Totally Killer (2023): A Mash-Up of Laughter and Scares
Rating: ★★★☆☆
An ’80s Ride
Blake Snyder, the late great screenwriting guru, would probably categorise “Totally Killer” as a monster-in-the-house story, with a twist. This horror-comedy film, directed by Nahnatchka Khan, offers a unique blend of slasher tropes and time-travel hijinks. It’s an ’80s ride that predominantly delivers laughs, punctuated by some delightful scares.
Just Go With It
The film stars Kiernan Shipka as Jamie, a contemporary teenager who finds herself transported back in time to 1987. Her mission? Prevent a series of murders committed by the “Sweet Sixteen Killer” and ensure her parents’ future together. With the help of a time machine (just go with it), Jamie embarks on a journey filled with humour, nostalgia, and a dash of horror.
Culture Shock Comedy
Shipka’s performance steals the show, capturing the essence of a modern teen navigating the eccentricities of the ’80s. Her character’s culture shock moments, from encountering casual misogyny to coping with a lack of data protection, provide ample comedic material. The film cleverly juxtaposes the present with the past, exploring the insular nature of small-town life and the challenge of peaking in high school.
A Satisfactory Body Count
While primarily a comedy, “Totally Killer” doesn’t shy away from horror when it needs to. The slasher scenes, although not as refined as some dedicated horror films, provide a satisfactory body count. The identity and motive of the killer aren’t the most compelling aspects, but the resourceful final girl and the ’80s setting make up for it.
Time-Travel, Laughs, and Genuine Horror
Director Nahnatchka Khan, known for her work on “Fresh Off The Boat” and “Always Be My Maybe,” demonstrates her knack for genre-bending storytelling. She skilfully handles the film’s time-travel concept, providing both laughs and moments of genuine horror. The production design effectively captures the ’80s aesthetic, immersing viewers in the era.
Olivia Holt as teen Pam Miller,
Charlie Gillespie as teen Blake Hughes,
Kiernan Shipka as Jamie Hughes,
Stephi Chin-Salvo as teen Marisa Song,
Jeremy Monn-Djasngar as teen Randy Finkle.
IMDB, Fair Use
A New Slasher Classic?
“Totally Killer” may not become a new slasher classic (but of course, if that’s what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered with a handy list of 15 timeless horror classics here) BUT it does offer an entertaining balance of nostalgia, humour, and horror. It’s the kind of film that horror enthusiasts can enjoy on a cosy Friday night in October. So, dim the lights, grab some popcorn, and embark on this ’80s-inspired spooky adventure.
Action Reloaded Summary
“Totally Killer” is an ’80s-themed horror-comedy that combines slasher tropes with time travel. Kiernan Shipka shines as Jamie, a modern teenager transported to 1987, where she must prevent a series of murders while navigating the quirks of the past. Director Nahnatchka Khan adeptly balances humour, nostalgia, and horror, offering a fun and entertaining cinematic experience.
Rating: ★★★☆☆ Action Reloaded
Watch now on Amazon Prime Video.
