Director: Jacob Ennis
Production Company: TuckyWood Productions
Genre: Horror Comedy
Synopsis: Look who Granny’s having for dinner!
Series: Standalone
Release Date: April 2015
Running Time: 70 minutes
Website: Click Here
Trailer: Click Here
Reviewed by: Reverend Leviathan
Final Score: 5 moons (out of 5)
Answering an in-home help ad, Abby leaves family and friends for a remote farmhouse in the country where her new employer is hiding some unusual hobbies. Soon Abby is plunged into a nightmare of hellish proportions – pitted against a clan of ruthless, amoral and degenerate flesh-eaters led by their murderous GRANNY!
Story
Mildred (Donna Swenson) is a nice old lady who has a few skeletons in her closet, quite literally. She is very religious but seems to overlook the commandment “thou shalt not kill,” and I’m not too sure that human flesh was considered clean meat. Her weapon of choice is an axe, and she always makes sure to wear a poncho so no blood gets on her clothes. Donna Swenson does an amazing job with this character, creating a combination of Miss Daisy from Driving Miss Daisy, Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs, and Betty White all rolled into Mildred. What’s really impressive is that this is her first movie.
Her grandson Jace (TJ Pack) looks after her and also assists with the killings and preparation of the bodies. At first I wasn’t sure if he was in on it, and that’s because the emotions portrayed by the actor come off so well, like the stuff his “Nanna” does is just routine and normal. He’s just laid back and ready to help in any way possible.
Abby (Alicia Clark) sees an online ad for a caretaker position and is interviewed by Mildred at her house out in the country. She seems nice enough but she does have a few rules: No swearing, no obscene TV programs, and no fornicating under her roof. But with her boyfriend Daniel (Jason Crowe) constantly asking for sex, what will happen if Abby does not follow Mildred’s rules?
Both Alicia Clark and Jason Crowe delve deep into their characters, and the relationship they have appears genuine. You can truly sense the frustration of Abby trying to respect Mildred’s wishes, and you get a few laughs from some comments and actions by Daniel being the annoying boyfriend, tempter and tease.
This movie could have ended no other way. It was not predictable and it continued with the humor and shock value throughout the movie. My jaw was dropped and then ensued laughter. (Hint: Sit through the credits!)
Presentation
I found out about this film at ScareFest 2014 and longed for its release this year; I was not disappointed! This movie truly showed the evolution of Jacob Ennis’s direction from his previous movies (Stash and Red River). The camerawork, lighting and editing were terrific. The musical score matched well with the scenes, especially in the flashback scene with Mildred. The change in lighting with the flashback (blurred) emphasized that it was a memory.
The horror aspects of the script came off as true horror. The blood and gore in the scenes were very graphic and did not come off as parody like some horror comedies. There were times that I was truly disgusted and grossed out, and I must say Granny used that axe pretty well.
The comedy of the movie did not overpower the horror; it truly complemented it. You’d see a very disturbing image or scene and then a situation or line would follow that would cause you to laugh. The script did a great job of balancing this and I found some parts of the movie very quotable.
Gothic Fit
Kill, Granny, Kill is very appealing for the Gothic viewer who has a love for horror comedy and tongue-in-cheek humor. But let me clarify that when I say “horror comedy” one should not think of the Scary Movie series, which were mainly comedies with horror themes. This movie has truly gruesome shots that are straight-up horror. The movie delivers great horror scenes with a few memorable one-liners that add the dark humor to the situation. The Goth community will definitely appreciate the nod to Edgar Allan Poe’s Fall of the House of Usher (whether intentional or unintentional I am not sure). As Goths, we’ll smile when we’re frightened and horrified, and then more laughter will ensue with the sadistic humor and lines that the characters deliver. And you can’t go wrong with an axe being the main murder weapon, especially when a little old lady is the one bearing it.
Closing Thoughts
Looking for a perfect blend of horror and humor, giggles and gore? Look no further! See the movie Kill, Granny, Kill or else Nanna might use your eyes for her next pot pie!
Story: 5 Moons
Presentation: 4 Moons
Gothic Fit: 4 Moons
Final Score (not an average): 5 Moons
