Totally Killer

Totally Killer boldly ventures into the realms of time travel and slasher movies, injecting a generous dose of irreverent humor. Directed by Nahnatchka Khan, known for her romantic comedies, this film takes an unexpected detour into the world of comedy-horror, resulting in a unique and highly entertaining cinematic experience that stands out in the overcrowded horror genre.

At the heart of Totally Killer is Kiernan Shipka, whose performance as Jamie Hughes is nothing short of remarkable. As a contemporary teenager struggling with overprotective parents and a dark family history, Shipka brings her trademark charisma and impeccable comic timing to the role. Her transition from modern teenager to time-traveling investigator trying to prevent a series of gruesome murders is seamless and captivating. Shipka's presence elevates the film as a whole and makes her character sympathetic and endearing.

One of the film's most appealing aspects is its willingness to embrace the absurdity inherent in the conventions of time travel and the horror film. It takes a self-referential approach reminiscent of iconic horror comedies like Scream and Back to the Future , inviting audiences to join in the fun and not take things too seriously. Although the mix of genres isn't always perfect, the film's witty script and talented cast keep the energy level high.

Totally Killer also stands out for its use of humor to highlight the cultural contrasts between the 1980s and today. It tackles issues such as casual misogyny and societal insensitivity, often commenting humorously on how times have changed. These moments of social satire add depth to the film's comedy and provide a layer of commentary on changing societal norms, making this more than just a horror comedy.

If Totally Killer doesn't offer the same tension as classic horror films, it makes up for it with its relentless humor and steady pace. The slasher elements, while not as meticulously crafted as in classic horror films, effectively support the film's comic moments and keep the story moving forward.

Director Nahnatchka Khan adopts a visual style that effectively evokes the look and feel of a low-budget 1980s horror film. This choice adds to the film's nostalgic atmosphere, providing a backdrop that reinforces the story's humor and absurdity. While Totally Killer doesn't attempt to push the boundaries of visual storytelling or cinematography, it does succeed in creating an immersive '80s vibe.

Totally Killer may not be a groundbreaking masterpiece, but it excels in offering an enjoyable, light-hearted blend of time travel and slasher action. It favors humor over horror and benefits greatly from the magnetic presence of Kiernan Shipka. If you're in the mood for a fun, entertaining mix of genres with a healthy dose of '80s nostalgia, Totally Killer is a worthy choice. It's a film that doesn't take itself too seriously and invites audiences to join in a laugh-out-loud journey through time and horror, making it a delightful addition to the horrific comedy genre.

Totally Killer
Directed by Nahnatchka Khan
Screenplay by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Ravern Jen D'Angelo
Story by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver
Produced by Jason Blum, Adam Hendricksn Greg Gilreath
Starring Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Julie Bowen, Randall Park
Cinematography : Judd Overton
Edited by Jeremy Cohen
Music by Michael Andrews
Production companies : Amazon MGM Studios, BH Television, Divide/Conquer
Distributed by Amazon Prime Video
Release dates : September 28, 2023 (Fantastic Fest), October 6, 2023 (United States, France)
Running time : 106 minutes

Viewed on October 6, 2023 (Prime Video)

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