2023’s Totally Killer blends humor into the typical slasher narrative, but what age range is this movie suitable for? Here’s what parents should know.

Summary

• Totally Killer is a dark comedy horror movie set in the '80s, with elements of humor and references to the Halloween franchise. It is not excessively terrifying but contains jump scares and gore.
• Despite being a teen horror film, Totally Killer is rated R and is unsuitable for children due to its violence, language, sexual content, drug/alcohol use, and themes of racism and sexism that may require further context.
• Common Sense Media recommends the movie for viewers aged 15 and older, primarily due to the sexual content and violence. Parents who want to avoid these elements should avoid letting their children watch Totally Killer.

Totally Killer is a dark comedy horror movie, and its mix of genres can make it tricky to know where it falls on the scary scale. Released in 2023, the movie follows a teenage girl who travels back in time to 1987 to stop a serial killer. The film reads as a tribute to the Halloween franchise and is an interesting addition the lineup of horror movies available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.

Considering the film is set in '80s suburbia and gives major Molly Ringwald vibes, it really is no surprise that there are viewers who are unsure of how terrifying Totally Killer actually is. For those who tend to err on the lighter side of horror movies, it is important to know what kind of content they are getting into before hitting play. It is especially important to understand the amount of gruesome content present when parents are trying to deduce whether a film is suitable for children to consume. To assist in the decision-making process, here is a breakdown of how scary Totally Killer really is.

Totally Killer Is A Violent Slasher, But It Has Comedic Elements

Although Totally Killer has humor weaved throughout its story, it is ultimately a scary movie. The movie is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it does not present much of a challenge for seasoned horror fans. While there is a masked maniac involved, the teenage characters and the '80s backdrop soften the horrific elements a bit. There are a handful of jump scares present throughout the film, and because it is a slasher movie, there is a good amount of gore and bloodshed.

Overall, Totally Killer probably won't keep adult viewers up at night. It definitely has spooky elements but the witty jokes and '80s songs and outfits are ultimately what makes it most memorable. That doesn't mean, however, it's a movie that should be played with or around younger audiences.

Is Totally Killer Suitable For Kids Why It's Rated R

Even though Totally Killer fits into the teen horror genre and is not nearly as scary as other horror movies, it is still not suitable for children. It has been rated R for a number of reasons, including bloody violence, inappropriate language, sexual content, and drug/alcohol use. These are all elements that are pretty standard in horror movies but are still not meant for kids. The film also deals with blatant racism and sexism. Additional context may be required for children to fully comprehend the weight of these subjects.

Common Sense Media has found that the movie is best-suited for viewers 15 and older. They base this partly off of the high number of sexual references throughout the movie, but the main reason is the violence and scariness. For parents who prefer their children to steer clear of entertainment that contains drinking and drugs, strong language, and violence, Totally Killer is definitely one movie to add to the "do not watch" list.

Source: Common Sense Media