In Totally Killer, teenager Jamie Hughes is thrust back in time to 1987 after encountering a mysterious killer in her present day. Using a time-travel device invented by her best friend’s mother, she finds herself in the same small town but during the height of ’80s culture. Jamie’s goal is to prevent a series of murders committed by the so-called “Sweet Sixteen Killer”—a spree that began in her time and killed her mother’s friends in the past. As Jamie adjusts to the era’s cultural shock, she interacts with the teenage versions of her mom and her friends, who are dramatically different from what she expected. Jamie must solve the mystery of the killer’s identity while navigating the past without altering it too drastically, facing issues of the Butterfly Effect and the consequences of meddling with time. The film blends slasher horror with sci-fi time travel, offering commentary on ’80s culture while raising the stakes with the looming presence of the serial killer.
Totally Killer
Gravity Index: 5
Totally Killer strikes a middle ground, blending slasher thrills, time-travel twists, and comedic moments. While it introduces the idea of altering the past and playing with alternate timelines, the film keeps the tone light and engaging, without digging too deeply into the ethical or philosophical ramifications of time travel. Expect an entertaining, fast-paced movie with a mix of scares, humor, and nostalgia rather than profound existential exploration.
Tone:
Totally Killer combines elements of horror, slasher thrills, and time-travel sci-fi with a healthy dose of humor. The film doesn’t take itself too seriously, using its ’80s nostalgia and slasher setups to deliver both tension and laughs. While there are stakes involving life-or-death situations, the comedic and lighthearted moments keep the tone from being too dark.
Consequence:
The time-travel elements in Totally Killer involve significant consequences, as the protagonist, Jamie, inadvertently alters the timeline by going back to 1987 to prevent a serial killer from starting his murder spree. Her actions affect her relationships and the future, though these changes are explored within the film’s relatively light framework, and reversals are possible.
Depth:
While Totally Killer uses time travel as a key plot device, it doesn’t dive deeply into the mechanics or philosophical implications of altering the past. The film briefly touches on the Butterfly Effect, but primarily uses time travel to create engaging, entertaining situations rather than explore complex theories. The story focuses more on how the characters navigate the retro ’80s culture than on deep scientific or existential questions.