by A film like Kill Your Lover truly exemplifies what makes the horror genre unique. While traditional films may depict toxic relationships with Hollywood endings or through a lens shaped by societal norms, Alix Austin and Keir Siewert’s body horror film breaks away from these clichés. This film moves beyond melodrama to explore the terrifying aspects of failing relationships. By portraying “toxic relationships” as a virulent infection, Kill Your Lover reveals the physical horror of emotional dysfunction in a way that highlights the pain and fear that can arise from shared experiences.
Kill Your Lover (2023)
Genre: Horror
Release Date: October 12, 2023
Director: Alix Austin, Keir Siewert
Cast: Paige Gilmor, Shane Quigley Murphy, May Kelly, Joshua Whincup, Chloe Wigmore, Eva-Marie Kung, Rachael James, Joanna Lusua
Runtime: 77 Minutes
Writers: Alix Austin, Keir Siewert
What Is Kill Your Lover About?
Kill Your Lover unfolds by revealing key details gradually, starting with Dakota’s pivotal choice before delving into her and Axel’s intertwined past. The screenplay by Austin and Siewert explores how quickly a relationship can devolve from passionate intimacy into a grotesque and unsettling anti-romance.
The film highlights how we often ignore warning signs, tolerate imperfections, and rationalize red flags due to the fear of losing a “secure” relationship. Axel, the film’s antagonist, exhibits abusive and manipulative behavior, but Dakota’s insecurities and her role in sustaining Axel’s fantasy are also critically examined. Kill Your Lover addresses the complexities of emotional entrapment and one-sided relationships, providing a nuanced perspective on blame and the inherent messiness of emotional flaws.
Regarding its visual and visceral aspects, Kill Your Lover excels as a low-budget horror film. Axel’s dark, veiny appearance might resemble amateur cosmetic effects, but this doesn’t detract from the overall impact. The sound design enhances the sense of bodily horror, with sticky fluids and raw, bloody lesions intensifying the grotesque atmosphere. Austin and Siewert effectively convey Axel’s affliction as a spreading infection, embodying the concept that “hurt people hurt people.” The film leverages its horror influences, particularly in its intense and graphic scenes, to portray the devastating effects of its characters’ fate.
Kill Your Lover Benefits From Great Performances
Paige Gilmour and Shane Quigley-Murphy deliver powerful performances, driving the narrative from start to finish. Their dynamic, marked by constant bickering and resentment, brings depth to the film. Quigley-Murphy portrays Axel with a menacing intensity, occasionally revealing moments of vulnerability as he seeks to salvage their doomed relationship. Gilmour’s Dakota exhibits a blend of external bravery and internal conflict, making her performance compelling. Their interactions, both confrontational and tender, showcase a complex blend of affection and revulsion.
Kill Your Lover exceeds expectations, proving to be more than just an intriguing concept. Despite some apparent flaws, such as a somewhat forced runtime and predictable outcomes, these issues don’t detract from the film’s originality and impact. At just under 80 minutes, Austin and Siewert craft a succinct and effective portrayal of a tumultuous relationship.
The film’s authenticity shines through in its depiction of Axel and Dakota’s behavior, revealing the motivations and consequences beneath the surface of their horrific experiences. With its blend of fantastical elements and raw emotional depth, Kill Your Lover offers a uniquely poignant take on a familiar experience, making it a standout in the horror genre.
