Kill List

Kill List is a really creepy and uncomfortable film. Wheatley unflinchingly shows us bleak and souless parts of Britain and the horror really comes from the realism and not knowing where the film might go next and what you might see. The 2 leads are excellent, coming off as vulnerable even though they are both powerful and deadly forces in their own right. There are many comparisons to be made to other movies but all would spoil it so I would say Kill List is best watched with no prior knowledge or expectation.

Very surprised that the rating for this film has balanced out at 6.4 after twelve years (and that this will only be review no. 310). I don't even like Horror films but rated Kill List at 7-8/10 and fail to see how anyone could turn their nose up to this nasty, gritty little piece of work (many of the most recent reviews are a mystifying 1-3/10). It's psychological horror, rather than gore - although the 'hammer scene' is brutal and by all accounts still a production mystery - and, if the story elements weren't already disturbing enough, the brooding, menacing tension is amplified further by the haunting whistling, original sound design and jump editing style, which adds an intentionally rough edge to an already unpleasant mix. The cast are mostly strong, Neil Maskell powers it through from the first scene and the look on Gal's face in the car when the pair realise exactly what they've got themselves into says it all.

I find reading the reviews on this film a testament to what a work of art it really is. It's an action thriller that takes a left turn that rivals Takashi Miike's Audition and becomes something you won't see coming. But what the reviews here actually reveal is that the film can be interpreted in so many different ways. I found myself arguing with friends on what my slant was.

This is the key to a worthwhile piece of art. It prompts debate and promotes thought and interpretation. The performances, direction, and script all add up to a wondrously whole work of art.

See it for yourself and derive your own conclusions.

Now here's a film you need to view several times, but even then once you're through, you'll find the bell hasn't chimed, that the penny won't drop, there are parts you can't cop, you can look down the list, but answers you won't find. That all said, it's a pleasure enjoying the torment, a dislikeable man who with guns likes to outlet, a torturous soul, kind of scores an own goal, as his past catches up, and to hell he is sent.

Comprising fine performances for a low budget flick, you'll wonder what on earth you've missed when you get to the end and try to reform what you've witnessed into a whole - which you probably won't, as the numbers are irregular and don't add up.

I happen to enjoy movies that don't give you everything through every shot and make sure that every viewer sees all the cues. Kill List is one of those movies. I also happen to enjoy movies that make me feel uncomfortable and invaded. Kill List is also one of those movies.

You can read the other reviews and such to get the plot line and all of that. This is not a movie where you get all the details of what the hell is going on. It's very intimate, close shots, overlapping audio, use of sound to create a very uncomfortable atmosphere. The movie is about human psychology and plays on psychology to get you to feel a certain way. There are no jumps and scare tactics. But this film is brutal and unforgiving.

I loved it.