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TADFF Review: ‘You Might Be the Killer’ Finds Killer Comedy in the Shape of a Slasher

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You Might Be the Killer Brett Simmons Fran Kranz

You Might Be the Killer is a deeply satisfying meta-horror comedy love letter to the slasher subgenre.

The film was inspired by a brilliant, spot-on twitter thread between writers Chuck Wendig and Sam Sykes (click here to read it in full) that quickly went viral. In the thread, Sam reaches out to Chuck to seek advice when his new position as a summer camp counselor puts him in a bit of an odd spot. There’s a serial killer on the loose, and counselors are dropping like hacked-and-slashed flies. Through their conversation, Chuck guides Sam to the unsettling realization that he might actually be the one responsible.

via TADFF

Director Brett Simmons (Husk, Animal) – who also wrote the script with Covis Berzoyne and Thomas Vitale – succeeds in creating a film with his own voice and energy, while honoring the spirit of the source material. The script maintains Sykes and Wendig’s chemistry and comedic voices while fleshing out an 80-tweet long conversation into 90 minutes of film.

Some of the dialogue comes directly from the thread, but it never comes off as disingenuous thanks to pitch-perfect performances from Fran Kranz (The Cabin in the Woods) and Alyson Hannigan (Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

It’s not hard to understand the moral complexities of the position that both Sam and Chuck find themselves in. Sam is struggling to find some kind of win-win resolution as Chuck balances feelings of concern and – due to her vast knowledge of and passion for the subject – reluctant enthusiasm. Which, honestly, kind of makes sense. As a horror fan, if you got a call asking for advice on a stereotypical subgenre situation, wouldn’t you feel just a little bit excited?

You would. Don’t lie.

via TADFF

If you’re at all familiar with Kran and Hannigan’s prior work, you’ll know that they’re both gifted actors with strong emotional range and natural comedic timing. It’s incredible that they were never acting in the same room together – they didn’t even read lines off-camera – because the flow and chemistry of their conversation is absolutely seamless.

The casting of Hannigan as Chuck is inspired. She shows a natural understanding of the emotional content of the script and walks that fine line with such charm and confidence that you one hundred percent would want to call her for advice on literally any topic. She’s the perfect straight man, and we feel safe with her there as a voice of reason. And Hannigan is so comfortable sliding into research mode that you half expect to see the rest of Buffy’s Scooby Gang poring over ancient tomes in the background.

via TADFF

Although You Might Be the Killer embraces the meta-horror comedy subgenre, it doesn’t entirely dismiss the ethics of the slasher situation. The stakes are still very high, and Kranz’s performance as Sam leans in to that moral crisis.

Kranz is able to channel a manic energy that – with just subtle changes in performance – can be hilarious and slapstick one moment, and frantic and distressed the next. He is so earnestly likable that it’s easy to connect with him and root for his character. Kranz carries the viewer through a range of emotional levels that give depth and emphasis to the outrageous slasher setting.

via TADFF

You Might Be the Killer flips the script on classic horror tropes while paying homage in a truly loving way. Simmons shows his passion for the genre with the inclusion of visual references, dialogue, and set/prop designs that act as a clear nod to horror favorites and genre stereotypes.

These details are part of what makes You Might Be the Killer such a deliciously fun film for any horror fan. But, as much as we love our slashers, there can be some problematic elements.

The final girl character is traditionally a young, sexually unavailable, morally superior survivor, and she is rarely a woman of color. In You Might Be the Killer, one particular conversation in the third act slyly addresses this stereotype with a subtle insinuation that’s threaded through the dialogue.

via IMDb

You Might Be the Killer climbs inside the slasher subgenre to explore its tropes from a different perspective. It’s a cheeky and super meta experience that may be lost on anyone without at least a passing familiarity of the horror genre. That said, the clichés are so broad that they’re hard to miss.

The film really finds strength with the right viewing experience. I had the opportunity to see it on a big screen as part of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival, and it’s certainly the type of movie that is best seen with a group of excited genre fans.

You Might Be the Killer is an effective, satisfying meta-horror comedy in the vein of The Cabin in the Woods, but on a more intimate scale that will feel deeply personal for any 80s slasher fan. Brett Simmons graciously shares his love for the horror genre and – in the process – shows that he is a name to watch for.

 

For more on You Might Be the Killer, click here to read my interview with Brett Simmons and Fran Kranz! You can check out the trailer and poster below.

via TADFF

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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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