‘Catch A Killer’ Review – A Creatively Motivated Thriller With An Affinity For Horror Films [55th Nashville Film Festival]

Synopsis: When Otto’s derailed on his way to becoming the city’s youngest detective, he stays inthe police business as a bioremediation specialist cleaning up after a serial killer. With an uncanny knowledge of horror films and his natural -born instincts, Otto , and his pregnant girlfriend Lex , crack the code to where the killer is going to strike next…now they just gotta catch him.

More than ever before, be careful who you date. From what I observe, along with my own past experiences, the dating landscape has changed drastically. No one seems to trust anyone, everyone’s guard is up, and there’s simply just a bunch of weirdos with ulterior motives. Not to mention, the culture has morphed into a shell of its former self severely favoring hookups over love. Moreover, with random sex comes unintended pregnancy and an unwanted lifelong connection that was supposed to be momentary. You might even end up in a fatal attraction situation leaving looking over your shoulder constantly and avoiding social media. The choice is yours. You can take it seriously or potentially end up on someone’s list.

“We have a serial killer?”

Your endless knowledge of movies may come in handy one day. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Written and directed by Teddy Grennan, Catch a Killer is a creatively motivated thriller with an affinity for horror films. If you’re a fan of slashers, you’re in good company. This story is crafted for those who enjoy and pay attention to the small details. It’s for audiences who not only love the horror genre but who make it part of their identity. As Grennan pays homage to the genre classics, he forges his own path while borrowing a few key ingredients. Its unique character choices, creative plot, and eye-catching opening credits firmly grab your attention. Furthermore, its tone and setting are perfect for the unfolding grim events.

Catch a Killer doesn’t quite fill the spooky void, but it does satiate the hunger for a dark crime thriller. As bodies have dropped in curious ways over a two-year period, Otto, who was kicked off the police force, realizes that each death coincides with his love of movies. It gives off Scream vibes at times. While the film may not explore its horror aspects as deeply as it could, it leaves room for an interesting future. Because of the fiery yet somewhat loose motive, a sequel from the killer’s perspective would be incredibly interesting.

“I’m going to kill him.”

As each kill triggers a bit of horror nostalgia and the mystery grows as to how the killer brutally murders and escapes unseen, the life our protagonist is attempting to build is in jeopardy. When the time comes, can Otto do what is necessary to end it all? Even if you solve the thriller’s mystery earlier than you’d like, the grounded look and eerily relevant way the bloodthirsty perpetrator finds their way inside homes is terrifying. While there could’ve been more kills or at least visuals of all of the ones mentioned, events eventually ramp up. Moreover, the film truly thrives in its last twenty-five minutes. Its climax is explosive, the energy reaches peak levels, and you’re left with pressing questions. Catch a Killer isn’t perfect but its potential is worth experiencing. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pace & Pop

The film’s pacing falls somewhere in genre limbo as it has one foot in horror and the other comfortably in mystery thriller. It harbors a certain urgency while also taking time to visually and cerebrally terrify its viewer. What popped for me was the film’s admiration for the horror genre. I won’t go into too much detail as it plays a crucial role in the film’s outcome, but it’s appreciated.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Sam Brooks, Tu Morrow, Tommi Rose, Michael Weaver, Conner Ann Waterman, and Joshua Leonard

While the performances ping-pong between decent and over-the-top, they work well enough and harbor enough heart and authenticity to sell us on mayhem. Sam Brooks doesn’t quite exude detective, however, he does deliver determined, obsessive, and panic. The last act is where performances shine the brightest. The chemistry ebbed and flowed resulting in mostly lukewarm interactions. Nonetheless, Brooks is who you’re watching and enamored by.

Catch a Killer premiered at the 55th Nashville Film Festival and is playing at the Atlanta Horror Film Fest next. Stay safe and don’t accept random packages.

Rated: NR Runtime: 1h 20m Director: Teddy Grennan Writer: Teddy Grennan Producers: Burton Gray, Teddy Grennan, Bennett Krishock Executive Producers: Heath Franklin, Ande Grennan, Gill Holland, David Perdue, Jeff Steen Cinematography: Christopher Walters Score: Jacques Brautbar