A young woman of seventeen (Kiernan Shipka) is determined to prevent a masked killer from repeating crimes that occurred thirty-five years prior in a Washington town. “Totally Killer” (2023) delivers an entertaining and lively slasher film, full of references to the 1980s. Describing it further would spoil key aspects of the story, which are best experienced firsthand. It combines elements reminiscent of films suc…

Totally Killer combines elements of 1980s aesthetics with a playful slasher movie style. The concept isn’t flawed, and for the most part, it succeeds—though only in a basic way. The film is made well enough, but some essential cinematic components needed to propel the story forward feel somewhat inadequate. The 80's-inspired aspects, which are meant to be a central feature, don't have much personality. There is…