Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5 Stars)
Released 10-13-2017
Watched 08-10-2024
Reviewed 08-27-2024
Rented from iTunes
"I was wrong. I thought that if I stopped running that I could beat it. But it's never gonna stop."
Happy Death Day” is a masterful blend of horror, mystery, and dark comedy, earning a well-deserved 4.5 stars. Directed by Christopher Landon, this 2017 film takes the familiar “Groundhog Day” time loop concept and infuses it with a slasher twist, creating a fresh and entertaining experience.
The film follows Tree Gelbman (played by Jessica Rothe), a self-absorbed college student who finds herself trapped in a nightmarish cycle. Each day, she wakes up on her birthday, only to be brutally murdered by a masked killer by the end of the day. The catch? She wakes up again the next morning, reliving the same day over and over until she can unmask her killer and break the loop.
Jessica Rothe shines in the role of Tree, delivering a charismatic and nuanced performance. Her transformation from a mean-spirited sorority girl to a resourceful and self-aware heroine is compelling and adds depth to the character. Rothe’s ability to balance horror, humor, and vulnerability is a significant film highlight, making her character’s journey all the more engaging.
The film’s strength lies in its clever script, which keeps the audience guessing while delivering a steady stream of dark humor. The blend of horror and comedy is handled expertly, allowing for moments of genuine suspense and laugh-out-loud scenes. Landon’s direction keeps the pace brisk, ensuring that the repetitive nature of the plot never feels stale. Instead, each iteration of the day brings new twists and revelations that keep the story fresh and exciting.
The supporting cast, including Israel Broussard as Carter and Ruby Modine as Lori, adds to the film’s charm, providing strong performances that complement Rothe’s lead. The film also cleverly plays with horror tropes, subverting expectations and offering a unique take on the slasher genre.
While “Happy Death Day” may not reinvent the wheel in terms of horror, it stands out for its originality, wit, and the solid central performance by Rothe. The film is a fun, thrilling ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat while delivering a satisfying mix of scares and laughs. It’s a perfect film for those looking for a horror movie that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers the thrills.
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