Have you ever wondered what would happen if Back to the Future were set within the parameters of a horror film? Me neither – but with Nahnatchka Khan‘s Totally Killer, I’m not only thinking about it, it has left me wanting more. There were reservations for Khan‘s nostalgia soaked venture into slasher lore, the infusion of time travel only further heightening the uncertainty of success. But Totally Killer is a film completely aware of what it is and what it wants to be – and it commits from start to finish. Totally Killer maintains the right level of cheese, keeping its deeper themes and reminiscent homages just below the surface in an almost scavenger hunt style of cinematic treasures. One of the best horror comedies since Ready or Not, Totally Killer is totally set to become an instant holiday classic.
Slashing Time
Khan‘s Totally Killer instantly feels reminiscent of Scream. It is hard to deny the Wes Craven infusion as the film kicks off into its lore, comedy and final girl introduction. As Totally Killer opens, viewers are given an introduction to the murders beginning on October 27, 1987, the Sweet Sixteen Killer claiming three lives before disappearing in the void of anonymity. Yet, we are informed of these murders on Halloween night 2023, the narrator revealed to be the host of local podcast dedicated to the murders and the mystery of the killer’s identity. As he begins to lead a local group on his murder tour, Chris (Jonathan Potts) encompasses the modern aspects of a changed world evolved through social media. Throughout the film’s opening, he is not only utilizing the power of podcasts, but the immediacy of popular social media apps’ live video features.
As the film moves through the horrific history of Vernon, audiences are introduced to Jamie (Kieran Shipka), her Gen-Z, teenage interactions with her parents setting the film up for a dynamic trip the the past. With a brutal death following the return of the Sweet Sixteen Killer, Totally Killer welcomes back the classic slashers of the 80s and 90s all while intertwining humor with unbelievable narrative to dramatic and brilliant effect.. And as bizarre and cheesy as it is sometimes, every element works in perfect unison. As the element of time travel is introduced, the parallels between Back to the Future and Totally Killer creating a sense of authenticity, so does the film’s sense of originality and humor. Totally Killer in these moments feels like a film basket in the love of cinema, the influences of classics in Back to the Future, Scream, Valentine, Halloween and many more giving the film a solid foundation to craft a unique and wholly satisfying experience.
As Jamie works through the past to prevent a death of the future, Totally Killer works to become an examination on the differences of generations, a Gen-Z placed in the heart of the unforgettable decade of the 80s. It mirrors the same of Back to the Future, yet claims it individuality in the journey of Jamie. Much of this success is found in the tight-witted script from David Matalon, Sasha PerL-Raver and Jen D’Angelo. It is sharp, humorous and always aware of the direction of its characters and narrative. Shipka is brilliant as Jamie, embracing the absurd whilst bringing the script to life with a full-bodied sense of wit and commitment.
Conclusion
There is so much to say about Totally Killer, yet many of these gems need to be experienced firsthand. The worst part audiences will find is figuring out how to recommend the film without giving away its best and more humorous moments. Time travel can be a confusing element to work into a story and Totally Killer is not only aware, but ready to dive in head first. With its awareness and sense of self, Totally Killer becomes the meta film for a new generation of viewers. By the time the credits are rolling, Totally Killer will have proven itself a cinematic venture worthy of your return. And whether you dive back in right away or not, give it a minute to settle in and you will find, Totally Killer is more than what meets the eye. The revelations are wholesomely satisfying.
One of the best films of the year, and the most meta the horror genre has seen since Scream, Totally Killer is the horror comedy you have totally been waiting for.
Totally Killer is now streaming on Amazon Prime!
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