Synopsis: When a renowned private investigator is murdered, his protege takes on the case. As her investigation unfolds, she is forced into a dangerous alliance with his killer to uncover the town’s grisly secrets and bring justice to its victims.
You never know who you’re going to make a connection with, life is interesting that way. Once linked, that bond could be momentary or everlasting, serve a purpose, or seemingly be a waste of time, either way, you should embrace it. No matter the substantive nature of the situation, the amount of knowledge gained can be applied to your daily life. You may even fundamentally disagree with this person on almost everything, but the one thing you’ll always have in common is this imperfect experience we call existence.
“Bad people did bad things to you and they need to be punished.”
If it seems too good to be true, prepare for the possibility that it probably is. In other words, free meals from fancy strangers may come with a catch and no release. Directed by Jon Keeyes, Cult Killer is a potential-packed crime thriller that deserves more time. Featuring all the trimmings of a grim classic, this hunt for the truth could’ve been a gloomy unofficial entry in the Hostel franchise. Unfortunately, this film is a bit of a letdown as it would’ve been better suited as a mini-series. Filled to the brim with themes, storylines, and characters that fail to be fully fleshed out or explored, the result is an over-prepped and undercooked finished product. Not to mention, it doesn’t quite live up to its title. While it still maintains decent entertainment value and intrigue level, if it fully committed to one of its core focuses whether it be sexual assault survivors, trafficking, revenge, or taking down an evil cult, it outshines others of similar content.
“I’m so bored. We need something to play with.”
Cult Killer shines when it’s at its darkest. When it’s delving into the psyche of its revenge-fueled killer, scoping the memories of the tortured detective, or allowing its twist to live, that’s when it’s at its best. Paired with its grey Ireland setting and its tone that is void of any joy, the spark is there, it just needs more room to breathe. There are moments of great cinematography and the performances are enjoyable, but the writing is just okay. Despite the negatives, I can see plenty of people enjoying this film. Its rewatchability is medium.
Pace & Pop
The pacing of this film is perfect for the kind of plot that is presented. Nevertheless, the story is so jam-packed with subplots that it sometimes feels too quick. What popped for me was the film’s eerie tone. While predictable in multiple moments, the overall sense of dread and unease keeps
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Alice Eve, Shelley Hennig, Olwen Fouéré, Nick Dunning, Kim DeLonghi, Paul Reid, Matthew Tompkins
Despite some of the film’s shortcomings, the performances were mostly on target. While the presence of Antonio Banderas is minimal throughout, it’s impactful and leaves you wanting more. Alice Eve makes an argument for a longer runtime as she shines in each scene. Her chemistry with Shelley Hennig is what keeps the film afloat. Their trauma-bonded cat-and-mouse relationship is highly entertaining even with Hennig’s character not quite fitting the tone of the story. And lastly, Olwen Fouéré’s character is terrifying in the worst way, she’s just bored.
Cult Killer is now playing in theaters. Stay safe and don’t join cults.
Rated: R Runtime: 1h 44m Director: Jon Keeyes Writer: Charles Burnley Producers: Conor Barry, Jordan Beckerman, Richard Bolger, Richard Clabaugh, Jordan Yale Levine, Michael J. Rothstein Executive Producers: Stephen Braun, Lee Broda, Colby Cote, Grady Craig, Aden Darmody, Luke Daniels, Nicholas Donnermeyer, Kurt Ebner, Patrick Heaphy, Matthew Helderman, Will Hirschfeld, Grant S. Johnson, Tyler W. Konney, Jesse Korman, Jason Kringstein, Scott Levenson, David Nazar, Jonathan Saba, Richard Switzer, Luke Taylor, Kade Thomas, Jeffrey Tussi, Jonathan Zuck Co-executive Producers: Kurt Fethke, Kurt Fethke Line Producer: Catherine O’Flaherty Associate Producer: Thomas K Richards Score: Gerry Owens Director of Photography: Austin F. Schmidt Editing: R.J. Cooper Production Design: Ferdia Murphy Costume Design: Gemma Keenan
https://youtube.com/watch?v=EkokZviBqZM%3Fsi%3DSij7i9ZMkhCM7lz8
Cult Killer is a potential-packed crime thriller that deserves more time.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
