Totally Killer – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Totally Killer

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2023

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Back to the Future meets Scream: a teen time-travels to 1987 to stop a serial killer, but it's still a slasher movie with jokes.

6.5/10

85%

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Totally Killer

movie

R, 2023

45%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Back to the Future meets Scream: a teen time-travels to 1987 to stop a serial killer, but it's still a slasher movie with jokes.

6.5

85%

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6.5/10

85%

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Screenwise Verdict

Totally Killer is exactly what it sounds like: a time-travel slasher comedy that's more fun than scary, but still a slasher. Critics liked it, audiences were mostly on board, and it's got a clever premise. But let's not pretend this is wholesome family fare.

If you've got a 15- or 16-year-old who loves horror-comedies (think Happy Death Day or Freaky), this is a solid pick. It's self-aware, decently executed, and won't give them nightmares. But younger teens? Hard pass. The 'comedy' label doesn't erase the fact that the plot revolves around a guy murdering teenagers.

It's entertaining popcorn horror with a time-travel twist, not life-changing cinema. If your teen's into the genre and you're cool with slasher content, go for it. Just don't expect deep enrichment—expect laughs, screams, and some decent 80s nostalgia.

Age Fit

This is for older teens—15 and up—who can handle horror violence and dark humor. It's not for middle schoolers or anyone squeamish about slasher content, even when it's played for laughs. Adults who like genre mashups will enjoy it too.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Horror-comedy hybrid with a slasher premise—'Sweet Sixteen Killer' murders teens in 1987 and 2022. While the comedy angle softens the tone, the core is still a serial killer hunting teenagers. Not emotionally healthy material for younger viewers, though the time-travel premise adds levity. The 'comedy' label suggests some self-awareness, but this isn't modeling kindness or cooperation in any meaningful way—it's leaning into slasher tropes for laughs.

Imaginative

Time-travel premise (teen goes back to 1987 to stop a killer before he starts) is inherently creative and offers fish-out-of-water comedy potential. The 1987 setting invites nostalgia and cultural contrast—80s fashion, tech, attitudes. It's not groundbreaking (we've seen Back to the Future and Happy Death Day), but mixing slasher horror with time-loop comedy and a teenage protagonist trying to rewrite history shows decent originality. Doesn't invite creative expression from viewers, but it's a fun genre mashup.

Safe

This is a slasher movie. Even with comedy layered in, the premise involves a serial killer murdering teenagers—twice across two timelines. Common Sense Media pegs it at 15+, which signals violence, likely some gore, and mature themes. No MPAA rating listed, but horror-comedies in this vein typically earn R or hard PG-13. Expect jump scares, blood, and potentially sexual content or language typical of teen slashers. Not something a younger kid should stumble into, and definitely not 'surprise safe' for family movie night if you've got anyone under 13.

Enriching

Offers some light commentary on generational differences (2022 teen vs. 1987 culture), which could spark conversations about how society has changed. The time-travel-to-prevent-tragedy angle touches on consequence and agency. But let's be real: this is a popcorn horror-comedy designed for entertainment, not deep insight. It's not teaching empathy or building skills—it's a genre exercise. Entertaining? Probably. Meaningful takeaways? Minimal. The 85% RT critic score suggests it's well-executed for what it is, but 'what it is' is disposable fun.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Time-travel premise mixing 80s nostalgia with modern teen sensibilities—fun culture clash moments
Horror-comedy tone means it doesn't take itself too seriously; critics liked it (85% RT)
Could spark conversations about how much society has changed in 35 years (tech, attitudes, fashion)
Genre mashup appeals to teens who want scares but also laughs—less traumatic than straight horror

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What to Watch For

This is still a slasher movie—expect violence, blood, and teenagers being murdered by a serial killer
Common Sense Media says 15+, which means mature content: likely strong language, some gore, possibly sexual references
Not a 'surprise safe' pick for family movie night—know your audience before hitting play

Conversation Starters

"If you could go back to the 80s, what do you think would be the weirdest thing about it?"
"The movie's about stopping a killer before he starts—do you think changing the past would actually work, or just create new problems?"
"How do you think people your age in 1987 were different from teens today? What's better now, what's worse?"

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