This fun, overlooked slasher has been given a welcome release from Treasured Films with an impressive host of extras.
Summer camp counsellor Sam (Fran Kranz) rings his best friend Chuck (Alyson Hannigan) in a panic as his colleagues have all been brutally murdered by an axe-wielding maniac. Knowing the slasher film tropes, Chuck attempts to help Sam escape the terrifying situation. As the conversation continues and they try to put the pieces of the terrible night together, the pair realise that the killer might well be Sam himself.
Despite the title almost being the biggest spoiler we’ve seen, You Might Be the Killer punches above its humble budget when it comes to the gore. There’s also a lighter tone than your average camp-based shocker. It never resorts to parody, although the genre-savvy Chuck provides a Scream-type knowingness that acts as more of a wink to the audience than lifting from the Wes Craven classic. Buffy star Hannigan plays another quirky character (who works at a geek emporium named Rings of Saturn) that will please her fans and keep the story flowing through the reverse narrative. However, the practical effects are what make the film. They are bloody and icky, with the ‘Wood Carver Killer’ clad in a memorable mask and carrying a unique-looking weapon cutting an imposing figure (that’s the complete opposite of Sam). Director Brett Simmons captures the feel of the early-‘80s summer camp slashers but keeps it grounded very much in the here and now. He adopts plenty of techniques synonymous with the subgenre, like the POV through the mask, and has a varied group of councillors to kill off.
The Blu-ray contains an impressive array of extras to accompany the superb presentation of the movie. As well as new interviews with many of the talent involved in the production, including Simmons, Kanz, and final girl Jenna Harvey, there’s a fun new commentary from the team at The Hysteria Continues! and a reflection on the comedy meta-slashers from genre expert Darrell Buxton. The limited edition package also includes a booklet and slipcase with artwork from Mariano Matthos., Treasured Films has really pushed the boat for such an under-the-radar movie.
