What happens when “Halloween” meets “Back to the Future?” Dive into the delightful and clever world of “Totally Killer.”
Nahnatchka Khan, known for her past works like “Always Be My Maybe” and “Fresh Off the Boat,” unleashes a genre-blending rollercoaster that marries the fish-out-of-water humor with mind-bending time-travel science fiction in “Totally Killer.” While it wears its horror mask, it’s the humor, wit, and the time-twisting sci-fi elements that truly shine in this inventive flick. Though the scares may not be the most hair-raising, the film manages to keep you hooked with its sprightly charm.
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Kiernan Shipka: The Driving Force
At the heart of “Totally Killer” lies the magnetic Kiernan Shipka. Her effortless command of quick-witted dialogue and her seamless transition between the different emotional tones demanded by the script, penned by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver, and Jen D’Angelo, anchor the film. From a rebellious teen to a grieving daughter to a determined investigator, Shipka’s performance is nothing short of impressive.
A Night to Remember: The Plot Unfolds
It’s Halloween night in 2023, and Jamie Hughes (played by Shipka) is gearing up for a night out with her friends. Her mother, Pam (portrayed by Julie Bowen), is understandably anxious about Jamie’s safety. The town they live in has been haunted by the gruesome Sweet Sixteen Killings, which occurred thirty-five years ago on Halloween night. However, Jamie’s life takes an unexpected turn when she accidentally time-travels back to 1987. In this past era, she believes she has the power to prevent the murders and rewrite history.
But here’s the twist: no one believes her, including the bumbling local sheriff, played hilariously by Randall Park. As Jamie navigates the shock of the past, from antiquated gender norms to the prevalence of smoking, the film cleverly avoids clichés and offers a soundtrack that diverges from typical ’80s movie tunes.
Jamie’s Mission: Bridging the Gap
Jamie’s mission is twofold: she must connect with the potential victims and reconcile with her teenage mother, who turns out to be the ringleader of the mean girls. Olivia Holt shines in the role of young Pam, nailing both the humor and the cruelty required of her character. Amidst big hair and Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers, Jamie attempts to explain the impending doom, based on horror movie tropes. Predictably, nobody takes her seriously.
Nostalgia Meets Reality
“Totally Killer” isn’t just about reliving the past; it’s about critiquing the idea that the ’80s were simpler and superior. The film cleverly flashes back to the present day while Jamie is trapped in 1987. It also takes a poignant look at the limitations of small-town life and how peaking in high school can keep people tethered to the past. The characters’ intertwined lives and Shipka’s deadpan reactions puncture the facade of nostalgia.
The Thrills and Chills: Slasher Dissection
While “Totally Killer” excels in humor and time-bending, the slasher elements fall short. The murder scenes lack finesse and sophistication, with one particularly gruesome scene involving a waterbed coming off as sloppy. The identity and motive of the murderer pale in comparison to the resourceful final girl who emerges as the true hero.
Prime Video’s Time Capsule
“Totally Killer” is available now on Prime Video, inviting viewers to embark on a journey that fuses Halloween, time-travel, and humor into a memorable cinematic experience.
Don’t Miss the Time-Traveling Halloween Hilarity: “Totally Killer” is a Must-Watch Delight!
