'Cheer Camp Killer' Review: Lifetime thriller debunks glam of cheerleading with foul play and substance abuse
The world of cheerleading wins our hearts with its glamorous portrayal of sportsmen spirit. But what if a stiff competition uncovers the dark reality behind cheerleading! Lifetime’s latest thriller ‘Cheer Camp Killer’ reveals some horrid antics behind the glossy activity and comes as edgy. The film opens with a gory act of substance abuse that exploits a skillful cheerleader named Lilly (Monica Rose Betz). This conveys the theme of the movie quite explicitly. However, the viewer is not known how much foul play they will have to endure in the entire plot.
In no time, we are introduced to the camp of dreams – the ‘Pacific Youth Camp’ that has opened its gates for talented teens as cheerleaders. The camp is a sure shot ticket to win a highly gratifying scholarship that will be rewarded to the best and the most outstanding cheerleader. However, the rise to win is not easy and goes through cut-throat competition. The film predictably portrays the antagonists who are a mother-daughter duo --Beth played by Andrea Bogart and Victoria by villainous yet gorgeous Sydney Malakeh.
Beth is a strict, rough, and highly authoritarian coach that the camp has hired for one of its teams called the Red Team. She possesses an unhealthy approach to make her daughter, who is a cheerleader, win in the competition which comes at the cost of jeopardizing the lives of other teammates. As a result, Victoria acts as vile as she could and targets the protagonist and her biggest competitor, Sophia, played by Mariah Robinson. On the other front, we are introduced to the ‘good’ Blue Team headed by another coach Mary (Jennifer Marshall). This team has a bunch of teens that are not only amiable but can strive to any lengths to foster human bonds of friendship and love.
This squad has Charlotte (Jacqueline Scislowski) who befriends Sophia and her best friend Jack (Philip McElroy). As the movie progresses we witness some savage shenanigans by the highly popular cheerleader Victoria who targets the plain and innocent Sophia. From foxing Jack with her sensuous avatar, to coyly having an affair with a trainer whom she later exploits for her shady deeds, to creating misunderstanding between Sophia and her friends and even tapping on her fears, Victoria plays as vindictive as she could be. She crosses limits when she plans some life-threatening antics involving drugging and ramming a car, nearly killing a character.
However, the movie also discloses what pivots her unfettered notoriety. The plot exposes the reality of a troubled teen who feels constant pressure to outperform due to her mother and is even encouraged for her despicable actions. What awaits in the climax is quite a cliche and leaves less room for a guessing game. Moreover, the movie could have cashed on some really stunning dance moves and stellar performances given the theme but it offers less on that front.
Despite this, what grabs our attention is the characters, especially Sophia and Victoria. It is quite difficult to take your eyes off the fierce Sydney Malakeh and her powerful persona. She leaves a long-lasting impression with her acting and a strikingly attractive physique that complements her chic look and dreadful moods.
On the other hand, Mariah Robinson allures one with her genuine smile, bravery, and maturity that shines as a ray of hope. Allover, the film is a go-to watch to see some strong characters that will make one swoon and detest at the same time.
‘Cheer Camp Killer’ premieres at 8 pm on October 10 on Lifetime channel.