After being dormant for decades, a serial killer returns for one more victim, leading an angsty teen to travel back in time to solve the murders. Starring Kiernan Shipka, Totally Killer is a slasher genre mashup that leans into the hilarity of it all while maintaining an intriguing mystery.
It’s been 35 years since the Sweet Sixteen Killer murdered three teens in the small town of Vernon around Halloween. The horrors have become the town’s morbid claim to fame, with podcasts and tour groups leeching off every bloody detail.
When the elusive masked murderer reappears, Jamie (Shipka) is transported back to Halloween 1987. With knowledge of the original crime spree, she’ll team up with the younger versions of her parents to capture the killer before he wreaks havoc in the present day.
Directed by Nahnatchka Khan and written by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver, and Jen D’Angelo, Totally Killer is a pleasant horror comedy treat. It’s got the characteristics of Happy Death Day and Freaky, perfectly balancing its mild frights with well-crafted humor but with the hijinks of time travel like in The Final Girls.
It’s always impressive when a horror comedy can organically blend the two genres. A smart script can get it there, and this film — like the others mentioned — was able to capture the essence of both genres. Even tying in everyone’s current obsession with true crime.
I loved the gag throughout as Jamie discovers how wild the 80s were, from the trustful community to canceled language to the weak weed. Shipka’s delivery was always effortless in these moments and was certainly a funny running joke for the entirety of the film.
At times, Totally Killer does feel a little made-for-TV. The first act struggles to settle into its tone. But once you’re past that, I think the film offers some great campy horror elements for those looking for more fun with their frights. And it doesn’t sacrifice having a decent murder mystery for jokes, keeping you hooked til the end.
Totally Killer is available on Prime Video
Jordy Reviews It 
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