Renowned filmmaker Kevin Smith returns to the horror genre with the film ‘Kilroy Was Here.’ Co-writing the movie with Andrew McElfresh, Smith draws inspiration from the cultural phenomenon of the ‘Kilroy was here ‘ graffiti, aiming for a fresh and intriguing perspective on horror.
‘Kilroy Was Here’ is not just a collection of standalone horror tales. It’s a darkly comedic and chilling horror anthology that intricately weaves together three twisted stories, all centered around the mysterious figure of Kilroy. These interconnected narratives cleverly explore the consequences of invoking this sinister entity, blending horror, humor, and social commentary uniquely.
The wrap-around story sets the stage for the dreadful events to follow. We meet Wendy (Harley Quinn Smith), who is spending the night in the care of Tyler (Zoe Burney). Little does Tyler know that his babysitter has a deceitful plan to rid herself of a cheating boyfriend by telling Tyler stories about Kilroy. Given that this is a horror flick, her plan backfires spectacularly when the legend of Kilroy proves to be all too real. This segment establishes the film’s ominous tone and foreshadows the escalating horrors that unfold in the subsequent stories.
In the first story, a mother’s heinous scheme to exploit her daughter’s illness for personal gain takes a disturbing turn when the daughter uncovers the truth and invokes the vengeful spirit of Kilroy. The narrative delves into themes of deception and betrayal, culminating in a harrowing climax that leaves a trail of destruction in its wake.
The second story delves into the unsettling folklore surrounding Kilroy as a tool of parental discipline, leading to a series of eerie revelations and a shocking twist that blurs the lines between reality and myth. The third story will raise eyebrows, involving a priest and his empty behavior towards children. At the same time, the final film is a take on the found footage angle highlighting the dangers of embarrassing someone online for likes and views.
I want to let viewers know that “Kilroy Was Here” isn’t a unique and daring entry in the horror anthology genre. Nor does it offer a fresh take on supernatural folklore and urban legends. While I’m sure some die-hard Smith fans will love the director’s style, most mainstreams won’t get on board with Smith’s blend of horror, comedy, and social commentary,
While I’m in the minority of critics giving “Kilroy Was Here” a passing grade I know that Smith can do better in the horror genre and hope he one day gives mainstream moviegoers a must-see genre-bending cinema experience.
Final Grade: C
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