It’s not uncommon for slasher films to do their best to create a memorable hook. Sometimes this comes from a killer or a formula. Sometimes it comes from drawing on something familiar and twisting it in a grotesque way.

It’s that second thing that is the basis for I Heart Willie, a new slasher film making a special appearance in theaters on February 26. The film, like others, takes advantage of a lapsed copyright to turn a familiar childhood icon into something dark, but does it work? In this case, it’s the visage of Mickey Mouse as he first appeared in Steamboat Willie.

In the film, a scarred and silent killer preys on victims wearing a Willie mask. He seems to be inspired by Willie. When four young people stumble into his hunting ground, it’s their bad luck. But could there be more to this group? Could there be more in store for our friend, Willie?

I’m not going to bore you with plot details. You know what this film is going to be. It’s going to feature a killer with an iconic mask, there will be violence, but in this case there’s also an unsettling twist. Your feelings about that might govern some of how you feel about this film. Suffice to say it’s something you need to experience rather than have spoiled.

This isn’t the first slasher film to tread on an icon. We’ve gotten two films already featuring a cannibalistic Winnie the Pooh, with more from an extended universe yet to come. This also isn’t the first horror film to use our old friend Mickey. The Mouse Trap, which dropped last year, also featured a killer inspired by the classic cartoon. But, while that was more of a whodunnit, this aims to be straight up grisly.

And it is. There are a number of gross and unsettling sequences. This is an in-your-face kind of horror, one that will appeal to hardcore fans of the genre. If you’re not a hardcore fan and, maybe, just wanted something campy, best to look elsewhere.

As for me, this wasn’t my cup of tea. I thought it was more often gross than scary, which is disappointing, and mostly just plain disturbing. If you’re into the novelty of it all, it will be worth seeking out. If you’re looking for a good time at the movies, this isn’t it.

I Heart Willie makes a special screening in theaters nationwide on February 26. Check https://iheartwillie.com for showtimes and tickets.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.