Tragedy Girls (2017) Review: A Bloody, Hilarious Hidden Gem

Last night I was just casually scrolling through Peacock, half-asleep and not expecting much, when I came across Tragedy Girls, a 2017 horror-comedy that somehow flew completely under my radar. The eye-catching bright pink poster with its cheeky tagline immediately stood out among all the usual blockbusters and reboots. I figured it would be a quick watch before bed, but two hours later I was wide awake, grinning, and already thinking about who I could recommend it to. This movie is an absolute blast, funny, gory, clever, and way more entertaining than most horror releases from that year. It’s a true hidden gem that horror fans should hunt down immediately.

The film centers on two inseparable high school best friends living in a quiet Midwestern town. These girls are obsessed with true crime stories, serial killers, and building their own slice of internet fame. They run a little online project dedicated to covering tragedies, which they call Tragedy Girls, and they’re determined to turn their passion into something bigger. When opportunity knocks in the form of local chaos, they dive headfirst into a wild, over-the-top adventure that escalates quickly. Without giving anything away, it becomes this wild mix of sharp social satire and classic slasher mayhem. The story pokes fun at how society and social media turn real tragedy into entertainment while delivering plenty of bloody, creative kills and dark laughs along the way. It feels fresh even years later, like a modern update on those ’90s teen horror-comedies but with a much meaner, more online edge.

What really sets Tragedy Girls apart is its perfect balance of tone. It’s genuinely funny without ever tipping into pure parody or slapstick. The humor comes from the characters’ outrageous ambitions and the absurdity of their situation, but it never undercuts the horror elements. The gore is satisfying and creative — think practical effects that look great and serve the story instead of just shocking you. At the same time, the movie has something smart to say about fame, viral culture, and how we consume tragedy for likes and followers. It’s commentary that still feels relevant today, maybe even more so. The pacing never drags thanks to the tight 98-minute runtime, and director Tyler MacIntyre keeps everything moving with sharp dialogue, great visuals, and a killer soundtrack that adds to the chaotic energy.

I found myself laughing out loud at some of the darker jokes while still jumping at a few well-timed scares. It captures that rare sweet spot where you’re rooting for the protagonists even when they’re doing terrible things, because their friendship and chaotic charm are so magnetic. The film never takes itself too seriously, but it also respects the horror genre enough to deliver real tension and memorable set pieces. If you love movies like Heathers, Ready or Not, or even the more satirical side of something like Scream, this one will feel right at home while still carving out its own identity.

The Cast

The performances are a huge part of why it all clicks. Brianna Hildebrand (Deadpool) and Alexandra Shipp (X-Men) are phenomenal as the lead duo. Their chemistry crackles on screen, they play the chaotic, ride-or-die best friends with so much charisma, unhinged energy, and believable teenage intensity that you buy every wild decision they make. Hildebrand brings this wild, unpredictable spark while Shipp nails the more calculated, ambitious side of their partnership. Together they carry the whole movie effortlessly. Jack Quaid (The Boys, Scream) adds a perfect grounded counterpoint as their friend who gets pulled into the madness; he’s awkward, relatable, and funny in that everyday way that keeps the story from flying completely off the rails. The supporting cast rounds things out nicely too, with Kevin Durand delivering a genuinely intimidating presence and other familiar faces popping in to add extra flavor and laughs.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Tragedy Girls is the kind of movie that reminds you why you love horror-comedies in the first place. It’s creative, energetic, and doesn’t waste a single minute. It flew under the radar back when it was released, probably because it doesn’t fit neatly into one box too funny for straight horror fans, too bloody for pure comedy crowds but that’s exactly what makes it special. In a streaming world full of formulaic content, this feels like a breath of fresh bloody air.

If you’re on Peacock and looking for something fun, different, and rewatchable, stop scrolling right now and watch Tragedy Girls. Where is the sequel?!