Cast
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Kacey Rohl
as Sabrina
Humberly González
as Rosario
Asha Bromfield
as Margo
Varun Saranga
as Ronnie
Nikki Duval
as Meg
Jonathan Langdon
as George
Lauren Collins
as Carrie
Linda Goranson
as Mrs. Blakeslee
Annie Chen
as Beth Ann
Brittany Bristow
as Jeanne
Kate Ross
as Whitney
Michael Xavier
as Jed
Spencer MacPherson
as Tom
Crew
Director
- Jem Garrard
Writer
- Suzanne Keilly
Producer
- Daniel Iron
- Armand Leo
Reviews
Wuchak
***A ten-year high school reunion interrupted by a warthog monstrosity...***
...that pretty much tells you everything you need to know about “Killer High” (2018), as far as plot goes. It’s a made-for-TV horror/comedy with several laugh-out-loud scenes and some interesting filming techniques, like angles and stills. The warthog monster is linked to the school’s mascot and it’s ferocious, but kinda goofy-looking. There’s a lot of quality gore, if that’s your thang.
The cast is ethnically diverse and likable, led by Kacey Rohl as the amusing protagonist who organizes the reunion. Varun Saranga and Asha Bromfield co-star as her main pals. On the female front, curvy cutie Niamh Wilson (Michelle) stands out, but she’s out of the picture after the first ten minutes. Lauren Collins (Carrie) is good, but they don’t do enough with her. Humberly González (Rosario) is striking, but she needs to eat some hamburgers.
The film runs about 90 minutes and was shot exclusively in-and-around a brick high school (I can’t find any location info). The opening reminded of my juvenile years breaking into our high school for kicks.
GRADE: C+ (5.5/10)
Nov 9, 2018
Thematic Analysis
This Horror/Comedy/TV Movie film explores themes of fear and survival, delving into the psychological aspects of human nature when confronted with the unknown. Killer High presents a unique perspective on the horror genre by focusing on the psychological terror rather than relying on typical jump scares.
Director Jem Garrard brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Killer High took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 120 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 206 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1193 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Killer High shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Prep Room, which focuses more on action than character development, Killer High offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like You Can Choose Your Friends and Demon explore similar territory, Killer High stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 20, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 27m
Where to Watch
