Cult Killer

So, I'm not a big fan of these straight-to-video productions. But I like Antonio Banderas (generally) so I watched the trailer. What was surprising is to see Alice Eve all covered up, which intrigued me. Of all the production I've seen Ms. Eve participate in, it's guaranteed that at some point she gets basically naked. This puts here firmly in the "sex kitten" bucket of actors, which means all the has to offer is basically her looks. A horrid example is Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) where she plays an important Trek character and does it quite well - but then hey had to get her naked. It's total fan service and insulting to the audience.

So, here's Cult Killer where she plays a leading role and no where in the trailer - in which she is featured prominently - does she expose anything but her head. Interesting, me thinks, they're going to let her act.

And the girl can actually act.

Aside from an introductory bit of flamboyance in the opening scene - in which she uses her womanly wiles and ample cleavage to shill drinks from eager oglers - she keeps buttoned up and covered in black turtlenecks and overcoats the rest of the film.

What follows is a type of coming-of-age story and a redemption arc for Eve's character, where she works a serial murder case (as a private investigator to the police) and find she has all too much in common with the killer and "their" motives.

I recommend this film to give Ms. Eve her belated due. Here is a film that's "okay" and "it's been done," but to see Ms. Eve allowed to showcase her acting chops is a delight.

I wish her all the success in the world.

The movie just looks poorly made. Odd extras that perform below amateur level. Some simply look like they have never done any acting in their life.

Character actions feel rushed and quite unnatural. Like picking the lock like no one ever would, or doing covert operation like a bunch of students who are lost in the mall. As mentioned beforehand, many things are done on amateur level.

Movie also gave me a feeling that it tries to be Ozark, whether its a camera work, or a background theme. A tall tree to climb.

To be fair, Eve and Banderas do their best, but it is a mystery to me who convinced them to participate in this endeavor.

It's not horrible, but I wouldn't pay to see it.

I thought Antonio Banderas would be the silver lining in this cinematic trainwreck, but oh boy, was I wrong! Cult Killer is so atrocious, even Banderas's dashing presence can't rescue it from the depths of awfulness. I mean, it's like watching a car crash in slow motion while being forced to listen to elevator music. "I swear, Cult Killer is like a bad joke that just won't end. The plot is more convoluted than a Gordian knot, the acting is wooden enough to build a forest, and don't even get me started on the dialogue - it's cringier than a teenager's first Instagram selfie. Even Banderas, bless his heart, looks like he's trying to escape the movie's clutches like a cat trying to flee a bathtub.

Save yourself, folks, and avoid this disaster at all costs! 🚫🎥 #CultKiller #BanderasBomb.

I just does not work. You have solid actors which can definitely deliver and s script/story which seems ok adequate but the whole movie has the overall aesthetic of a lackluster filler episode from a bad television series.

The visuals, cinematography, and overall production design lack anything close to what I would expect in a film.

The character interactions are filmed so badly it feels like a documentary with people who really don't want to be there.

The most disheartening aspect is that I like all the main actors but felt that the film falls so short of its potential. The execution and overall presentation leave much to be desired.

I have never written a review before. At 65 and growing up watching movies all the time. I feel I needed to stand up for this movie. Yes, not for American tastes. More a European style acting and cinematography. It had a ton of flashbacks which were very well done. I am not usually in favor of short flashback scenes as they tend to ruin story lines confusing the viewer, not this movie. I felt story was well played and acted.

My only complaint would be the extra gore. I am not a fan of extra violence.

This may not be a true story, but I am fairly certain there are very accurate components. There is evil in the world.