It’s hard to come up with a new idea for a horror film. This is what the three artists find in Killer Concept when they team up to write the screenplay for a project. It’s not just hard, it’s murder.
Seth (Coley Bryant) and Holly (Casey Dillard) bring in Mark (Glen Payne) to help bounce some ideas for a new screenplay they are writing based on a local serial killer. There are two big problems, though. The killer is still at large, meaning they won’t have an ending, and Mark is actually the guy doing the slaying.
As well as taking on the role of Mark, Payne directs this fun low budget piece, which highlights the struggle of integrity vs commerciality in horror filmmaking. Seth wants over the top, bloody kills, with plenty of naked nubile women. Holly is the voice of reason, who sees this clichéd approach for what it is, as well as being very disrespectful to the victims. Dillard is credited for the script, too, so it’s likely this is her battle cry against the industry itself.
Killer Concept comes alive when the writers’ are trying to formulate the story, and we’ve no doubt that the situation will ring true to many indie creatives. As things progress and we focus more on Mark’s intentions, the film loses its direction somewhat. However, Payne and his crew punch way above their weight to produce an enjoyable, if inconsistent, movie that proves you don’t need a big budget to make a fun flick.