This free horror movie on Tubi with a pre-fame Bradley Cooper has a scene I'll never forget —but you don't have long to stream it

There's a subgenre of horror that thrives on the fear of a child who isn't what they seem. One of the more disturbing examples comes in the form of "Case 39," a 2009 supernatural horror film currently available for free streaming on Tubi.

Directed by Christian Alvart (known for "Pandorum") and starring Renée Zellweger as a social worker, "Case 39" follows Emily Jenkins as she takes on her 39th case: caring for 10-year-old Lilith Sullivan, a quiet girl who appears terrified of her own parents. Emily suspects abuse, and her suspicions are confirmed when Lilith's parents attempt to kill her by locking her in an oven.

Taking Lilith in herself, Emily soon finds herself haunted by a series of strange and horrifying occurrences. As people close to her begin dying in peculiar ways, each one occurring shortly after Lilith's presence, Emily begins to unravel the truth. The girl's institutionalized parents reveal the horrifying secret: Lilith is not a child, but a demon that feeds on fear.

In a desperate bid for survival, Emily must now stand between the demon and its next victim – herself. The film, while not groundbreaking, offers a genuinely effective take on the genre, largely due to its straight-faced approach. Zellweger delivers a remarkable performance as a woman who slowly realizes the catastrophic mistake she's made, while Jodelle Ferland is genuinely unnerving in her portrayal of Lilith.

The standout scene, however, features young Bradley Cooper – long before his breakout role in "The Hangover" – as her ill-fated best friend, caught in a swarm of hornets. This scene is as nasty and memorable as any found in a bigger, better-reviewed horror film. The movie's willingness to be genuinely mean also sets it apart, giving it an edge.

"Case 39" is a tense, underrated horror gem that deserves more recognition than it received upon release. It's a perfect choice for those looking to embrace the Halloween spirit. However, don't wait too long to stream it, as it will soon be unavailable for free on Tubi.