When the Screaming Starts

There is a fine line between laughing and crying. When The Screaming Starts straddles this line, gently rocking itself side to side, possibly whilst holding it's knees.

At a time when serial killer fetishism seems to be at an all time high, When The Screaming Starts pokes fun at the nature of the mastermind killer whilst making us ask questions of ourselves as the audience for why we find more interest in the murderers tale than the victims.

A deep reverence for horror is abundent throughout the film, whilst rarely falling into the outright horror genre itself.

FFO: What We Do In The Shadows, Deathgasm, Creep 2.

Good jokes. That's ALL a good comedy needs. And this comedy has tons of it. Typical British humor, with lots of terrific plot turns, silly situations that keep on getting sillier.

Any bad? Well, it aint horror (ofcourse not) but anyone watching this movie for a mere 2 minutes will recoginze the charming, comical nature of this movie.

I was really impressed by the many totally unknown actors that were perfect at making this silly comedy about a friendly couple who think about starting an alternative serial killer family and who start doing interviews in order to find those who would be the best at killing others.

Wacky. Silly. Original.

Didn't go into the film with much expectations but I was extremely surprised. It starts mostly as a comedy but has enough horror elements in it to keep most horror fans satisfied.

Personal highlight was the heavy metal sequence in the middle, it really made me laugh. And annoyingly enough the song was stuck in my head for a few days afterwards.

I was surprised to find it was largely a debut performance and direction from the cast and crew. I'd be interested to see what they do in the future and if they decide to make a sequel. There's enough legs in the story and enough interesting characters to suggest there might be more. I'd love to know more about Mickey.

When The Screaming Starts (Grimmfest 9th Oct 2021).

A down-at-heel documentary film maker begins to follow a cinema usher (and former black metal guitarist) who has decided to become a serial killer.

A terrifically entertaining black comedy utilising an energetic ensemble. Equally funny in highlighting the mundanities of everyday existence for the central anti hero and character clashes as the plot develops.

The synopsis makes it sound like Man Bites Dog or Behind The Mask but this flick is savvy in avoiding aping superficially similar productions and carving it's own path.

What's particularly impressive is how the performances and thoughtful editing ensure the film maintains its energy through the final act as the story moves away from humour and into grim irony.

Highly recommended.

There is one scene I love above all others. It caught me by surprise and I've watched it over and over again. I hope you love it too. It is set in a park and was totally unexpected. Yet, it provides the motivation for what preceded it. Yes, this next comment is out of context but I enjoyed the film's soundtrack. See the film and the forgoing will make sense.

The film starts out as a documentary. Aidan is the subject of Norman Graysmith's documentary. Graysmith explores the world of Aidan. Aidan is the man who approaches you in a pub and chats and you think ... I'll make an excuse and leave, with a mixture of pity and fear. The film follows the adventures of Aidan and his girlfriend and his 'family'. They form an eclectic mixture of the loveable through to the frighteningly scary. Okay, I thought the acting was superb. I imagine this was not the easiest film to direct with such a mixture of comedy and horror, yet, it is done masterfully.

One moment I was captivated by the humour of the interaction within the group ... the next hands shielding my face in terror. Get your popcorn and your choice of beverage, turn off the phone - this is a treat.