John Wayne Cleaver(Max Records) is a high school student with an unhealthy obsession with serial killers. His small Midwestern town begins to experience a series of brutal murders. John's mother is the town's only mortician and she allows her son to help her with the postmortems. He plays detective and becomes friends with an elderly neighbor, Crowley, played by Christopher Lloyd, in his best role since Back to the Future. Lloyd is funny, sarcastic and he pretty much steals this film. The less written about where his quirky character goes, the better. Lloyd and his young costar, Max Records, have a strange and endearing chemistry which will keep viewers guessing as to how it will all end. The final scene is not what I expected, but I can recommend I am Not a Serial Killer without reservation.
91 Reviews
Or am I?
begob26 August 2016
Obsessed with a spate of bloody murders in his hometown, a disturbed teen begins to stalk his elderly neighbour.
Mostly a tale of alienation in a decaying society, but with a light hearted touch. The hero is presented in the unusual scenario of a family that runs the local mortuary, and there's some nice gore on the dissecting table as the vascular pump ticks away in the background. Also sets up a nice sight gag for the credits music at the end.
It's well shot and paced, but only picked up for me at about the half hour mark, when the horror element was introduced. At about 54 mins there is a well thought out and skillful jump scare. But the tone never gets heavy, so this is horror lite. Maybe they should have gone full horror once the ambiguity over the killer's identity was cleared up. Instead we had to wait for some over cooked CGI at the very end.
Lead actor is very good, and the villain too - though some of his lines were obscured by the aged voice. There are too many characters, some of whom seem significant but don't matter to the story or only appear in scenes that could have been cut - mostly the high school stuff. So the screenplay is not the tightest.
Music is interesting, applied with a light touch. A bit of poetry too.
Overall, whimsical horror that needed a heart transplant somewhere along the way.
ps. Interesting to see US-Irish collaboration.
Mostly a tale of alienation in a decaying society, but with a light hearted touch. The hero is presented in the unusual scenario of a family that runs the local mortuary, and there's some nice gore on the dissecting table as the vascular pump ticks away in the background. Also sets up a nice sight gag for the credits music at the end.
It's well shot and paced, but only picked up for me at about the half hour mark, when the horror element was introduced. At about 54 mins there is a well thought out and skillful jump scare. But the tone never gets heavy, so this is horror lite. Maybe they should have gone full horror once the ambiguity over the killer's identity was cleared up. Instead we had to wait for some over cooked CGI at the very end.
Lead actor is very good, and the villain too - though some of his lines were obscured by the aged voice. There are too many characters, some of whom seem significant but don't matter to the story or only appear in scenes that could have been cut - mostly the high school stuff. So the screenplay is not the tightest.
Music is interesting, applied with a light touch. A bit of poetry too.
Overall, whimsical horror that needed a heart transplant somewhere along the way.
ps. Interesting to see US-Irish collaboration.
But, I Am a Cereal Eater
thesar-210 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Probably one of the cleverest titles I've seen for a movie in awhile
but the shorter version would be: Red Herring.
I Am Not a Serial Killer (LITERALLY) follows the adventures of a borderline crazy kid – I'm not just being mean, trust me: he'll remind you of this every 15 minutes, in Small Town, U.S.A. where brutal killings begin and are rapidly increasing. The kid, or the unprotected offspring of Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, begins his own investigation into whodunit and makes an unrealistic scenario even less believable.
It would be hard to write a review of even glimpses of the synopsis other than the bland one I wrote above without spoilers, but suffice to say, the plot and events weren't my biggest concerns or praises here.
Starting off with reaction. To be fair, there are TV spots that show and tell of fear and anger from the townsfolk of a killer on the loose. But, other than those same kind of meaningless broadcasts as you saw in 2014's Godzilla, I felt like not one single person or authority figure would act the way they did when their town of 7,891 are dropping bodies like a Roland Emmerich epic. Apparently there are only two policemen in the town with no backup and the F.B.I. doesn't exist in this universe. In other words, other than somethings I cannot spoil, this movie is highly unrealistic.
Probably a budget issue. Fine, I get it. But, use those same broadcasts to feed movie exposition about the F.B.I. investigation the movie's title. But, it doesn't stop with the town. The boy, or our "hero," as sick in the head he'll remind us he is, virtually does nothing human in reaction to the events before him. Sometimes, sure, but mostly, I would think he would do and say things that even a crazy person would yearn to communicate.
But, the movie is an homage to older 80/90s (maybe even earlier) horror and works on many more levels. Suspense, mood, cinematography, direction and acting. Despite the subject matter and (hopefully) budgetary concerns, I felt transported into this small town and wanted to know more of the mystery.
And besides, while we still have him, I never complain about seeing more of Christopher Lloyd. Fine, maybe besides Piranha 3DD. He is still a living legend!
I would recommend this. Skip my criticisms because despite any flaws, it's still a tight, interesting and original thriller.
***
Final thoughts: One of the best scenes and powerful enough to watch the whole movie because of this, was the Halloween dance, anti-bullying speech. That was perfection and .I might try using it, in one form or another. Thief, I know. But, the greatest form of flattery
I Am Not a Serial Killer (LITERALLY) follows the adventures of a borderline crazy kid – I'm not just being mean, trust me: he'll remind you of this every 15 minutes, in Small Town, U.S.A. where brutal killings begin and are rapidly increasing. The kid, or the unprotected offspring of Jesse Eisenberg and Kieran Culkin, begins his own investigation into whodunit and makes an unrealistic scenario even less believable.
It would be hard to write a review of even glimpses of the synopsis other than the bland one I wrote above without spoilers, but suffice to say, the plot and events weren't my biggest concerns or praises here.
Starting off with reaction. To be fair, there are TV spots that show and tell of fear and anger from the townsfolk of a killer on the loose. But, other than those same kind of meaningless broadcasts as you saw in 2014's Godzilla, I felt like not one single person or authority figure would act the way they did when their town of 7,891 are dropping bodies like a Roland Emmerich epic. Apparently there are only two policemen in the town with no backup and the F.B.I. doesn't exist in this universe. In other words, other than somethings I cannot spoil, this movie is highly unrealistic.
Probably a budget issue. Fine, I get it. But, use those same broadcasts to feed movie exposition about the F.B.I. investigation the movie's title. But, it doesn't stop with the town. The boy, or our "hero," as sick in the head he'll remind us he is, virtually does nothing human in reaction to the events before him. Sometimes, sure, but mostly, I would think he would do and say things that even a crazy person would yearn to communicate.
But, the movie is an homage to older 80/90s (maybe even earlier) horror and works on many more levels. Suspense, mood, cinematography, direction and acting. Despite the subject matter and (hopefully) budgetary concerns, I felt transported into this small town and wanted to know more of the mystery.
And besides, while we still have him, I never complain about seeing more of Christopher Lloyd. Fine, maybe besides Piranha 3DD. He is still a living legend!
I would recommend this. Skip my criticisms because despite any flaws, it's still a tight, interesting and original thriller.
***
Final thoughts: One of the best scenes and powerful enough to watch the whole movie because of this, was the Halloween dance, anti-bullying speech. That was perfection and .I might try using it, in one form or another. Thief, I know. But, the greatest form of flattery
"I'd do anything for love" says the murderer
diaju_vampprincess8 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, i didn't see that coming. Nice twist at the ending, i really didn't expect it. At first I thought this was the same kind of mediocre murder movie with a lot of police involved, but i was wrong.
It was kind of bored in the beginning, started with daily life of a teenager whom diagnosed with a mental-illness. The story tried to lead us to think the major role was a sociopath, and that he was troubled. And he also thought so. Even though i didn't think he was. I mean, he just had a big interest about a story of homicide. It was perhaps rare among his teenage friends, but it was still normal. He just liked to play detective.
The pace is quite slow, the story was not so tense even when there was a homicide happened, but it kept me watching the movie. Maybe i was captivated with the acting, and i believed that something was going to happen. It was not brutal and scary, and we finally know he was not crazy and it sum up everything : he wasn't the killer.
I'm not disappointed though, even it seems like an underrated indie movie. I think this movie needs a chance.
It was kind of bored in the beginning, started with daily life of a teenager whom diagnosed with a mental-illness. The story tried to lead us to think the major role was a sociopath, and that he was troubled. And he also thought so. Even though i didn't think he was. I mean, he just had a big interest about a story of homicide. It was perhaps rare among his teenage friends, but it was still normal. He just liked to play detective.
The pace is quite slow, the story was not so tense even when there was a homicide happened, but it kept me watching the movie. Maybe i was captivated with the acting, and i believed that something was going to happen. It was not brutal and scary, and we finally know he was not crazy and it sum up everything : he wasn't the killer.
I'm not disappointed though, even it seems like an underrated indie movie. I think this movie needs a chance.
The Festival Darling Hits Netflix!
Ben_Cap2 January 2017
It's 2017, and even though I Am Not a Serial Killer was released way back in march of last year, it has recently been added to Netflix thus giving the movie it's most widespread accessibility. I Am Not a Serial Killer has been on my radar since that South By Southwest Film Festival screening and I have only heard good things so when I saw it was headed to Netflix I was quite excited. It has been a while since I have seen a real solid horror movie, actually probably since I saw It Follows in 2015. While it's not really fair to compare the two movies, they do have some similarities.
The basics of I Am Not a Serial Killer are pretty basic. The appropriately named John Wayne Cleaver is our main character, a teenager who has some issues that most normal heroes don't have, he is a diagnosed sociopath. John struggles with the idea that he will become a serial killer, so he comes up with a set of rules to control himself when he starts to think about indulging his impulses. He is good at controlling himself with the help of his therapist, and oddly enough working in the mortuary that his mother owns and operates. The small nondescript mid-western town that John lives in has been plagued by some rather grizzly murders and John feels that he can figure out who has been committing these crimes, either from a connection to the killer or possibly something deeper.
I Am Not a Serial Killer is a slow moving affair. This is not necessarily a bad thing, the movie takes it's time setting up relationships between characters and giving some solid character development that is usually glossed over or explained away with boring exposition. The movie lets the actors show and not tell, which even though it is one of the biggest rules in film making is often forgotten by horror movies. Max Records who plays John Wayne Cleaver does a great job of getting his character into the gray area that seems so difficult to achieve. John is not only a flawed person because of his sociopath, but he is also a kid, he does not always make the right choice or he may not always be quick with a line. He feels like a real high school student, with a bit of a twist.
The pacing of the movie is not the only thing that lends a hand to separate the tone from most other serial killer movies. I Am Not a Serial Killer makes efforts to not be a cookie cutter low budget horror movie, because it's really not. It blends genres quite well I think but also relies on its story and tone to drive the emotion, rather than well timed musical cues and immense gore. There are no jump scares here, which I can appreciate. Jump scares to me are like hot sauce, when used sparingly the effect is much more enjoyable, but when overused the whole thing is ruined. Don't necessarily expect to be given nightmares by I Am Not a Serial Killer, it may just keep you up at night with some self reflection.
While I Am Not a Serial Killer does not stand up to The Babadook or It Follows, it is certainly a good movie and like those other two (which I believe are the two best horror movies I have seen in the last few years) it avoids being a clone of all the mass produced horror movies that make 200x their budget because every guy hopes this will finally be the scary movie that will make that girl he likes jump into his arms for protection. If you come into it looking for more of a good movie rather than a scary or bone chilling one you should be good. Enjoy the creepiness of the atmosphere and the well told story, and the girl you are trying to impress with how tough you are during scary movies may just appreciate your taste in movies a bit more.
The basics of I Am Not a Serial Killer are pretty basic. The appropriately named John Wayne Cleaver is our main character, a teenager who has some issues that most normal heroes don't have, he is a diagnosed sociopath. John struggles with the idea that he will become a serial killer, so he comes up with a set of rules to control himself when he starts to think about indulging his impulses. He is good at controlling himself with the help of his therapist, and oddly enough working in the mortuary that his mother owns and operates. The small nondescript mid-western town that John lives in has been plagued by some rather grizzly murders and John feels that he can figure out who has been committing these crimes, either from a connection to the killer or possibly something deeper.
I Am Not a Serial Killer is a slow moving affair. This is not necessarily a bad thing, the movie takes it's time setting up relationships between characters and giving some solid character development that is usually glossed over or explained away with boring exposition. The movie lets the actors show and not tell, which even though it is one of the biggest rules in film making is often forgotten by horror movies. Max Records who plays John Wayne Cleaver does a great job of getting his character into the gray area that seems so difficult to achieve. John is not only a flawed person because of his sociopath, but he is also a kid, he does not always make the right choice or he may not always be quick with a line. He feels like a real high school student, with a bit of a twist.
The pacing of the movie is not the only thing that lends a hand to separate the tone from most other serial killer movies. I Am Not a Serial Killer makes efforts to not be a cookie cutter low budget horror movie, because it's really not. It blends genres quite well I think but also relies on its story and tone to drive the emotion, rather than well timed musical cues and immense gore. There are no jump scares here, which I can appreciate. Jump scares to me are like hot sauce, when used sparingly the effect is much more enjoyable, but when overused the whole thing is ruined. Don't necessarily expect to be given nightmares by I Am Not a Serial Killer, it may just keep you up at night with some self reflection.
While I Am Not a Serial Killer does not stand up to The Babadook or It Follows, it is certainly a good movie and like those other two (which I believe are the two best horror movies I have seen in the last few years) it avoids being a clone of all the mass produced horror movies that make 200x their budget because every guy hopes this will finally be the scary movie that will make that girl he likes jump into his arms for protection. If you come into it looking for more of a good movie rather than a scary or bone chilling one you should be good. Enjoy the creepiness of the atmosphere and the well told story, and the girl you are trying to impress with how tough you are during scary movies may just appreciate your taste in movies a bit more.
not that much horror but a weird story
trashgang27 December 2016
I had never read the book so I can't say a thing about the adaption. But it's a strange flick clocking in over 90 minutes and has a lot of blah blah but also some action here and there.
The problem is the fact that I can't spoil a thing so for the non readers of the book you're in for a strange flick with a weird ending. One you can't see coming. Of course by being a slow flick, it isn't going to be a flick for all horror geeks. It has some excellent effects in the beginning at the morgue and the end is also well done. On part of the horror, it do has a few killings not gory at all but they surely deliver in context of this story.
Even with the word serial killer it isn't a normal serial killer flick. So if you can stand a lot of characterisation and weird things going on then this is going to be your stuff but for gorehounds this doesn't fulfil your wishes.
A flick that stands on his own. But with excellent performances.
Gore 0,5/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 2,5/5 Comedy 0/5
The problem is the fact that I can't spoil a thing so for the non readers of the book you're in for a strange flick with a weird ending. One you can't see coming. Of course by being a slow flick, it isn't going to be a flick for all horror geeks. It has some excellent effects in the beginning at the morgue and the end is also well done. On part of the horror, it do has a few killings not gory at all but they surely deliver in context of this story.
Even with the word serial killer it isn't a normal serial killer flick. So if you can stand a lot of characterisation and weird things going on then this is going to be your stuff but for gorehounds this doesn't fulfil your wishes.
A flick that stands on his own. But with excellent performances.
Gore 0,5/5 Nudity 0/5 Effects 2/5 Story 2,5/5 Comedy 0/5
Boring up until the last 10 minutes
justchillz31 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
It was the slowest movie I had ever seen. An hour of the movie is about nothing and could have been edited out. It was like reading a redundant paper that is not going anywhere and you cannot figure out "why on earth are you showing me this." It was so boring, at times I nearly fell asleep. The sound also wasn't the greatest. I could hear the background sound more than the actors (mother's, elderly man and women) voices sometimes. Those actors mumbled a bit at times when talking as well, maybe they were shivering because of the cold, which made it difficult to discern what they were saying.
Worst serial killer movie ever made! It shouldn't have the word serial killer in the title. It's an elderly man who looks like he is about to kick the bucket, if you will, who is a demon creature made of black sludge. I give it two stars because the demon sludge thingy was actually kind of cute, not as grotesque looking as I had expected.
Worst serial killer movie ever made! It shouldn't have the word serial killer in the title. It's an elderly man who looks like he is about to kick the bucket, if you will, who is a demon creature made of black sludge. I give it two stars because the demon sludge thingy was actually kind of cute, not as grotesque looking as I had expected.
This one really surprised me...and I only mean this in good ways.
planktonrules26 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
"I Am Not a Serial Killer" is a very slow and deliberately paced film. I am telling you this up front so that you know that it's well worth sticking with this one...please resist your urge to try something else because of this! The payoff is well worth it and the film is well made and I honestly can say I've never seen anything like it in my life!
This movie by Billy O'Brien is set in a small town in the Midwest and was filmed in rural Minnesota. This certainly is not where you'd expect a series of super-grisly murders to occur, but that's exactly what happens soon after the picture begins. Body after body begin piling up and naturally the townspeople are scared. They don't know it, but their only hope is a very strange young high school student. You see, this story is told from the viewpoint of this very strange misfit high school student...a kid unfortunately named John Wayne Cleaver (Max Records)! With a name like this, it's not at all surprising that he's obsessed with serial killers. And, because of his strange obsession he decides to start investigating on his own into who is eviscerating folks in town...eviscerating and stealing some of their organs! His trail leads to one of his neighbors, a nice old man played by Christopher Lloyd...yes, the Christopher Lloyd who used to play Jim on "Taxi"....and in this case his character is far, far stranger...that's for sure! I'd love to tell you more about the plot but had better not, as it might spoil the suspense...and wow is there a lot of suspense!
While I generally do not like violent or bloody films, I was captivated by this picture because it was not simply blood and gore but offered far more. The actual murders are far, far more complicated than you can imagine and the film has an amazingly gory yet exciting finale. And that, naturally, brings me to mention the blood, guts and gore. This is not a family film and don't even think of showing it to your mother, children or Reverend Fletcher! Well worth seeing and I'd love to see more from these folks!
This movie by Billy O'Brien is set in a small town in the Midwest and was filmed in rural Minnesota. This certainly is not where you'd expect a series of super-grisly murders to occur, but that's exactly what happens soon after the picture begins. Body after body begin piling up and naturally the townspeople are scared. They don't know it, but their only hope is a very strange young high school student. You see, this story is told from the viewpoint of this very strange misfit high school student...a kid unfortunately named John Wayne Cleaver (Max Records)! With a name like this, it's not at all surprising that he's obsessed with serial killers. And, because of his strange obsession he decides to start investigating on his own into who is eviscerating folks in town...eviscerating and stealing some of their organs! His trail leads to one of his neighbors, a nice old man played by Christopher Lloyd...yes, the Christopher Lloyd who used to play Jim on "Taxi"....and in this case his character is far, far stranger...that's for sure! I'd love to tell you more about the plot but had better not, as it might spoil the suspense...and wow is there a lot of suspense!
While I generally do not like violent or bloody films, I was captivated by this picture because it was not simply blood and gore but offered far more. The actual murders are far, far more complicated than you can imagine and the film has an amazingly gory yet exciting finale. And that, naturally, brings me to mention the blood, guts and gore. This is not a family film and don't even think of showing it to your mother, children or Reverend Fletcher! Well worth seeing and I'd love to see more from these folks!
What a Fantastic Surprise
gregsrants19 October 2016
There are so many things I love about the Toronto After Dark Film Festival (TADFF). The venue. The people. The films. The shorts. The atmosphere. So many things combine to make the TADFF my favorite film festival of the year.
And one of the more surprising things that occur each year is that my favorite film of the festival will come unexpectedly from left field. This year's crop of screenings held many titles to which I was already aware of their existence. Under the Shadow, Antibirth, Train to Busan, Stake Land 2 and Creepy. These were all titles that I was fully conscious of their information including story, director and cast. But there were a few that I had yet to hear anything about, The Void, Master Cleanse, Kill Command and I am not a Serial Killer. It is with these titles that my hopes rested on finding that unexpected gem that I found in previous TADFF entries in Predestination, Eega and Trick 'R Treat.
By Monday night, I had found it. I am not a Serial Killer is not a film that I would expect many to know much about. The film is based on a 2009 novel by Dan Wells that was part of a trilogy of books in what is considered the John Wayne Cleaver series and includes I Am Not a Serial Killer, Mr. Monster and The Devil's Only Friend.
In the film adaptation we get introduced to John Wayne Cleaver played by Max Records from Where the Wild Things Are. John is a high schooler that believes he has serial killer tendencies. Or so he tells his therapist (Karl Geary). John works in a morgue run by his family which gives John access to dead bodies that begin to show up with regularity when a serial killer begins to add to their resume in a small rural town. John is fascinated by the killings and how in each instance a different part of the victim's body has been removed. John is eager to use the killings to harvest his fascination with serial killers and this path will lead him down a plot highway that has plenty of surprises leading to a very unexpected climax.
Director Billy O'Brien worked tirelessly to get the rights to bring the Dan Wells' story to the big screen and he does not waste the energy exerted in pre-production. The film has just the right amount of everything and reveals in its own time a plot that is as smart as it is simple.
Back to the Future's Christopher Lloyd gets top billing and is a welcomed familiar face in sea of newbies and the 79-year-old actor shines as the neighbor next door that catches the eye of young Cleaver.
But the movie hinges on the wonderful performance from Max Records. Hardly recognizable from his role in Where the Wild Things Are, Max is perfectly cast in the lead and has a mix of Johnny Depp and Lukas Haas in him which works flawlessly in the role of the conflicted teenager at odds with his family, friends and, at times, himself.
To enjoy I Am Not a Serial Killer is to go in knowing as little as possible about the plot. Letting it go in directions unseen due to no preconceived notions aides in the overall enjoyment of the reveals. So do yourself a favor and just dive into the deep end and enjoy the water.
I Am Not a Serial Killer is another feather in the cap of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. It is not only one of the better films of this year's fest but it is one of the ten best films the festival has ever screened.
And one of the more surprising things that occur each year is that my favorite film of the festival will come unexpectedly from left field. This year's crop of screenings held many titles to which I was already aware of their existence. Under the Shadow, Antibirth, Train to Busan, Stake Land 2 and Creepy. These were all titles that I was fully conscious of their information including story, director and cast. But there were a few that I had yet to hear anything about, The Void, Master Cleanse, Kill Command and I am not a Serial Killer. It is with these titles that my hopes rested on finding that unexpected gem that I found in previous TADFF entries in Predestination, Eega and Trick 'R Treat.
By Monday night, I had found it. I am not a Serial Killer is not a film that I would expect many to know much about. The film is based on a 2009 novel by Dan Wells that was part of a trilogy of books in what is considered the John Wayne Cleaver series and includes I Am Not a Serial Killer, Mr. Monster and The Devil's Only Friend.
In the film adaptation we get introduced to John Wayne Cleaver played by Max Records from Where the Wild Things Are. John is a high schooler that believes he has serial killer tendencies. Or so he tells his therapist (Karl Geary). John works in a morgue run by his family which gives John access to dead bodies that begin to show up with regularity when a serial killer begins to add to their resume in a small rural town. John is fascinated by the killings and how in each instance a different part of the victim's body has been removed. John is eager to use the killings to harvest his fascination with serial killers and this path will lead him down a plot highway that has plenty of surprises leading to a very unexpected climax.
Director Billy O'Brien worked tirelessly to get the rights to bring the Dan Wells' story to the big screen and he does not waste the energy exerted in pre-production. The film has just the right amount of everything and reveals in its own time a plot that is as smart as it is simple.
Back to the Future's Christopher Lloyd gets top billing and is a welcomed familiar face in sea of newbies and the 79-year-old actor shines as the neighbor next door that catches the eye of young Cleaver.
But the movie hinges on the wonderful performance from Max Records. Hardly recognizable from his role in Where the Wild Things Are, Max is perfectly cast in the lead and has a mix of Johnny Depp and Lukas Haas in him which works flawlessly in the role of the conflicted teenager at odds with his family, friends and, at times, himself.
To enjoy I Am Not a Serial Killer is to go in knowing as little as possible about the plot. Letting it go in directions unseen due to no preconceived notions aides in the overall enjoyment of the reveals. So do yourself a favor and just dive into the deep end and enjoy the water.
I Am Not a Serial Killer is another feather in the cap of the Toronto After Dark Film Festival. It is not only one of the better films of this year's fest but it is one of the ten best films the festival has ever screened.
So much left out
daniellemreynolds21 July 2023
On its own this movie is slow, but interesting enough to keep you watching, however, if you have read the book by Dan Wells, this movie falls short in a lot of places. It leaves out so many important details and the ending is just so wrong. Still, I really wish they'd give it another shot and make movies out of the other novels in this series. Just another example of don't read the book first! Enjoyed the acting of the two main characters though even if their relationship was not properly displayed. Hearing the thought process on John is the best parts of the books and that was completely left out. Bottom line- book wins this one.
Fresh and entertaining
qlissa12 August 2016
As an average movie goer who was let down by major titles released this year, I decided to give this one a go. As it was part of the Melbourne International Film Festival program this year, I closed one eye and picked something that sounded mildly interesting to watch with a friend.
This is a movie-adaption of Dan Well's book, which already received quite a reputation, but I didn't know that. Heck, I didn't even bother to look at the cast list, or anything further than the 'psychological thriller' genre. Boy, was I in for a ride.
Overall, I was mildly surprised by how entertaining this movie was. The pacing was adequate - not rushed, nor was it too slow. It was also quite easy to follow with no convolution in the story and it doesn't feel forced. I was even more impressed about the clever slice of humor being thrown here and there. I enjoyed the cinematography and clever use of sound effects to keep you at the edge of your seat.
So I'm giving this a good rating, simply because I really enjoyed it - and that 2016 really need more gems like these. I wouldn't mind watching it again, or pick up the book.
This is a movie-adaption of Dan Well's book, which already received quite a reputation, but I didn't know that. Heck, I didn't even bother to look at the cast list, or anything further than the 'psychological thriller' genre. Boy, was I in for a ride.
Overall, I was mildly surprised by how entertaining this movie was. The pacing was adequate - not rushed, nor was it too slow. It was also quite easy to follow with no convolution in the story and it doesn't feel forced. I was even more impressed about the clever slice of humor being thrown here and there. I enjoyed the cinematography and clever use of sound effects to keep you at the edge of your seat.
So I'm giving this a good rating, simply because I really enjoyed it - and that 2016 really need more gems like these. I wouldn't mind watching it again, or pick up the book.
Original and fresh movie. Is that enough?
stonedraim28 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
**** May contain strong spoilers ****
This is a review made by StoneDraim... and that means that if you want to read a probably different kind of review, keep reading....
This is my personal experience, my personal point of view/perspective and my personal opinion... and my opinion is just one of like 7 billions in this world.
Just a few thoughts about this one. An original script is followed through in this very well made low budget, indie movie. Christoffer Lloyd is the "big name" showcasing in here. And...as in some indie and low budget movies, they kind of illuminating the name of the "big star" to give the audience the feeling that that actor will fill a big part or major part of the movie. That kind of thing is twisted around here, as the pre credits puts Mr. Lloyd besides, after and below everybody else and even so, he plays a major part in this one.
Slow paced combination of thriller, drama and horror. Worth a view. A crawling danger is with mysteria filling the picture, almost throughout the entire production. Interesting tweak around a teenagers deep, dark thoughts of being a serial killer. Highly intelligent young man that is labeled (yes, I call it that as society want to put "labels" on most things) sociopath. And... further down the road, we witness these "sociopaths" being extremely successful co-workers in various aspects as "Bones", "CSI" and similar types of movies and series. People, with an vast interest of a specific topic and an extraordinaire ability of some kind, resulting in that the social skills is being thrown out the window, consciously and/or subconsciously.
If you can muster the strength and endurance to get yourself through the slow daily life parts, I can recommend this movie if you are looking for something very different. If this movie had been cut down to about 70 minutes, it could have been more than approved.
An ending that really fits and makes the whole picture step up a little. Good scene in the end... really good, actually! In fact, when it is all set and done, I am glad I watched this. A nice little horror, thriller, drama, indie flick! And... nn fact, I could see myself watching this again after a while.
Over to the movie as a product: - The production : Gives the impression of being a low budget movie. Even so, good special effects and a great monster. - The actors : I am looking forward to see Max Records in more movies. He got real potential and made this movie believable, along with Christoffer Lloyd... just watch 1 hour and 25 minutes into this one. I will keep my eyes open for Max Records. Felt nice to see Mr. Lloyd act again in a more serious matter, after seen his horrible and over acted appearance in Piranha 3DD. - Entertainment : The story itself is keeping me wondering if this is good or bad... keeping me wondering what will happen in the end. - Age : 15, due to violence and a touch of blood, gore and monster
5,7 out of 10. (The final rate is based most on my own entertainment of the movie. Short elucidation of the rating: 6 Nice production. Good movie. 5 Approved.)
This is a review made by StoneDraim... and that means that if you want to read a probably different kind of review, keep reading....
This is my personal experience, my personal point of view/perspective and my personal opinion... and my opinion is just one of like 7 billions in this world.
Just a few thoughts about this one. An original script is followed through in this very well made low budget, indie movie. Christoffer Lloyd is the "big name" showcasing in here. And...as in some indie and low budget movies, they kind of illuminating the name of the "big star" to give the audience the feeling that that actor will fill a big part or major part of the movie. That kind of thing is twisted around here, as the pre credits puts Mr. Lloyd besides, after and below everybody else and even so, he plays a major part in this one.
Slow paced combination of thriller, drama and horror. Worth a view. A crawling danger is with mysteria filling the picture, almost throughout the entire production. Interesting tweak around a teenagers deep, dark thoughts of being a serial killer. Highly intelligent young man that is labeled (yes, I call it that as society want to put "labels" on most things) sociopath. And... further down the road, we witness these "sociopaths" being extremely successful co-workers in various aspects as "Bones", "CSI" and similar types of movies and series. People, with an vast interest of a specific topic and an extraordinaire ability of some kind, resulting in that the social skills is being thrown out the window, consciously and/or subconsciously.
If you can muster the strength and endurance to get yourself through the slow daily life parts, I can recommend this movie if you are looking for something very different. If this movie had been cut down to about 70 minutes, it could have been more than approved.
An ending that really fits and makes the whole picture step up a little. Good scene in the end... really good, actually! In fact, when it is all set and done, I am glad I watched this. A nice little horror, thriller, drama, indie flick! And... nn fact, I could see myself watching this again after a while.
Over to the movie as a product: - The production : Gives the impression of being a low budget movie. Even so, good special effects and a great monster. - The actors : I am looking forward to see Max Records in more movies. He got real potential and made this movie believable, along with Christoffer Lloyd... just watch 1 hour and 25 minutes into this one. I will keep my eyes open for Max Records. Felt nice to see Mr. Lloyd act again in a more serious matter, after seen his horrible and over acted appearance in Piranha 3DD. - Entertainment : The story itself is keeping me wondering if this is good or bad... keeping me wondering what will happen in the end. - Age : 15, due to violence and a touch of blood, gore and monster
5,7 out of 10. (The final rate is based most on my own entertainment of the movie. Short elucidation of the rating: 6 Nice production. Good movie. 5 Approved.)
OK but flat
umme4uke27 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
So, this film was interesting - the story was intriguing in a 'what the hell is going on?' type of way.
Lloyd is genuinely creepy and works well in the role. The kid who plays the story's (sociopathic?) protagonist is suitably distant and introverted. None of the actors are bad. It's just all kind of flat and lifeless.
As flat as it was, it kept me watching, to find out exactly what was going on, what it meant and how it was all going to wrap up. And, though it resolved, it didn't really wrap up and left a lot to interpretation.
Thematically the film seems to deal with a lot - alienation, empathy, death and love. Yet, for all it alludes to the film kind of says nothing. Similar to the William Blake poem the film references (The Tyger) - the film asks questions about symmetry and duality without answering them.
It's not the lack of narrative clarity that really hurts the film though - it is the flatness. The film meanders and not beautifully, just slowly. Worst of all the final reveal is corny, which subtracts from the overall effect and build up.
You could watch worse - but you could also watch heaps better.
Lloyd is genuinely creepy and works well in the role. The kid who plays the story's (sociopathic?) protagonist is suitably distant and introverted. None of the actors are bad. It's just all kind of flat and lifeless.
As flat as it was, it kept me watching, to find out exactly what was going on, what it meant and how it was all going to wrap up. And, though it resolved, it didn't really wrap up and left a lot to interpretation.
Thematically the film seems to deal with a lot - alienation, empathy, death and love. Yet, for all it alludes to the film kind of says nothing. Similar to the William Blake poem the film references (The Tyger) - the film asks questions about symmetry and duality without answering them.
It's not the lack of narrative clarity that really hurts the film though - it is the flatness. The film meanders and not beautifully, just slowly. Worst of all the final reveal is corny, which subtracts from the overall effect and build up.
You could watch worse - but you could also watch heaps better.
Supernatural element ruins it
jtindahouse31 August 2016
First off let me start by saying I have not read the book 'I Am Not a Serial Killer' is based on, so I can not comment on how faithful the movie is to it. I can only judge this as a film by itself. Secondly, let me say, I think this would have been a much better film without any supernatural element. What did it add? It had a great story already going for it. A story about real issues and real things that can happen in people's lives. And yet all that goes out the window the second you through a supernatural element into the mix.
The acting was great, particularly from the star Max Records. He gives a very mature and captivating performance that carries the film in a lot of areas. Christopher Lloyd also impressed me. He still completely commits himself to every role he takes on and his screen presence is a wonderful thing in any film he's in.
Had they kept the story grounded and realistic I think I could have found myself really enjoying this. America has a tremendous amount of active (and human) serial killers, so having one in this small town wouldn't have been pushing belief much at all. Nor would it have effected the story much, barring a few easy tweaks. If it added something positive for other people people that's great, but to me it was a waste of an opportunity to turn in a fine film.
The acting was great, particularly from the star Max Records. He gives a very mature and captivating performance that carries the film in a lot of areas. Christopher Lloyd also impressed me. He still completely commits himself to every role he takes on and his screen presence is a wonderful thing in any film he's in.
Had they kept the story grounded and realistic I think I could have found myself really enjoying this. America has a tremendous amount of active (and human) serial killers, so having one in this small town wouldn't have been pushing belief much at all. Nor would it have effected the story much, barring a few easy tweaks. If it added something positive for other people people that's great, but to me it was a waste of an opportunity to turn in a fine film.
Surprisingly Good
tlarraya4 May 2017
I didn't expect much from this movie from watching the trailer. But there are surprises, twists and tension in this movie. It has its creepy moments but it isn't exactly a horror movie. I think the comparisons to Donnie Drako are justified. It does feel like a classical movie. And you do get to feel for the characters. We enjoyed this.
We're a long way from Back To The Future
sanjin_96321 December 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Every year, right around the holidays, there's one flick from the thriller/supernatural/ suspense/horror genre that surprises. Last year it was Krampus, this time it's I Am Not A Serial Killer. I just found out that it's based on a novel, which makes it even better.
Of course, this movie's not without flaws, but when one's looking to be entertained, certain small flaws are part of the deal. One could argue the whole thing's unoriginal and one would be right. Originality should not be up for discussion when it comes to certain genres, because every *new* horror/supernatural thriller out there has already been done in one way or the other a million times before.
There are parts of the story, that are incomprehensible. Certain actions the main character, John, a diagnosed sociopath teen, goes for in the course of his dark adventure. In the end it doesn't matter. Some parts you agree with and at times you ask yourself "who in their right mind would do that?" It's the same with most stories.
One thing I loved in this is Christopher Lloyd. I haven't seen him in ages, which was the reason why I decided to watch this in the first place. I have to say this did not disappoint, at all. 6.9/10
Of course, this movie's not without flaws, but when one's looking to be entertained, certain small flaws are part of the deal. One could argue the whole thing's unoriginal and one would be right. Originality should not be up for discussion when it comes to certain genres, because every *new* horror/supernatural thriller out there has already been done in one way or the other a million times before.
There are parts of the story, that are incomprehensible. Certain actions the main character, John, a diagnosed sociopath teen, goes for in the course of his dark adventure. In the end it doesn't matter. Some parts you agree with and at times you ask yourself "who in their right mind would do that?" It's the same with most stories.
One thing I loved in this is Christopher Lloyd. I haven't seen him in ages, which was the reason why I decided to watch this in the first place. I have to say this did not disappoint, at all. 6.9/10
a sociopathic teenager versus a senile paranormal serial killer that ends like a limp lettuce leaf
CineMuseFilms24 October 2016
Warning: Spoilers
No matter how impressively a film starts, it's the ending we remember most. A genre that all too often ends like a limp lettuce leaf is the supernatural horror and I Am Not A Serial Killer (2016) is another example of a strong starter with a lame ending. But it is still an entertaining addition to the genre because of an interesting plot twist that pits a sociopathic teenager against a senile paranormal serial killer.
Deeply troubled and from a broken home, teenager John Cleaver is a diagnosed sociopath who obsesses about serial killers and worries that he might become one. He works in the family mortuary business and watches bodies being cut up as casually as one might trim a steak. Fascinated by death and dissections, he turns sleuth after a series of gruesome hometown murders involving dissected human remains. Several parallel plot lines provide an interesting mix of narrative layers: like the nice old man called Crowley with strange habits who lives nearby; the psychiatrist who takes a special interest in John; the cute girl who wants his attention; bullying at school and a mother and principal who don't know what to do with him. But the real energy line of the film is the cat-and-mouse chase between John and Crowley as they slowly realise that each is stalking the other.
The story unfolds convincingly but gradually drifts from strange to stranger. John's death-fixation and unstable introspection leads to several gruesome sightings that may or may not be grounded in reality. We are not sure if what we are seeing is really happening and some of the things that do happen require a strong stomach for watching weirdness. This is a well-paced story and the twin- star acting performances sustain engagement despite becoming less and less believable. But that's the supernatural genre for you.
Good horrors are all about atmospherics and this one has a creepy modern Gothic feel about it: bleak lighting, wintery colour palette, noir moments and empty stares into space. It could easily have sustained its own narrative premise all the way to a plausibly gory finish. But like so many horrors, for reasons unknown it throws in the towel by resorting to a silly-looking clichéd creature sprung from dark matter to wind up the story while we go home with yet another horror that dies just before the chequered flag. This one really had all the ingredients to be great but falls short just when we needed it most.
Deeply troubled and from a broken home, teenager John Cleaver is a diagnosed sociopath who obsesses about serial killers and worries that he might become one. He works in the family mortuary business and watches bodies being cut up as casually as one might trim a steak. Fascinated by death and dissections, he turns sleuth after a series of gruesome hometown murders involving dissected human remains. Several parallel plot lines provide an interesting mix of narrative layers: like the nice old man called Crowley with strange habits who lives nearby; the psychiatrist who takes a special interest in John; the cute girl who wants his attention; bullying at school and a mother and principal who don't know what to do with him. But the real energy line of the film is the cat-and-mouse chase between John and Crowley as they slowly realise that each is stalking the other.
The story unfolds convincingly but gradually drifts from strange to stranger. John's death-fixation and unstable introspection leads to several gruesome sightings that may or may not be grounded in reality. We are not sure if what we are seeing is really happening and some of the things that do happen require a strong stomach for watching weirdness. This is a well-paced story and the twin- star acting performances sustain engagement despite becoming less and less believable. But that's the supernatural genre for you.
Good horrors are all about atmospherics and this one has a creepy modern Gothic feel about it: bleak lighting, wintery colour palette, noir moments and empty stares into space. It could easily have sustained its own narrative premise all the way to a plausibly gory finish. But like so many horrors, for reasons unknown it throws in the towel by resorting to a silly-looking clichéd creature sprung from dark matter to wind up the story while we go home with yet another horror that dies just before the chequered flag. This one really had all the ingredients to be great but falls short just when we needed it most.
delightfully refreshing from "modern" movies
mduffsub16 September 2016
We saw this in the theater yesterday (luckily we have one that shows non-major studio movies). We recognized many places as it was filmed locally.
It has all the elements (drama, comedy,irony, surprise, style) without adding CGI and other effects. In some ways it is a throwback to the sci-fi genre of the 50s and 60s. The plot kept me guessing and changing my mind until the end.
If you have an opportunity, watch this! You will find what quality movies can be. Granted it is not the movie of the year but should be given recognition.
It has all the elements (drama, comedy,irony, surprise, style) without adding CGI and other effects. In some ways it is a throwback to the sci-fi genre of the 50s and 60s. The plot kept me guessing and changing my mind until the end.
If you have an opportunity, watch this! You will find what quality movies can be. Granted it is not the movie of the year but should be given recognition.
Great little indy film
dar041713 February 2020
Is this want you want to watch?
portillamail7 October 2022
I watched the movie (most of it) because of the rating. I'm pretty tolerant and would usually ignore plot holes or contradictory behaviour on movies, specially the horror ones. But this one took the cake. Almost every single decision the main character takes is just silly. The way he reacts is just too farfetched to ignore it. Every time I was like "ok, maybe the film will get better" but no, it was the opposite.
Overall, I found I am not a serial killer to be pretentious, one of these movies who think it is smart and artie. It is a terrible combination of bland and incoherent.
I rarely write a review.
Overall, I found I am not a serial killer to be pretentious, one of these movies who think it is smart and artie. It is a terrible combination of bland and incoherent.
I rarely write a review.
Atmospheric, well-acted with some good chills
bupaje4 September 2016
I'll start out by saying I don't watch much horror anymore. A lot of it seems so disturbingly graphic and psychotic that I just can't enjoy the movie. I like character, story and atmospheric stuff presented in a way that isn't all squelch, splatter, saw, cut and pop-up scares.
IANASK delivers good chills, with a hint of 'old-fashioned' horror/psychological drama -to my senses. I enjoyed the characters who felt like real people in a real town. There was good anticipatory tension being built up and I liked the slight 'turn' as we discover the killer is not quite what we thought he was -actually multiple turns as the killer also reveals some complexity that is not the norm in foot-stomping, teeth-gnashing and claw-waving monsterdom. The small town setting was moody and atmospheric with great shots throughout.
Probably some would feel this 'horror-lite'. Maybe it is -and that's okay. It manages to find a balance I found pleasing and I enjoyable.
IANASK delivers good chills, with a hint of 'old-fashioned' horror/psychological drama -to my senses. I enjoyed the characters who felt like real people in a real town. There was good anticipatory tension being built up and I liked the slight 'turn' as we discover the killer is not quite what we thought he was -actually multiple turns as the killer also reveals some complexity that is not the norm in foot-stomping, teeth-gnashing and claw-waving monsterdom. The small town setting was moody and atmospheric with great shots throughout.
Probably some would feel this 'horror-lite'. Maybe it is -and that's okay. It manages to find a balance I found pleasing and I enjoyable.
Nice
Foutainoflife8 January 2019
I wasn't expecting what I got from this film.
John, a teenager with homicidal thoughts and behaviors, is in therapy trying to work out his fascination with morbidity but it proves to be a challenge considering that his mother is a mortician. A local serial killer becomes active John uncovers the perpetrator's identity. He sits on this knowledge out of his own curiosity and has to come to a decision about what actions he should take. Will his homicidal mindset lead him astray or will he expose the killer?
This is a clever little film. It isn't an ordinary serial killer film where we see law enforcement frantically trying to find the killer before he has an opportunity to kill again. In fact, we see very little law enforcement throughout the film. This really stays focused on John.
The pace of this is slow but it helps in building characters and suspense. I thought the actors were great in this. The twist is not one that is not one that is seen in this type of film and I like that.
If you are looking for something a little different check this out!
John, a teenager with homicidal thoughts and behaviors, is in therapy trying to work out his fascination with morbidity but it proves to be a challenge considering that his mother is a mortician. A local serial killer becomes active John uncovers the perpetrator's identity. He sits on this knowledge out of his own curiosity and has to come to a decision about what actions he should take. Will his homicidal mindset lead him astray or will he expose the killer?
This is a clever little film. It isn't an ordinary serial killer film where we see law enforcement frantically trying to find the killer before he has an opportunity to kill again. In fact, we see very little law enforcement throughout the film. This really stays focused on John.
The pace of this is slow but it helps in building characters and suspense. I thought the actors were great in this. The twist is not one that is not one that is seen in this type of film and I like that.
If you are looking for something a little different check this out!
Ruined my Sunday afternoon
wcadman-592883 September 2017
I never review any films but I felt compelled to after having watched this absolute trash. I honestly have no idea why it has so many good reviews, this film is so inconsistent. The main character is diagnosed as being a sociopath yet he cares for everyone?!?! 90% of the film is filler, none of the scenes push the story forward, a plot didn't seem to exist. An hour into the film I checked to see how long it had been on for, I was gobsmacked it had only been on for 60 minutes, It felt like days had passed. The film was slow and cumbersome, the dialogue was ineffective and didn't contribute to the story line most of the time. I won't put any spoilers in, the main spoiler of the film is the fact it has spoilt my Sunday afternoon, I'm hungover and now I'm angry too. Please don't watch this film, you will just end up like me, bitter, twisted and disappointed.
made me smile
christopher-underwood25 April 2022
It was a rather unusual film. As it continues and it appears a bit ordinary but then what is happening seems rather silly. But gradually a very strange story emerges as the killer doesn't seem the usual at all. I don't want to give away the end but everything makes sense, also I'll mention that the song at the final credits is Norman Greenbaum and Spirit in the Sky. It even made me smile. And many will be very pleased to see Christopher Lloyd, specially, I imagine.
Onyx in a bag full of quartz. Original gem.
fromTull18 March 2020
Sometimes I feel like I've gone through all of the good movies (especially so with horror), and I find myself taking chances on anything out of desperation. 95 out of 100 of these dvds deserve to be burned instead of mailed back, just out of public concern. This isn't one of those. What a good film! Feels like old school horror. Not so heavily CGI'd that it feels like a Windows screensaver. It uses effects sparingly and carefully, relying on tension and pace to whip up the dread. Also nice seeing something that's not formulaic, for once I couldn't predict the story. The cinematography is a pleasant mix of throwback and contemporary. The town used as the setting and the way the camera explores and films it is incredible, and makes this a fully realized and believable environment.
The cast couldn't be improved upon. Max Records is great in this film. A gifted young actor, you feel like you're discovering secrets and murders alongside him. We are interested. We are dialed in. He is believable, playing someone who's supposedly incapable of empathy, going from a detached investigator to fully invested and concerned had to be a tightrope and he walks it well.
Now onto Christopher Lloyd. If I had known he was in this movie, I would have skipped it. Not because he's a bad actor, but because I was under the misassumption that he was more or less a one trick pony. Wrong! So glad I was clueless. I feel like every role since Back to the Future has been some variation on Doc, and assumed that was his comfort zone. Now I see he's been limited or typecast one, because he's scary in this. Actually menacing. If you had told me that was possible I wouldn't have believed it.
He rocks. Max rocks. This movie rocks. Sometimes terror is the best therapist.
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