HOLY NIGHTMARE FUEL! 😱 A rising star from True Detective and the HOT new Game of Thrones spinoff just dropped a horror bomb that’s exploding on streaming—92% on Rotten Tomatoes and NOW #1 WORLDWIDE on HBO Max!
Read more:
A low-budget indie horror film starring rising actor Finn Bennett has surged to the top of global streaming charts, capitalizing on the actor’s current visibility in a major HBO fantasy series. Eye for an Eye, released theatrically in June 2025 before arriving on HBO Max, now holds the No. 1 spot on the platform’s worldwide Top 10 movies list as of February 16, 2026, according to tracking service FlixPatrol. The movie’s success coincides with strong critical reception, earning a 92% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews.
Bennett, 30, plays one of two local teens in the film who befriend the protagonist, a young woman grieving her parents’ death. The story follows Anna (Whitney Peak), who relocates from New York to a small Florida town to live with her estranged grandmother (S. Epatha Merkerson). Isolated and vulnerable, Anna forms a fleeting connection with the teens (Bennett and Laken Giles), only to become entangled in their brutal act of violence against a younger child. This transgression awakens Mr. Sandman, a vengeful spirit—the ghost of a tormented child—who invades the dreams of bullies, tormenting them before gouging out their eyeballs upon waking. Anna must confront her complicity and break the curse before it claims her.
Directed by Colin Tilley (known for music videos including Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”) and written by Elisa Victoria and Michael Tully, Eye for an Eye blends folk horror elements with psychological tension. Critics have highlighted its atmospheric visuals, surreal dream sequences, and effective creature design, describing it as a polished entry in the genre despite a modest runtime of 84 minutes (some sources list 97 minutes, possibly including credits). Reviews praise the film’s world-building and thematic exploration of guilt, bullying, and retribution, though a few note reliance on familiar horror tropes that prevent it from fully breaking new ground.
The 92% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects consensus from a small but positive batch of reviews—around 12 critics at last count—positioning it among the better-regarded horror releases of recent years. Audience response on the Popcornmeter stands at 73% based on over 50 verified ratings, indicating solid but slightly more divided viewer approval. On platforms like Wikipedia and aggregator sites, the film is sometimes referred to under alternate titles like Night Terror in certain international markets, where it has seen digital distribution through labels such as Signature Entertainment.
Bennett’s involvement has drawn significant attention amid his rising profile. Best known for his breakout role as Officer Peter Prior in HBO’s True Detective: Night Country (2024) alongside Jodie Foster, Bennett currently portrays Prince Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen in HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, a Game of Thrones prequel spinoff based on George R.R. Martin’s Dunk and Egg novellas. In the series, which aired its early episodes in late 2025 and into 2026, Aerion is a volatile Targaryen prince who clashes with Ser Duncan the Tall in a dramatic Trial of Seven sequence. The timing of Eye for an Eye‘s streaming surge—topping charts ahead of Valentine’s Day weekend reruns and other titles—aligns with renewed interest in Bennett’s work across HBO platforms.
The film’s path to streaming success follows a typical indie trajectory: limited theatrical run in summer 2025, followed by VOD and now a prominent spot on Max (formerly HBO Max). Sources like Screen Rant and ComicBook.com have noted its rapid climb to No. 1 worldwide, outranking seasonal favorites and other recent additions. This comes at a moment when horror continues to perform strongly on streaming, with audiences seeking fresh scares amid a crowded content landscape.
Bennett’s career has accelerated since his early roles in British TV and indie features. After appearances in Domina, The Nevers, and Black Doves, his True Detective performance earned praise for its emotional depth in a bleak Alaskan setting. The 2025 war thriller Warfare (directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza) also earned him a 92-93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes in some listings, tying or nearing Eye for an Eye as one of his highest-rated projects. In 2025, Bennett received the Trophée Chopard at Cannes, an honor recognizing emerging talent.
Co-stars add to the film’s appeal: Whitney Peak, seen in Hocus Pocus 2 and HBO’s Gossip Girl reboot, leads as Anna; S. Epatha Merkerson brings gravitas from Law & Order; and Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton) appears in a supporting role. The ensemble has been credited with elevating the material, particularly in scenes exploring generational trauma and moral consequences.
Horror fans have taken to social media and forums to discuss the film’s monster design—Mr. Sandman as a dream-haunting entity with a gruesome signature kill—and its commentary on bullying cycles. While not a blockbuster budget production, its visual style (lush cinematography contrasting small-town isolation with nightmarish surrealism) has stood out in reviews from outlets like San Jose Mercury News, which awarded it 3.5 out of 4 stars for its atmospheric delivery.
The streaming dominance arrives as Bennett’s HBO exposure peaks. A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms has generated buzz for its faithful adaptation of Martin’s source material, with Bennett’s portrayal of the arrogant, fire-obsessed prince drawing comparisons to classic Targaryen villains. Industry watchers suggest the crossover appeal—fantasy fans discovering his horror work, horror audiences checking out his fantasy role—has fueled organic word-of-mouth.
Whether Eye for an Eye sustains its No. 1 position remains to be seen; streaming charts fluctuate daily based on viewership spikes. Early indicators point to sustained interest, especially with horror’s evergreen appeal on platforms like Max. For Bennett, the dual success underscores his versatility, moving seamlessly from gritty crime dramas to fantasy epics and now folk-horror chills.
As February 2026 unfolds, the film serves as a reminder that indie gems can break through when timing, talent, and topical scares align. With Bennett’s star on the rise and horror audiences hungry for inventive scares, Eye for an Eye has carved out a notable spot in the early-year landscape.
