In the uproarious collision of “Halloween” and “Back to the Future,” director Nahnatchka Khan crafts a delightful spectacle called “Totally Killer.” This audacious genre blend marries fish-out-of-water hilarity with time-travel sci-fi, all under the 80s Halloween night sky.
The heart of the film is the charismatic Kiernan Shipka, who effortlessly masters both snappy banter and complex emotional shifts. As Jamie Hughes, she catapults from a rebellious teen to a determined investigator. Shipka’s presence injects life into the movie, making it an entertaining watch despite its weak horror elements.
Set on Halloween night in 2023, Jamie Hughes, portrayed by Shipka, inadvertently finds herself in 1987 through a time machine mishap. Armed with the knowledge of a past murder spree, Jamie embarks on a mission to prevent the chilling Sweet Sixteen Killings. However, her attempts to warn the town, packed with era-specific quirks and stereotypes, are met with disbelief.
“Totally Killer” stands out for its astute observations about small-town life and the pitfalls of peaking too early in high school. In a clever twist, the film periodically flashes forward to the present, offering a contrast between the stagnant past and the evolving present. This narrative choice adds depth, exploring the stagnation that can occur in insular communities.
The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to balance humor and cruelty, evident in the witty script by David Matalon, Sasha Perl-Raver, and Jen D’Angelo. Noteworthy is Olivia Holt’s portrayal of the young Pam, perfectly capturing the essence of her character. The movie delves into the intricacies of teenage dynamics, intertwined with Jamie’s desperate attempts to alter the course of history.
While the horror sequences lack finesse and sophistication, the focus remains on Jamie’s resourcefulness as the final girl. The identity of the murderer pales in comparison to the resilience displayed by the film’s protagonist. In “Totally Killer,” the ’80s are not glamorized; instead, they serve as a backdrop to explore the strength and determination of a young woman out of her time, making it a thoroughly enjoyable watch.