Since its earliest days, horror has done an excellent job of examining trauma. The real life terror that comes with psychological damage has the potential to tell a very impactful story. The Killgrin looks at the pain that people live with and how they attempt to live with it. After a deeply affecting personal tragedy, Miranda (Konstantina Mantelos, Anything for Jackson) begins attending a self-help group. She seeks further assistance from a spiritual healer only to learn that she is being followed by an entity known as a Killgrin. The force feeds on a person’s misery until it consumes them completely.
The Killgrin has an interesting pace – especially considering the themes it is dealing with. Things are constantly moving forward at a steady clip. With one noticeable exception involving a night spent drinking, there is no wasted motion. Every interaction adds to the characters or story. And the majority of the people involved are extremely important to the plot.
Yet, the film lacks a sense of urgency. The odd thing is everything feels like it is being done correctly. Miranda is flustered throughout The Killgrin as she tries to figure out exactly what is happening. As the bodies begin to pile up, she becomes more desperate and does things that she would not have done before. Gillian Fortin (Deadly Ex Next Door) who plays Miranda’s friend Andie does an even better job of showing the quiet torment of trying to hide from what is troubling you.
It just does not have the tension a movie like this should. One issue is one of the people Miranda meets at her group sessions. While there is nothing wrong with him, he brings too much levity. There are some laugh out loud moments involving him, but many of them undermine The Killgrin’s more serious nature.
That being said, it is engaging. The premise is a neat one and the tight story makes sure there are no lulls. The Killgrin stumbles towards the end leading to some nonsensical moments that take some of the steam out of the movie. Even then, it should not ruin anyone’s enjoyment.
The Killgrin comes to theaters and VOD April 25.
