Departing Seniors is a 2024 horror-comedy that breathes new life into the teen slasher genre by centering queer and POC experiences, blending supernatural intrigue with biting social commentary and genuine heart. Directed by Clare Cooney and written by Jose Nateras, the film follows Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio), a queer Mexican-American senior navigating the treacherous final days of high school—where the real dangers aren’t just bullies, but a masked killer stalking the halls.
Plot Overview
Javier, a witty and awkward high schooler, is counting down the days to graduation alongside his best friend Bianca (Ireon Roach). After a brutal bullying incident lands him in the hospital, Javier discovers he’s developed psychic abilities: by touching people or objects, he can glimpse their pasts or futures. These powers quickly become vital as a series of apparent suicides rocks the school, but Javier suspects something far more sinister—a killer is making their classmates’ deaths look like suicides.
As Javier and Bianca dig deeper, they must contend not only with the escalating body count but also with the insidious culture of bullying, racism, and homophobia that permeates their school. The killer, donning a chilling drama club mask, is always one step ahead, forcing Javier to use his newfound abilities to try and prevent further tragedy.
Characters and Performances
- Javier (Ignacio Diaz-Silverio): A refreshing lead—openly gay, Mexican-American, and unapologetically himself. Diaz-Silverio brings warmth, humor, and vulnerability to the role, making Javier instantly relatable and easy to root for.
- Bianca (Ireon Roach): The wisecracking best friend whose chemistry with Javier is the film’s emotional anchor. Roach’s performance is vibrant and scene-stealing, providing levity even as the stakes rise.
- Supporting Cast: The ensemble includes bullies like Trevor (Cameron Scott Roberts) and Ginny (Maisie Merlock), closeted jock Brad (Sasha Kuznetsov), and the sympathetic teacher Mr. Arda (Yani Gellman), each contributing to the film’s exploration of high school hierarchies and prejudices.
Themes and Style
Departing Seniors stands out for its willingness to tackle heavy themes—bullying, racism, homophobia, and mental health—without sacrificing entertainment value. The film cleverly masks its murders as suicides, a morbidly brilliant device that adds urgency and commentary on how real-life tragedies can be overlooked or misinterpreted.
The supernatural element, reminiscent of The Dead Zone, gives the story a unique twist. Javier’s psychic visions are both a blessing and a curse, providing tantalizing clues but never the whole picture, which keeps the tension high.
Visually, the film is polished and colorful, with Cooney’s direction ensuring every scene pops. The balance of horror and humor is deftly handled, making for a viewing experience that is as fun as it is suspenseful.
Strengths
- Representation: A queer, POC-led story that feels authentic and necessary in the genre.
- Chemistry: The friendship between Javier and Bianca is the film’s beating heart.
- Inventive Premise: Psychic powers and a killer hiding behind the guise of suicide add fresh layers to the slasher formula.
- Blend of Tones: Successfully mixes scares, laughs, and emotional beats without feeling forced.
Weaknesses
- Some supporting characters are thinly drawn, serving more as archetypes than fully fleshed-out individuals.
- The rules around Javier’s psychic abilities can feel a bit loose, and the supernatural element sometimes fades into the background as the climax approaches.
- The horror elements (i.e., the kills) aren’t especially inventive, and the murder mystery itself is more a vehicle for character exploration than a tightly plotted whodunit.
Final Verdict
Departing Seniors is a vibrant, heartfelt, and sharply relevant addition to the teen slasher canon. It’s not just a horror film—it’s a story about survival, identity, and friendship in the face of systemic hatred. While it may not reinvent every wheel, its commitment to representation and character-driven storytelling makes it a standout for 2024.
Rating: 2/5
Smart, funny, and full of heart—this is a slasher for a new generation, and one you won’t want toant to miss.