From the opening scream scene, director Robyn August’s cleverly named KillHer captures the classic slasher film vibe and then finesses it into something original and entertaining. Once the main characters play a game listing stupid things people do in horror movies, it’s obvious KillHer knows exactly which boxes it needs to tick. And watching as those items are checked off is bloody good fun.
The film follows four women who head into the woods for a pre-bachelorette party. Why the woods? Because one of the ladies – Eddie, the outsider of the group – has arranged it so that they’re spending the weekend camping near Mattie’s fiancé, Jagger, and his friends.
The tension between Eddie and Mattie’s two other friends is so thick you could slice it with Michael Myers’ knife. Eddie’s idea of a good time conflicts with Jess and Rae’s, and they’re not shy about letting her know she’s not really a member of their little clique. Eddie, in return, isn’t shy about claiming the spot as Mattie’s current BFF while signaling they’re no more than unwanted guests intruding on her special weekend plans.
They eventually make it to a campsite, but along the way they’ve lost cell service and are unable to pull up GPS. They should turn back but don’t because Eddie insists she knows where they are. They spot a tent, assume it’s Mattie’s fiancé, and set up for what they’re hoping will be a fun-filled, sex-filled weekend.
Assuming anything when it comes to visiting an unfamiliar location is never a wise idea. That goes double when it comes to assuming you’ve picked the perfect spot to camp in the middle of nowhere. As it turns out the other tent belongs to Mr. Rogers, and he’s not interested in welcoming them to his neighborhood.
Even though things have a distinctly creepy vibe, no one pays attention to their recently recited stupid things people do in horror films list. That list included a warning not to split up, which is, of course, exactly what the foursome does.
That’s far from the only wrong move the unhappy campers make, as the weekend getaway turns into a struggle to get away from a psycho killer.
M.C. Huff, Emily Hall, Jenna Z, and Nicole Lovince are terrific as the four friends who make the incredibly unwise decision to party in the wilderness. KillHer’s screenwriter Tom Kiesche plays Mr. Rogers, the loner whose personal space is invaded by these clueless city dwellers. They’re annoyed by his presence, despite the fact he was there first, and he shows more patience than most people would at the intrusion.
Although the “stranger” tends to be the one to watch out for, Mr. Rogers is tough to dislike since he’s just an innocent bystander in these circumstances. Kiesche plays him as more of a sympathetic figure than you’d expect for this weird guy in the woods, which throws the attention off Mr. Rogers as the film’s killer.
So, who’s into slashing and dashing? Even if you figure out the twist early on, KillHer provides lots of grisly thrills and chills as it heads to a surprisingly satisfying final act.
GRADE: B
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Killher screened at the 2022 Screamfest Horror Film Festival held October 11th – 20th at TCL Chinese 6 Theatres in Los Angeles.
