This Halloween season, Amazon released a totally killer horror movie: Totally Killer. In a way, the movie is a modern, horror take on Back To The Future. With the main protagonist, Jamie, even referencing herself as Marty McFly part way through the film. Totally Killer premiered on September 28th, 2023 and has since been racking up views thanks to its great ratings including an 87% on Rotten Tomatoes.
We’re rehashing some cool aspects that this film delivers to viewers, so be prepared for spoilers ahead.
Taking place in the year 2023, the movie opens with a narrator recollecting the murders that took place in the small town of Vernon in October of 1987. The film, released as an Amazon original, opens with some visually appealing dioramas of the murders of 3 teenage girls. This opening monologue is revealed to be narrated by the town’s resident podcaster and tour guide, Chris Dubusage. In this way, we are revealed the story of the Sweet 16 serial killer who stabbed his victims 16 times.
Jamie, played by Kiernan Shipka of Sabrina fame, faces the recent murder of her mother in the present. Believing the Sweet 16 killer to be back after a 35 year hiatus, the town of Vernon goes on high alert. Until one night, Jamie, while being chased by the Sweet 16 killer, travels back in time to 1987 via her friend’s time machine.
Believing she can help prevent the future death of her mother, Jamie sets off to take down the Sweet 16 killer before he can kill his original 3 victims. While in 1987, Jamie meets younger versions of her parents, school faculty, and other townspeople.
The film includes many odes to 1980s films. For instance, Jamie’s last name is “Hughes” , a note to John Hughes of Ferris Bueller, Weird Science, and Uncle Buck fame. Additionally Jamie’s mom, Pam, is a part of a girl group called the “Mollys”. Not only is this an ode to Molly Ringwald, but also to The Heathers. Plus, there are several Back To The Future references throughout the film as well.
In terms of gore, Totally Killer nails the 1980s slasher aesthetic. Since the killer stabs his victims 16 times, you can expect a lot of blood. Also, there is a waterbed kill which may be a nod to Nightmare On Elm Street. This level of gore helped to contribute to the film’s “R” rating.
Totally Killer has a few jumpscares, but since we already know who is going to die it isn’t overly scary. As an audience, we are prepared for the murders. This level of dramatic irony makes the film enjoyable and differentiates from a lot of other horror films. This film is a great one for someone that likes retro movies and is looking to get into the horror genre.
Spoilers Ahead
We were able to guess the killer(s), thanks to some subtle hints here and there. It’s a fun mystery to try and figure out, and there are actually two killers. One is the original and the other the modern day killer.
So, who ends up being the killer in Totally Killer? The original killer who ended up killing 3 of the Mollys in 1987, is Doug Summers. Present Doug is actually Jamie’s principal. Doug kills the 3 girls after they unintentionally killed his girlfriend, Trish, when they encouraged her to drive drunk.
As for the present day killer of Jamie’s mom, Pam, that would be: Chris Dubusage. Chris, fearing that interest in the murders and his podcast has been dying down, decides to reignite interest in the Sweet 16 killer through the murder of Pam Hughes.
All in all, the film represented the 1980s well through its hair and makeup, costumes, soundtrack, and dialogue. It had a cast familiar with the horror thriller genre like Kiernan Shipka from Sabrina and Lochlan Munro from Riverdale.
You can watch Totally Killer on Amazon Prime Video.