In the annals of horror cinema history, the masked killer at a remote summer camp is pretty standard. It takes a lot to introduce something new and fresh into the genre. Several have tried, many have failed. You Might Be the Killer from Screen Media is one of those success stories.
You Might Be the Killer tells the story of Sam, a mild and meek sort who returns to a secluded camp to prepare it for the arriving campers. After a blackout one night, Sam awakens horrified to find a massive body count consisting of his fellow counselors.
He leaves a message with the County Sheriff, advising of the situation and that they need help. With no callback, and seemingly running out of options, Sam calls the only person he can think of, his friend Chuck. Chuck is a movie buff who works at a hobby/comic shop. She is his perfect go to for all horror related situations. As Sam begins to piece together his memories, he realizes that he, may in fact, have been responsible for the slaughter.
Sam finds himself covered in blood and holding a huge weapon, adorned with bones. Clearly, no normal being would own a knife like this, and it obviously belongs to a psychopath.
You Might Be the Killer is a fun time. It doesn’t take itself to seriously and I think that is what makes it so great. It basically gives a middle finger to all the films that have tried to capitalize on the Friday the 13 th formula and failed miserably.
Another thing that makes this film great for horror fans is all the obscure references to horror films. While I was watching, Chuck makes a reference to Matt Cordell. Matt Cordell for those who don’t know, is the horribly disfigured main character in the cult classic Maniac Cop. I had to crack a smile because I knew I was dealing with filmmakers who were well versed in the genre.
Another thing that makes this film enjoyable is the way that the film is presented. Through Sam’s flashbacks and out of order. You almost feel like you’re discovering the macabre events at the same moment Sam figures them out. At first, it seems confusing, but the filmmakers did a great job tying it all together.
You Might Be the Killer stars Fran Kranz of The Cabin in the Woods as Sam. Alyson Hannigan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame stars as the ever-loveable Chuck.
What I found particularly interesting is that You Might Be the Killer was born out of a Twitter exchange between authors Chuck Wendig and Sam Sykes. Basically, in the thread they fleshed out the details for the film. You can read the exchange here.
You Might Be the Killer is currently available on Video on Demand and on the horror streaming service Shudder. This film definitely made it’s way onto my Top 10 for the year. I highly recommended it for horrorphiles. It combines the perfect mix of humor, slasher fun, and some inventive kills to keep you hooked. Definitely check this one out the first chance you get!
WICKED RATING: 8/10
Director: Brett Simmons
Writer(s): Sam Sykes, Chuck Wendig, Thomas P. Vitale, Brett Simmons
Starring: Alyson Hannigan, Fran Kranz, Brittany S. Hall
Length: 92 Minutes
