Totally Killer Movie

The film Totally Killer doesn't shy away from its influences, drawing from classic horror tropes while attempting to put a fresh spin on familiar themes. In this 105-minute movie, directed by Nanatchka Khan and written by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver, and Jen D’Angelo, the audience is taken on a journey that combines elements of suspense, time travel, and teenage drama.

At the center of the narrative is Jamie, brought to life by the talented Kiernan Shipka, an average teenager with a mother named Pam (Julie Bowen). However, Pam continues to be tormented by the horrific events of 36 years ago when her friends fell victim to the merciless "Sweet Sixteen Killer." When signs suggest that this malevolent figure may have returned, Jamie's anxiety intensifies, compelling her to embark on a personal mission to confront the looming threat.

With the help of her genius friend, Amelia (Kelcey Mawema), Jamie uses a makeshift time machine to travel back to 1987 with the goal of preventing the killer's reign of terror. To do so, she must befriend the younger Pam, played by Olivia Holt, and her friends. However, her interactions in the past lead to unexpected revelations about her parents and others, challenging her perceptions.

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While Totally Killer may not break new ground in the horror genre, it maintains a sense of entertainment throughout. The film openly pays homage to classics like Scream and Back to the Future, seamlessly incorporating references into the script. A hint of "Big" can also be felt, as the time machine is cleverly hidden within a photo booth at a run-down amusement park.

Whether these references are seen as creative nods or as unoriginal borrowing from previous films is subjective. Some may view it as a homage to the legacy of "Scream," known for its meta-referential style, while others might see it as lacking originality. The killer's mask, for instance, while eerie, falls short of the iconic status achieved by the Scream franchise.

Kiernan Shipka's performance as Jamie shines, even when dealing with a somewhat formulaic storyline. She fully commits to her character, selling even the most outlandish scenarios. Olivia Holt delivers a commendable supporting performance, navigating various emotional arcs with ease. Although Julie Bowen has limited screen time, she effortlessly embodies her character, drawing from her experience on Modern Family.

As the Halloween season approaches, Totally Killer joins the array of horror-themed films. While it may not introduce groundbreaking elements to the genre, it serves as a watchable and enjoyable option for a spooky October evening.

Fair Play Movie

Following its remarkable unveiling at Sundance earlier this year, Chloe Domont's Fair Play has now made its international debut at TIFF. This captivating romantic thriller, situated in the realm of high finance, revolves around the gradual unraveling of a secretive romance between two hedge fund analysts. Remarkably, the film's compelling intensity endures over time, a testament to the commanding performances delivered by Phoebe Dynevor and the resolute creative direction of writer/director Chloe Domont.

The narrative introduces us to Emily (played by Kiernan Shipka), an analyst working in a cutthroat New York financial firm. She stands on a cold ledge at a party, isolated and contemplative, until Luke (the ever-charming Alden Ehrenreich), her co-worker and secret lover, joins her. Luke escorts her into the party, his brother's wedding, where Emily's allure is immediately acknowledged. However, their relationship goes far deeper than appearances suggest. Their chemistry is electric, and a passionate engagement is hastily forged, marked by a serendipitous discovery of a ring and a shared intensity.

The following day, as they awaken on their apartment floor after another night of passion, their lives seem intricately connected. They share an unspoken understanding as they prepare for the day, dressed impeccably in their power suits, with Emily adding six-inch heels to her attire. They part ways as they head to the train, a strategic move to conceal their romance, which violates company policy. Both aspire to climb the corporate ladder, hungry for promotions. However, when an unexpected turn of events occurs, and Luke is passed over for a promotion he believed was his, their carefully planned careers and romance begin to derail.

Chloe Domont's tightly woven script, combined with her skillful direction, subtly portrays the disintegration of this relationship. Through subtle alterations in dialogue and powerful visual cues, the film effectively illustrates the couple's decline. What once was an intertwined existence evolves into rigidly separate lives, ultimately leaving Emily alone on the couch. Their growing chasm becomes palpable.

The film drops breadcrumbs about the differing economic backgrounds of Emily and Luke. Both are Ivy League graduates, but Emily hails from Long Island and earned a scholarship to reach her current position. She has had to navigate sexism in her career that Luke, with his privileged background, can hardly fathom. However, he begins to weaponize this very sexism against her. Luke, influenced by a motivational speaker's misogynistic teachings, employs these tactics to undermine Emily's confidence, even critiquing her attire and business acumen.

While they are equally capable and dedicated to their work, Emily's instincts and work ethic make her a superior employee. Yet, Luke clings to a sense of entitlement, believing he deserves the job and life he desires simply because he yearns for it. This entitlement starkly contrasts with Emily's reality, where she has tirelessly worked her way up.

Domont delves into the dynamics of their relationship, both professionally and sexually. Initially, their passion is mutual and unrestrained, with Luke prioritizing Emily's pleasure. However, as Emily's star rises at work, Luke's resentment emerges, leading to impotence, sexual manipulation, and even force. Though the metaphor is occasionally on-the-nose, it effectively conveys that male violence is a sign of weakness, not strength.

Alden Ehrenreich skillfully portrays Luke's transformation from a supportive partner to a menacing adversary, but the film undoubtedly belongs to Phoebe Dynevor. Her performance as Emily is a tour de force, marked by her ability to convey a reserved exterior in public, contrasting with the freer version of herself shared with Luke. As stress mounts both at work and in their relationship, Dynevor's controlled expressions gradually give way to moments of anger, joy, and stress, providing glimpses into the strain of her double life.

Ultimately, Fair Play builds to a climactic scene reminiscent of George Cukor's Gaslight, channeling the dynamics of manipulation and power within a couple's private and public spheres. Domont's homage to the classic is well-executed, capturing the essence of the term without explicitly uttering it.

While the film occasionally dips into theatricality, featuring grand monologues and repetitive settings, Chloe Domont's masterful command of slow-burning tension, astute exploration of power dynamics, and the exceptional performances she elicits establish her as a director with a distinctive voice.

This review was penned during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. "Fair Play" is set to hit theaters on September 29th and will be available on Netflix from October 6th.