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Trent Haaga’s “68 Kill” is a Bloody Masterpiece of Feminism, Anti-Stereotypes and Dark Humor

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Written by Shannon McGrew

When I first heard about “68 Kill”, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Described as a punk rock rom-com thriller, I had a feeling it was going to be one of those films that I either loved or hated.  Well, I’m happy to report that this film killed it (pun not intended) and has become one of my favorite films to come out of South By Southwest.  Not only does it flip the script in terms of stereotypes so often forced upon the each opposite sex, but there is a strong message of feminism and independence that help carry the story from the beginning stages to the bloody end.

“68 Kill” centers around Chip, a sensitive and sweet boyfriend who only wants to do his absolute best to make his girlfriend Liza happy.  The problem is, Liza is a little off her rocker and decides that she wants to rob her sugar daddy of $68,000 to start a new life with Chip.  Chip reluctantly agrees because she’s beautiful and tenacious, and what starts as a simple breaking and entering scenario quickly ends in bloodshed and mutilated bodies. “68 Kill” is expertly directed by Trent Haaga and stars Matthew Gray Gubler, AnnaLynne McCord, Alisha Boe and Sheila Vand.

To start things off, let’s talk about the story.  This film is one of those rare instances where everything is done perfectly from the moment we meet the two “love-birds” to the chaos that is rained down upon the lives of many towards the end.  It’s a story that comes full circle and even shows the transformation of Chip’s character as he realizes that he has a penchant for women that some may call “unhinged”.

Chip’s character is attracted to women that are chaotic and beautiful and finds himself weak in the knees whenever he’s confronted by one.  The women on the other hand show just how powerful and seductive they really are to get what they need.  They hold all the cards in their hands and don’t bow down to anyone.  Too often, women in film are shown as the sensitive, emotional type, so I appreciated seeing them as strong willed women who created death and destruction at every turn with a gleeful smile on their face.  Throughout the 93 minute run time, the audience watches as Chip moves on from one woman to another, each bringing their own unique storyline to the table, all the while making sure the $68,000 isn’t too far from all interested parties.

As for the acting, everyone was superb and each performance was solid. Matthew Gray Gubler played the lovesick puppy to a T while AnnaLynne McCord was a powerhouse of talent and charm as the deranged Liza. Every time she was on screen, she oozed confidence and sex appeal which she combined perfectly with the unbalanced mindset that Liza inhabited. Alisha Boe was fantastic as Violet and had one of the funniest scenes in the movie in which her character and Gubler’s character get pulled over by a police officer. Trust me when I say you will be laughing till you cry over the exchange that takes place.  Lastly, Sheila Vand was every emo/goth kids dream come true as Monica, the no-holds-barred, black clothes and dark eyeliner wearing, trailer-trash that gets introduced halfway through the film.  Having been a fan of hers from films within the horror genre, it was a pleasant surprise to see her acting in a role unlike anything else she’s done.

I think it’s important to also note that though the film isn’t terribly long, director Trent Haaga created a world in which each of these characters lived in and when the film ended, I wanted nothing more than to dive head first into each character’s backstory to learn more about how they had become the person they were.

68 Kill

 

Those of you who are looking for that sweet, sweet bloodshed will be delighted in what transpires.  From gunshot wounds, to slit necks, to a sick and twisted brother who likes to experiment on women, there is something for everyone! I was not expecting the level of carnage that unfolded throughout the film, and though I’m not typically a fan of overly gory movies, the overall butchery seemed to fit the film perfectly.  I can say whole-heartedly that gore hounds will not be disappointed with the kill scenes in “68 Kill”.

Another aspect of the film that I absolutely loved was the humor.  Essentially this movie has the perfect mixture of gore, laughs, romance, loss, and an overall metamorphosis rarely seen in any movies nowadays.  The dark humor, which was sharp and dry, helped to offset the gore and it added a level of depth to the characters that made you like them, even though most of them had murderous tendencies.

Overall, “68 Kill” is one of the best films to come out of SXSW this year and one of my top films of 2017.  It’s unique in that it combines incredible and concise storytelling with precise character development, over the top bloodshed and quality humor which makes this film unlike anything else out there.  Along with all that I mentioned above, this film actually has characters that you feel for; regardless of their actions you can’t help but be drawn into their lives and the unfortunate consequences that come from it.  Sure, some of them may be murderous psychopaths, but they are so God damn captivating that a part of you almost wants to give them a pass for their indiscretions.  All in all, this is one of those films that you’ll never know you desperately needed in your life until after you watched it.  It’s also a good reminder that it’s probably best to never fuck over a chick.

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‘Strange Darling’ Featuring Kyle Gallner and Willa Fitzgerald Lands Nationwide Release [Watch Clip]

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Strange Darling Kyle Gallner

‘Strange Darling,’ a standout film featuring Kyle Gallner, who is nominated for an iHorror award for his performance in ‘The Passenger,’ and Willa Fitzgerald, has been acquired for a wide theatrical release in the United States by Magenta Light Studios, a new enterprise from veteran producer Bob Yari. This announcement, brought to us by Variety, follows the film’s successful premiere at Fantastic Fest in 2023, where it was universally praised for its creative storytelling and compelling performances, achieving a perfect score of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes from 14 reviews.

Strange Darling – Movie Clip

Directed by JT Mollner, ‘Strange Darling‘ is a thrilling narrative of a spontaneous hookup that takes an unexpected and terrifying turn. The film is notable for its innovative narrative structure and the exceptional acting of its leads. Mollner, known for his 2016 Sundance entry “Outlaws and Angels,” has once again employed 35mm for this project, cementing his reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct visual and narrative style. He is currently involved in adapting Stephen King’s novel “The Long Walk” in collaboration with director Francis Lawrence.

Bob Yari expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s upcoming release, scheduled for August 23rd, highlighting the unique qualities that make ‘Strange Darling’ a significant addition to the horror genre. “We are thrilled to be bringing nationwide theatrical audiences this unique and exceptional film with terrific performances by Willa Fitzgerald and Kyle Gallner. This second feature from talented writer-director JT Mollner is destined to become a cult classic that defies conventional storytelling,” Yari told Variety.

Variety’s review of the film from Fantastic Fest lauds Mollner’s approach, saying, “Mollner shows himself to be more forward-thinking than most of his genre peers. He’s clearly a student of the game, one who studied his forebears’ lessons with adroitness to better prepare himself to put his own mark on them.” This praise underlines Mollner’s deliberate and thoughtful engagement with the genre, promising audiences a film that is both reflective and innovative.

Strange Darling

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Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Barbarella’ Revival Forges Ahead

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Sydney Sweeney Barbarella

Sydney Sweeney has confirmed the ongoing progress of the much-anticipated reboot of Barbarella. The project, which sees Sweeney not only starring but also executive producing, aims to breathe new life into the iconic character that first captured audiences’ imaginations in the 1960s. However, amid speculation, Sweeney remains tight-lipped about the possible involvement of celebrated director Edgar Wright in the project.

During her appearance on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Sweeney shared her enthusiasm for the project and the character of Barbarella, stating, “It is. I mean, Barbarella is just such a fun character to explore. She really just embraces her femininity and her sexuality, and I love that. She uses sex as a weapon and I think it’s such an interesting way into a sci-fi world. I’ve always wanted to do sci-fi. So we’ll see what happens.“

Sydney Sweeney confirms her Barbarella reboot is still in the works

Barbarella, originally a creation of Jean-Claude Forest for V Magazine in 1962, was transformed into a cinematic icon by Jane Fonda under the direction of Roger Vardim in 1968. Despite a sequel, Barbarella Goes Down, never seeing the light of day, the character has remained a symbol of sci-fi allure and adventurous spirit.

Over the decades, several high-profile names including Rose McGowan, Halle Berry, and Kate Beckinsale were floated as potential leads for a reboot, with directors Robert Rodriguez and Robert Luketic, and writers Neal Purvis and Robert Wade previously attached to revive the franchise. Unfortunately, none of these iterations made it past the conceptual stage.

Barbarella

The film’s progress took a promising turn approximately eighteen months ago when Sony Pictures announced its decision to cast Sydney Sweeney in the titular role, a move that Sweeney herself has suggested was facilitated by her involvement in Madame Web, also under Sony’s banner. This strategic decision was aimed at fostering a beneficial relationship with the studio, specifically with the Barbarella reboot in mind.

When probed about Edgar Wright’s potential directorial role, Sweeney adeptly sidestepped, merely noting that Wright has become an acquaintance. This has left fans and industry watchers speculating about the extent of his involvement, if any, in the project.

Barbarella is known for its adventurous tales of a young woman traversing the galaxy, engaging in escapades that often incorporate elements of sexuality—a theme Sweeney seems eager to explore. Her commitment to reimagining Barbarella for a new generation, while staying true to the character’s original essence, sounds like the making of a great reboot.

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‘The First Omen’ Almost Received an NC-17 Rating

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the first omen trailer

Set for an April 5 theater release, ‘The First Omen’ carries an R-rating, a classification that was almost not achieved. Arkasha Stevenson, in her inaugural feature film directorial role, faced a formidable challenge in securing this rating for the prequel to the esteemed franchise. It seems the filmmakers had to contend with the ratings board to prevent the film from being saddled with an NC-17 rating. In a revealing conversation with Fangoria, Stevenson described the ordeal as ‘a long battle’, one not waged over traditional concerns such as gore. Instead, the crux of the controversy centered around the depiction of the female anatomy.

Stevenson’s vision for “The First Omen” delves deep into the theme of dehumanization, particularly through the lens of forced birthing. “The horror in that situation is how dehumanized that woman is”, Stevenson explains, emphasizing the significance of presenting the female body in a non-sexualized light to address themes of forced reproduction authentically. This commitment to realism nearly landed the film an NC-17 rating, sparking a prolonged negotiation with the MPA. “This has been my life for a year and a half, fighting for the shot. It’s the theme of our film. It’s the female body being violated from the inside outwards”, she states, highlighting the importance of the scene to the film’s core message.

The First Omen Movie Poster – by Creepy Duck Design

Producers David Goyer and Keith Levine supported Stevenson’s battle, encountering what they perceived as a double standard in the ratings process. Levine reveals, “We had to go back and forth with the ratings board five times. Weirdly, avoiding the NC-17 made it more intense”, pointing out how the struggle with the ratings board inadvertently intensified the final product. Goyer adds, “There is more permissiveness when dealing with male protagonists, particularly in body horror”, suggesting a gender bias in how body horror is evaluated.

The film’s bold approach to challenging viewers’ perceptions extends beyond the ratings controversy. Co-writer Tim Smith notes the intention to subvert expectations traditionally associated with The Omen franchise, aiming to surprise audiences with a fresh narrative focus. “One of the big things we were excited to do was to kind of pull the rug out from under people’s expectations”, Smith says, underscoring the creative team’s desire to explore new thematic ground.

Nell Tiger Free, known for her role in “Servant”, leads the cast of “The First Omen”, set for release by 20th Century Studios on April 5. The movie follows a young American woman dispatched to Rome for church service, where she stumbles upon a sinister force that shakes her faith to its core and reveals a chilling plot aimed at summoning evil incarnate.

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