Horror sequels are a funny thing. Previous installments (and the genre in general) have trained audiences. They know that no movie is certain to be the end and no death is absolutely final. That still does not prevent many people from disappointingly saying, “Again?!!” That disapproval also does not prevent fans from going out and seeing further installments.
The Babysitter: Killer Queen from Netflix has not reached the point of over saturation. This is only the first sequel, after all. But it also was not one that people were clamoring to see another installment of, either. Much like any other horror sequel. The second movie takes place two years after the first. Cole is in high school and something of pariah. It is not long before Killer Queen’s major fault becomes apparent. Cole’s character is very inconsistent.
Initially, it seems like he is going to be the friendless butt of all jokes. The other students call him names and even the people he hangs out with make snide comments. He never really seems like the loser Killer Queen wants him to be. This is seen most in a scene involving an altercation at a campsite. He comes off as a confident hero.
Despite this misstep, Killer Queen is much better than its predecessor. The original never quite seemed to get the comedy/horror mix down. This led to an erratic story that could be funny, but was tonally off. The sequel resolves this issue by keeping tongue firmly planted in cheek. All the characters are over the top fun. Killer Queen makes sure to keep this levity even in the movie’s more serious moments. It gives a consistency to that was not in the previous installment.
THE BABYSITTER: KILLER QUEEN (L to R) ANDREW BACHELOR as JOHN, BELLA THORNE as ALLISON and ROBBIE AMELL as MAX in THE BABYSITTER: KILLER QUEEN. Cr. TYLER GOLDEN/NETFLIX © 2020
Colors pop off the screen and add to Killer Queen’s atmosphere. Vivid hues abound and the daytime scenes are especially bright. The parts of the movie set at night have a well polished look that horror movies do not use often. This is not a film that is ever dark and gritty. As fun as things can get, the movie is incredibly gory. Killer Queen has some of the most creative kills to be found on Netflix. These go to the extreme and gallons of blood cover the cast. These scenes can be very gruesome, but even then the sense of fun is never lost.
The Babysitter: Killer Queen does a great job of improving from the first one. For starters, it flows much better than the original. Despite its decidedly evil villains, the movie also has a light hearted feel to it. Gore hounds will love the blood and guts. This is not just a film for fans of horror, however. Killer Queen will be a great watch for anyone who wants a fun diversion.
