Name: Totally Killer
Genre: Horror, Comedy, Science Fiction
Released: 2023-09-28T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Kiernan Shipka, Olivia Holt, Troy Leigh-Anne Johnson, Lochlyn Munro, Charlie Gillespie

The opening scene of Totally Killer is a doozy: Kiernan Shipka’s Jamie Hughes, wide-eyed and breathless, stumbles into a neon-lit 1987 mall, her modern-day hoodie clashing with the pastel excesses around her. It’s a moment that sets the tone for Nahnatchka Khan’s slick, self-aware horror-comedy—a film that knows its genre tropes inside out and isn’t afraid to play with them. The premise is clever: after Jamie’s mother Pam (Olivia Holt) is murdered by the infamous “Sweet Sixteen Killer,” Jamie accidentally time-travels back to 1987 to stop the killings before they happen. The film leans heavily into its ‘80s setting, from the synth-heavy soundtrack to the era’s fashion and slasher conventions.

Khan’s direction is both playful and precise. She balances the film’s comedic and horror elements with a deft hand, ensuring that neither overshadows the other. The time-travel aspect adds an intriguing layer to the traditional slasher narrative, allowing for creative twists and turns. The film’s pacing is generally strong, with each act building on the last to create a sense of escalating tension.

Shipka delivers a performance that balances earnestness with sharp wit, making her character’s fish-out-of-water antics both relatable and entertaining. Holt, meanwhile, shines as the younger version of Pam, bringing a mix of vulnerability and determination that grounds the film’s emotional core. The chemistry between Shipka and Holt is palpable, adding an extra layer of depth to their mother-daughter dynamic.

Where Totally Killer excels is in its blending of humor and horror. The comedy is often self-aware, poking fun at slasher movie clichés while still delivering genuine scares. A standout sequence involves Jamie infiltrating a party hosted by Tiffany (Liana Liberato), where the tension builds as she realizes she can’t stop the killer’s attack. The scene is shot with an eye for detail, from the flickering lights to the way the camera lingers on the killer’s shadowy figure before he strikes. It’s a moment that balances suspense and dark humor, a hallmark of the film’s tone.

The film’s structure, however, stumbles in its third act. The reveal of the killer’s identity—and the subsequent twist involving a second killer—feels rushed and convoluted. What was once a tight, suspenseful narrative becomes muddled by too many reveals and loose ends. The emotional payoff, while satisfying, doesn’t quite land as hard as it should because the film struggles to tie up all its threads neatly.

Visually, Totally Killer is a feast for the eyes. The production design captures the ‘80s aesthetic perfectly, from the vibrant colors to the retro technology. The sound design also deserves mention, with the score effectively heightening both the comedic and horror elements. However, some of the CGI effects, particularly in the time-travel sequences, feel a bit dated, pulling the viewer out of the moment.

The film’s themes of mother-daughter relationships and redemption are handled with sensitivity and nuance. Jamie’s journey is not just about stopping a killer; it’s also about understanding her mother’s past and forgiving her for her mistakes. This emotional core adds depth to what could have been a purely formulaic slasher flick.

Totally Killer is a film that will appeal to fans of horror-comedies and time-travel narratives alike. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it does offer a fresh take on the slasher genre by infusing it with time-travel shenanigans and a healthy dose of humor. The film’s blend of genres makes it a unique offering in the horror-comedy landscape, standing out from more traditional entries like Happy Death Day or Freaky.

In comparison to other films in the genre, Totally Killer holds its own. It doesn’t reach the heights of Parasite or Past Lives, but it carves out a niche for itself with its clever premise and strong performances. The film’s self-awareness and willingness to play with genre conventions make it a standout in the horror-comedy subgenre.

Ultimately, Totally Killer is a fun, if flawed, ride. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it does offer a fresh take on the slasher genre by infusing it with time-travel shenanigans and a healthy dose of humor.