Horror movies are known for exploring a vast landscape of fear, from psychological thrillers to monstrous mayhem. Yet, within this expansive genre, time travel remains a surprisingly underutilized concept. We’ve seen time loops in films like “Happy Death Day” and the haunting echoes of the past in series like “Fear Street Trilogy.” But the idea of actively traveling through time to alter events, particularly within a horror context, has been less explored.
Like many horror fans, I’ve longed for a movie that blends the time-bending narrative of “Back to the Future” with the chilling thrills of a slasher. Imagine the stakes: fixing the past not just to improve the future, but to survive a present stalked by a relentless killer. “Happy Death Day 2U” hinted at this potential, blurring genre lines with its sci-fi elements. But now, finally, it appears my wish has been granted with the arrival of “Totally Killer,” a movie that delivers on the promise of a time travel horror slasher.
“Totally Killer” plunges us into the life of Jamie Hughes, portrayed by Kiernan Shipka, who inadvertently journeys back to 1987. Her mission: prevent the Sweet Sixteen Killer from claiming victims, including her own mother in the future. The film cleverly uses time travel as a core plot device, propelling Jamie into a past she must navigate to protect her present.
Initially, the method of time travel in a horror movie felt secondary to the slasher premise. A teenager turning a photo booth into a time machine sounds outlandish. However, in “Totally Killer,” this quirky, almost whimsical approach to time travel perfectly complements the film’s lighthearted and fun 80s aesthetic. This unconventional time-travel mechanism amplifies the movie’s overall entertaining and slightly absurd tone, setting it apart from more serious sci-fi explorations of time manipulation.
Humor and 80s Dialogue: A Killer Combo
The film’s success hinges significantly on its humor and witty dialogue, making it far more than just a typical slasher. The script smartly leverages the comedic potential of contrasting the 1980s with the 2020s through Jamie’s contemporary perspective. The cultural clashes and generational differences are mined for consistent laughs, enhancing the entertainment value.
The writers skillfully highlight the shift in social norms between eras. From a casual, unwanted touch in 1987 being immediately labeled as such by Jamie (“unwanted touch!”) to a character’s outdated use of “lez,” met with Jamie’s quick correction about the coolness of gay people, the movie cleverly calls out the bigotry and ignorance prevalent in the 80s. These moments of social commentary are woven seamlessly into the comedic fabric of the film, adding depth to the humor.
Adding to the comedic chaos is the blatant disregard for rules and legality in the 1987 setting. The ease with which personal information is shared, a stark contrast to modern privacy concerns, is played for laughs. This exaggerated portrayal of 80s nonchalance amplifies the fish-out-of-water experience for Jamie and provides further comedic fodder.
Teenage Ineptitude vs. Time-Traveling Stakes
Another layer of enjoyment comes from the sheer ineffectiveness of the 1987 teenagers in protecting themselves. Jamie’s frantic attempts to warn her younger mother and her friends about the impending danger are met with typical teenage obliviousness.
Despite Jamie’s earnest warnings, the 1987 characters remain preoccupied with teenage pursuits: drugs, alcohol, and sex. Their reckless behavior, driven by hormones and youthful invincibility, constantly undermines Jamie’s efforts to alter the timeline. This comedic frustration builds to a point where Jamie, and perhaps the audience, might momentarily consider abandoning them to their fate. This dynamic adds a unique and humorous tension to the slasher narrative, making “Totally Killer” stand out.
Perfect Spooky Season Fodder
“Totally Killer” emerges as an ideal movie for the Halloween season, particularly for those who find traditional horror too intense. It leans into fun and suspense rather than outright terror, making it accessible to a broader audience.
Amazon and Blumhouse have crafted a film that successfully blends the self-aware humor of the “Scream” reboot with the body-swap comedy-horror of “Freaky,” all wrapped in a vibrant 80s aesthetic. From the witty dialogue to the engaging characters, “Totally Killer” offers something for everyone to enjoy. It’s a Movie About Time Travel that doesn’t take itself too seriously, delivering a killer good time.
So, gather your friends, pop some popcorn, and get ready for “Totally Killer.” This Halloween, time travel and slasher thrills combine for a truly killer experience.
