“Totally Killer” is a comedy-horror movie released in 2023, directed by Nahnatchka Khan, known for “Always Be My Maybe” and “Fresh Off the Boat.” The screenplay was written by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver, and Jen D’Angelo, based on a story created by Matalon and Perl-Raver. The film was produced by Jason Blum through Blumhouse Television and Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath through Divide/Conquer. Totally Killer movie review is below.
Totally Killer Release Date & Platform
“Totally Killer” had its premiere at Fantastic Fest on September 28, 2023, and it was made available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video on October 6, 2023.
Totally Killer Movie Review
“Halloween” and “Back to the Future” collide in the clever and self-aware film “Totally Killer.” This movie is a comedic mix of genres, blending a fish-out-of-water comedy with witty one-liners and time-travel science fiction that surprisingly makes sense. While the horror element is the weakest aspect, “Totally Killer” manages to stay entertaining throughout.
The film owes much of its charm to Kiernan Shipka, who delivers an engaging performance with her knack for quick dialogue delivery and her ability to navigate shifts in tone. Shipka’s character, Jamie Hughes, undergoes a transformation from a surly teen to a grief-stricken daughter to a determined investigator, and she handles these transitions with ease.
Set on Halloween night in 2023, Jamie, played by Shipka, is preparing to go out with her friends. Her overly protective mother, Pam (Julie Bowen), is understandably concerned about her safety because, 35 years ago, during Halloween, three teenage girls were brutally murdered, and the incident, known as the Sweet Sixteen Killings, continues to haunt their small town. However, when Jamie accidentally gets transported back to 1987 in a time machine, she believes she can prevent the murders and alter history.
However, Jamie faces a recurring challenge throughout the film as no one believes her warnings, including the town’s comically inept sheriff, played by Randall Park. Jamie experiences culture shock as she grapples with the stark differences between the modern world and 1987, from casual misogyny to widespread smoking. These observations add depth to the film’s portrayal of the ’80s.
“Totally Killer” also stands out with its soundtrack, featuring songs not typically heard in movies from that era, such as Bananarama’s “Venus,” Echo and the Bunnymen’s “The Killing Moon,” and Shannon’s “Let the Music Play.” Jamie must integrate herself with the potential victims and the teenage version of her mother, who was their best friend and the leader of the mean girls. Olivia Holt is well-cast as young Pam, excelling in both comedy and cruelty.
As Jamie tries to explain the impending danger to these people based on horror movie clichés, they remain skeptical, leading to amusing and tense situations. The film takes some interesting storytelling approaches, flashing back to the present to show what’s happening while Jamie is trapped in 1987. However, a subplot involving a murder podcast feels somewhat predictable and one-dimensional.
“Totally Killer” also offers a thoughtful exploration of small-town life and how peaking in high school can leave people trapped in the past. The characters’ close-knit connections and detailed knowledge about each other emphasize the insularity of their small town. Shipka’s deadpan reactions challenge the notion that the ’80s were simpler and superior, keeping the audience engaged and laughing.
The least captivating aspect of “Totally Killer” is the slasher scenes, which lack finesse in their staging, cinematography, and editing. For instance, a stabbing in a waterbed is poorly executed. The identity and motive of the murderer also fail to capture as much interest as the resourceful final girl who ultimately saves the day and the decade.
In summary, “Totally Killer” offers a unique blend of comedy, time travel, and ’80s nostalgia. Kiernan Shipka’s charismatic performance and the film’s witty observations about culture shock and small-town life make it an enjoyable watch, even if the horror elements could have been executed more effectively.
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