My Review Of “21st Century Serial Killer”

“21st Century Serial Killer” (a.k.a. Killing Me) is directed by Henry Weintraub and is a dark satire on sociopathic tendencies, acceptable human behavior and practically avant pop culture cinema. The film stars Patrick O'Driscoll, Joe Von Appen, Sonya Davis, Jennifer Brian. The story follows fictional serial killer wannabe Aaron Schwartz who just wants to belong in this world-at least in the community of apex homicidal predators known as serial killers that is. The film plays with off-color diatribes of the dark and shadowy side of society. Those aspects with come to associate with psychotic murderers, blending elements of many of the notorious killers that have spread their handy work across this great land. The subject matter is a bit macabre considering this film is ripping with comedic folly.

“21st Century Killer” is a very strange, twisted tale that isn’t completely Americana psychotica but the attitude and possibly inappropriate nature of this little indie film is completely Americanized satire. The film starts a bit more like some black comedy melodrama with more in common with films like “Pecker” and “Dollhouse”. It has an atmosphere that is totally quirky but completely entertaining. I mean come on- a movie about a guy who has dreamed since childhood of becoming a serial killer! That is good stuff there! The actors are great on camera and as the story begins to pick up, and the mental state of these bizarre creatures start to unfold, the real fun, completely black satire kicks in. It makes the picture one really punk-rock, offbeat joyride. Plus Joy Von Appen is hilarious against Patrick O'Driscoll character.

“21st Century Serial Killer” is a cool film with some very funny moments. The social commentary, of our odd celebration of killers as icons, is weaved well within the plot in a devilishly delicious way-that isn’t preachy or uppity. There is gore and blood in the film, but it isn’t the focus, which keeps the film a little lighter than it could have been-it isn’t “American Psycho” but then again it isn’t trying to be. Some effects moments are notably on the cheap side but the film is so much fun to watch that I wasn’t really put off by it. Over all “21st Century Serial Killer” is a great little dark indie flick that I enjoyed.