Brightburn (2019) is a horror-superhero film directed by David Yarovesky and produced by James Gunn. The movie offers a dark twist on the superhero origin story, exploring what would happen if a child with superhuman abilities became a force of evil rather than good.

The story is set in the small town of Brightburn, Kansas, where a childless couple, Tori and Kyle Breyer (played by Elizabeth Banks and David Denman), discover an alien baby that has crash-landed on Earth. They adopt the boy and name him Brandon (played by Jackson A. Dunn), raising him as their own. For years, Brandon seems like a normal child, but as he approaches adolescence, he begins to display extraordinary powers, including super strength, flight, and heat vision.

As Brandon’s powers emerge, so does a sinister side to his personality. Instead of using his abilities for good, he becomes increasingly violent, ruthless, and malevolent. The film takes a dark turn as Brandon begins to terrorize those around him, using his powers to harm and destroy anyone who stands in his way. His transformation into a villain is a chilling contrast to the typical superhero origin story, making Brightburn a unique take on the genre.

The film is known for its intense horror elements, graphic violence, and the eerie portrayal of a super-powered child gone wrong. It blends superhero tropes with horror themes, raising questions about nature versus nurture and the potential dangers of unchecked power.

Brightburn received mixed reviews, with praise for its intriguing premise and horror aspects, while some critics noted that it could have further developed its concept. Despite this, the film has gained a following for its fresh and unsettling approach to the superhero genre, offering a darker alternative to traditional hero narratives.