“Killer Book Club,” the 2023 thriller that has been making waves on streaming platforms, is a film that attempts to blend horror and suspense with a touch of dark academia. Directed by Carlos Alonso Ojea, the movie follows a group of eight college friends who share a love for horror and find themselves entangled in a real-life nightmare.
The premise is intriguing: a killer clown, aware of a grim secret the friends share, begins to eliminate them one by one. This plot device is reminiscent of classic slasher films, but “Killer Book Club” tries to stand out by incorporating elements of the horror-loving protagonists’ literary interests into the killings.
The film’s cast, including Veki Velilla and Álvaro Mel, deliver strong performances that anchor the narrative. Their portrayal of the group’s dynamic and the unraveling of their friendship under duress adds depth to what could have been flat characters. The movie’s atmosphere is crafted with care, utilizing stylized lighting and settings that contribute to an overall sense of tension and unease.
However, the film is not without its shortcomings. Critics have pointed out that while there is talent in the production, it often feels unfocused and derivative of genre classics like “Scream.” The attempts at jump-scares are described as predictable, and the plot twists lack the originality needed to truly captivate the seasoned horror aficionado.
Despite these criticisms, “Killer Book Club” offers a captivating experience for those who enjoy a blend of horror and suspense. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it does provide a solid entry into the slasher genre with a literary twist. For viewers looking for a new horror flick to watch, “Killer Book Club” might just be worth the read.
In the Nutshell
“Killer Book Club,” tried very hard to stand out from “The Scream”. But at the end, it is just another copy of “The Scream” from Spain. [2 out of 5].
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Genre: Slasher
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