FilmQuest 24: "The Killgrin" - movie review

“Joanna Tsanis’s The Killgrin unleashes a nightmare-fueled monster in a relentless tale of tragedy and terror.”

Joanna Tsanis invades your nightmares with The Killgrin, a gore-driven supernatural monster flick following a young woman’s descent into horror after a tragic loss, manifesting a demonic infection on her aura. The Killgrin is an unsettling ride filled with gore and hellish visuals, and while the narrative is intense and daunting, some effects clash with the otherwise menacing look of the demon.

One of the film’s standout elements—and possibly its most polarizing among horror fans—is its similarity to another popular title. However, the brutal kill scenes are hard to look away from and will undoubtedly appeal to gore enthusiasts who respect the craft, even if it’s familiar territory. The pacing, highlighted by a chilling nightmare transition, effectively enhances the lore of the creature. Introducing a new monster is no easy feat in horror, and Killgrin nails it: once the audience glimpses the malignant entity behind the devastation, it’s a rewarding payoff—at least until some unfortunate CGI slightly dampens the effect. Despite this, there’s much to admire about the creature design and concept.

Konstantina Mantelos shines as Miranda, a young woman grappling with profound loss. Her portrayal is believable and grounded, with well-written interactions that keep the story gripping and heighten the anticipation. While some characters seem added solely to raise the body count, Mantelos’s performance remains solid throughout.

The Killgrin is a fascinating watch for its monster, violence, and nightmarish sequences. The story loosens slightly toward the end but leaves enough to spark the imagination of what could come next. If you can look past the CGI, horror fans will find The Killgrin an exciting entry in a fantastic year for monstrous horror.

Rating: 3.5/5

Directed by Joanna Tsanis

Starring: Konstantina Mantelos, Cristo Fernández, Adam Tsekhman, Peter MacNeill, Lynne Griffin, Ramona Milano, Gillian Fortin, Matt Murray, Shomari Downer, Leland Tilden, and Fuad Ahmed.