50 Facts About the Movie Totally Killer

Totally Killer is a 2023 horror-comedy film that blends time travel with slasher elements. Directed by Nahnatchka Khan, it offers a nostalgic trip to the 1980s while tackling serious themes like bullying and sexism. Here are 50 fascinating facts about the movie.

Plot and Setting

Totally Killer's plot and setting are crucial to understanding its unique blend of horror and comedy.

1. Plot Overview: Jamie, a teenager, travels back to 1987 to prevent her mother's murder by the Sweet 16 Killer.
2. Dual Time Periods: The film is set in both 1987 and the present day, allowing for interesting interactions between characters from different eras.
3. Time Machine: Jamie uses a time machine built from an old photo booth to travel back to 1987.
4. Activation Method: The time machine is activated by stabbing the control panel, a unique twist in the plot.
5. 1980s Culture: The 1980s setting is depicted with binge drinking, partying, and bullying, highlighting the era's darker aspects.

Main Characters

The characters in Totally Killer are well-developed, each contributing significantly to the plot.

6. Jamie: Played by Kiernan Shipka, Jamie is the protagonist who travels back in time to save her mother.
7. Pam: Jamie's mother, portrayed by Julie Bowen, was a victim of the Sweet 16 Killer in 1987.
8. Blake: Jamie's father, played by Lochlyn Munro, is a sheriff who failed to catch the killer in 1987.
9. The Sweet 16 Killer: Known for stabbing victims 16 times, the killer wears a surfer dude mask.
10. Chris: A podcaster who becomes the second killer, motivated by profit from his podcast about the original murders.

Themes and Social Issues

Totally Killer addresses several social issues, making it more than just a horror-comedy.

11. Bullying: The film highlights bullying as a significant issue in the 1980s.
12. Sexism: Jamie frequently calls out sexist attitudes and behavior she witnesses in the 1980s.
13. Homophobia: The movie critiques the homophobia prevalent in the 1980s.
14. Drinking and Drugs: Teenagers engage in binge drinking and drug use, reflecting the party culture of the time.
15. Violence and Scariness: The film contains graphic violence, including detailed stabbing scenes.

Jamie's Journey

Jamie undergoes significant character development throughout the movie.

16. Jamie's Mission: Her goal is to prevent the murders and change the course of events.
17. Behavior Change: Jamie learns to be more empathetic and changes her behavior as she interacts with her younger self.
18. Interference in Events: Jamie's actions in 1987 lead to changes in the course of events.
19. Independence: Jamie asserts her independence, especially after her mother's death.
20. Redemption Arc: Jamie's journey is one of redemption, making her a more empathetic person.

Murder Scenes and Violence

The film's murder scenes are graphic and detailed, adding to its horror elements.

21. Murder Method: The Sweet 16 Killer stabs his victims 16 times.
22. Cabin Scene: A pivotal scene takes place at a cabin where Marisa was murdered.
23. Quantum Drop: An amusement park ride where Pam is stabbed by the killer.
24. Norm's Death: A TV reporter is stabbed in the head during a live broadcast.
25. Sylvia's Death: Sylvia is killed in a gruesome waterbed scene.

Supporting Characters

Several supporting characters play crucial roles in the plot.

26. The Mollys: Pam's three best friends, implicated in the death of a classmate.
27. Doug Summers: The school principal and the original Sweet 16 Killer.
28. Kara Lim: The future sheriff who plays a crucial role in stopping the killer.
29. Marisa: A classmate whose death is a significant plot point.
30. Heather: Another victim whose murder Jamie tries to prevent.

Humor and Nostalgia

The film balances its horror elements with humor and nostalgia.

31. Humor: Jamie's reactions to the 1980s culture provide comedic moments.
32. Nostalgia: The film wears its nostalgia lightly, focusing on the culture and attitudes of the 1980s.
33. 1980s Accuracy: The portrayal of 1980s teens is mostly accurate but exaggerated for comedic effect.
34. Non-PC Behavior: Jamie's confusion and disgust at the non-PC behavior of the 1980s teens add to the humor.
35. Cultural References: The film avoids obligatory references to shopping malls or Reagan, focusing instead on the era's darker aspects.

Sexual Content and Language

Totally Killer includes some sexual content and strong language, reflecting the 1980s party culture.

36. Sexual Content: Scenes include a character being nude and another engaging in oral sex.
37. Strong Language: The movie contains strong language, including "f–k" and "motherf–ker."
38. Party Culture: The sexual content and language reflect the 1980s party culture.
39. Body Shaming: The film critiques body shaming, a prevalent issue in the 1980s.
40. Sexist Remarks: Jamie frequently calls out sexist remarks from male jocks.

Plot Twists and Revelations

The movie features several plot twists and revelations that keep the audience engaged.

41. Doug Summers' Backstory: His girlfriend was bullied by Pam's friends, leading to his desire for revenge.
42. Chris's Motive: He kills Pam to profit from the killer's resurfacing and keep his podcast interesting.
43. Pam's Past: Jamie learns that her mother was a mean girl who treated others poorly.
44. The Mollys' Role: They are implicated in the death of a classmate, revealing the motive for the Sweet 16 Killer's revenge.
45. Jamie's Interference: Her actions lead to changes in the events of 1987.

Final Showdown

The climax of the movie involves a thrilling showdown between Jamie and the killers.

46. Kara Lim's Role: She kills Doug Summers, ending the killing spree.
47. Jamie's Actions: She takes charge of her actions and decisions, especially after her mother's death.
48. Pam's Trauma: Her trauma from surviving an attack in 1987 shapes Jamie's actions and motivations.
49. Blake's Involvement: He was ineffective in catching the killer in 1987, adding to the tension.
50. School Setting: The school setting is crucial for the plot, with Jamie interacting with classmates and teachers to understand the dynamics of the 1980s high school.

Final Thoughts on Totally Killer

Totally Killer blends time travel and slasher horror with a dash of 1980s nostalgia. Jamie's journey to save her mom from the Sweet 16 Killer offers a mix of humor, violence, and social critique. The film dives into issues like bullying, sexism, and homophobia, making it more than just a horror-comedy. Jamie's transformation from a mean girl to a more empathetic person adds depth to the story. The movie's portrayal of 1980s culture, with its binge drinking and lax security, provides both comedic and critical moments. Despite mixed reviews, Totally Killer stands out for its unique take on the slasher genre and its nostalgic yet critical look at the past. Whether you're in it for the scares or the laughs, this film offers a bit of both.