Tim Hannigan's MurderFest is a blood-soaked journey into the twisted world of live-streamed serial killing, where five killers compete in a gruesome game to see who can rack up the most kills for a million-dollar prize. Set in a dark forest and broadcasted live on the dark web, the killers are equipped with body cams as they hunt down unsuspecting victims, delivering the gore and mayhem fans of the genre will be eager to see.
With a runtime of 82 minutes, the movie is tightly paced and goes all-in on its gory concept. Hannigan's direction ensures there's never a dull moment, using the killers' body cams to bring a raw, first-person perspective to each gruesome act. The kills themselves are creative, ranging from shockingly brutal to darkly humorous, keeping audiences guessing at what might come next. Whether it's a quick stab or an elaborately set-up slashing, every kill has its own style that fans of slasher films will enjoy.
The acting is solid, with Deniella Alexis, Alexxis Marcia, and Aida Madani each bringing something unique to the chaotic scenes. They add flair to their scenes, fully embracing the twisted, campy spirit of the film.
One of MurderFest's surprising strengths is its satire. The movie doesn't just rely on gore; it also pokes fun at the dark side of online culture, where viewers tune in for the thrill of real-life horror. Cutting between the killers in action and the reactions of their twisted viewers, MurderFest shows just how disturbingly close society might be to this kind of "entertainment." It's a creepy thought, but Hannigan knows how to balance horror with humor, making it feel like a commentary on our obsession with violence.
If you're a fan of slasher flicks and don't mind some dark social commentary with your gore, MurderFest has plenty to offer. It's bloody, it's fast-paced, and it brings a fresh, modern twist to the genre. Hannigan's film doesn't just go for shock value; it taps into the unsettling idea of real-life horror as entertainment, making it a memorable ride for horror fans.
