genre.
Shal Ngo was tapped to write and direct the short film "Control" in 2021 for the second season of Hulu’s Bite Size Halloween. The feature version of "Control Freak" developed from this initial short, becoming part of WorthenBrooks’s robust slate of horror features for Hulu, which includes titles like "Appendage," “The Mill," "Clock," "Mr. Crocket," and “Carved."
The film stars Kelly Marie Tran, celebrated for her roles in “Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi” and "Raya and the Last Dragon," as Valerie, a woman whose life spirals into chaos due to this inexplicable and relentless affliction. Alongside Tran, Miles Robbins plays her on-screen husband Robbie, adding depth and suspense to the storyline.
Joining the main cast are Toan Le as Valerie’s father, Sang, and Kieu Chinh as Aunt Thuy, both of whom play pivotal roles in Valerie's harrowing ordeal.
"Control Freak" was developed and produced by WorthenBrooks for Hulu Originals. The producing team includes David Brooks, Arbi Pedrossian, and Jenna Cavelle, with Shaum S. Sengupta and Miles Alva serving as executive producers.
Stay up to date with “The Dark Side Of Pop Culture” by following Macabre Daily on Instagram, Facebook, and BlueSky!
