'Kill Me If You Dare' Review: Filip Zylber's directorial film is a recipe for adventure that falls flat
Spoilers for 'Kill Me If You Dare' on Netflix
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The latest addition to Netflix's film catalog, 'Kill Me If You Dare,' directed by Filip Zylber, unfolds the story of a married couple driven to kill each other in a quest for the jackpot rewards.
The film paints a poignant portrait of love between Piotr (Mateusz Banasiuk) and Natalia (Weronika Ksiazkiewicz), casting a somber yet captivating hue on their relationship.
Amidst marital struggles threatening their relationship, the married couple experiences an unexpected windfall with a lottery win. Rather than embracing a blissful future together, the couple, grappling with their issues, shockingly resolves to kill each other in a twisted bid to claim the entire reward.
Undoubtedly, the movie's narrative sets it apart from other films scheduled for this Valentine's Day. On paper, it holds great potential, but unfortunately, it seems to lose its charm once translated onto the screen.
The humor of 'Kill Me If You Dare' mostly falls short
Right from the beginning, it's clear that the main duo is juvenile and immature, establishing the tone for the storyline.
The storyline held immense potential, especially with its Valentine's Day release, promising a blend of dark hilarity. However, the central theme of a couple plotting to murder each other feels somewhat contrived in its execution. One could argue that it needs a stronger foundation built on conviction rather than relying solely on misunderstandings.
The execution of the movie seldom surpasses eye-rolling quips or cliched, juvenile antics. This approach undermines its darker theme, ultimately leaving a disappointing aftertaste. The humor in the movie often falls short, lacking the ability to evoke authentic chuckles or showcase creative wit.
The theatrics of the characters quickly become irritating, raising questions about the authenticity of their care for each other. It becomes apparent that many of their misunderstandings could have been easily resolved through simple communication.
Characters fail to elicit empathy owing to poor writing
While Weronika Ksiazkiewicz and Mateusz Banasiuk give their best in portraying their characters, they struggle to evoke empathy due to the characters' inherent naivety and self-absorption.
Despite Agnieszka Wiedlocha and Piotr Rogucki's effective portrayal of best friends with ulterior motives, the lack of well-crafted material prevents their characters from feeling like individuals with distinct personalities, rendering them more like caricatures.
Their characters aren't entirely malevolent or terrible; they simply manipulate their best friends for financial benefits. Moreover, Filip Zylber's direction lacks the infusion of exhilaration or tension, opting instead for a safe and formulaic approach.
Overall, 'Kill Me If You Dare' will make you giggle in bits and pieces, but it falls short of realizing the full potential it holds.
It's a forgettable film that lacks lasting impact due to its lack of ingenuity, appearing more like an attempted replication of the Turkish film with the same name.
'Kill Me If You Dare' is now streaming on Netflix.