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Looking to watch Boy Kills World but worried about spoilers? This review is for you! We’ll break down the basic plot and highlight some things to consider before you watch, without revealing any key details. By the end, we’ll also give you our recommendation on whether to see it in theaters, stream it at home, or skip it altogether.
Boy Kills World Basics
The film is directed by Moritz Mohr and written by the duo of Tyler Burton Smith and Arend Remmers. Sam Raimi, Roy Lee, and a team of producers including Simon Swart, Alex Lebovici, Stuart Manashil, Wayne Fitzjohn, Zainab Azizi, and Dan Kagan bring the project to life.
Bill Skarsgård stars as Boy, a character left orphaned, deaf, and voiceless after a brutal attack by Hilda Van Der Koy (played by Famke Janssen). Hilda is the ruthless leader of a corrupt dynasty that thrives in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Fueled by the voice of a video game character he internalized as a child, Boy seeks revenge. He trains with a mysterious shaman (Ruhian) to become a weapon of vengeance. Unleashed on the eve of a horrific annual purge, Boy unleashes his deadly martial arts skills, leaving a trail of carnage in his wake. Disoriented in this chaotic world, Boy encounters a desperate resistance group and grapples with the spirit of his rebellious little sister who seems to haunt him.
Trigger Warnings
Before we dive deeper, here are some things to keep in mind. The movie features intense violence. Throughout the podcast, we will discuss how it plays into the film later but be forewarned if you’re sensitive to graphic content. The martial arts are impressive but expect brutality with lots of blood and gore.
This movie also involves children, and some violence is directed towards them. It’s all part of the story, but we wanted to mention it in case you’re concerned about that kind of content.
A Unique Blend of Narration and Violence in Boy Kills World
While Boy Kills World boasts a star-studded cast, the lead character, played by Bill Skarsgård, is simply referred to as “Boy” and remains silent throughout. This is because he’s deaf and mute. However, the entire film is narrated by his inner monologue, delivered in a video game character voice by H. John Benjamin (of Bob’s Burgers and Archer fame).
Initially, some viewers might find this combination jarring, especially due to the inherent association of Benjamin’s voice with Bob’s Burgers. However, others argue that the narration choice perfectly complements the movie’s comic book style. As the film progresses, the voiceover becomes less distracting.
Both viewpoints converge when discussing how the narration and violence work together. The movie portrays over-the-top violence in a way that highlights its absurdity. The comedic narration complements this absurdity, creating a sometimes successful, but not always perfect, balance between humor and brutality.
Graphic Novel Aesthetic
This combination evokes a graphic novel aesthetic, making it clear that the movie doesn’t take itself too seriously. While violent, it’s not like John Wick, where the action is nonstop and realistic.
The movie depicts a fascist regime that maintains control through televised violence. Each year, they hold a spectacle where people are forced to fight to the death. This brutality is presented in a cartoonish, over-the-top way, making it easier for the audience to process the harsh themes.
The story follows a young man seeking revenge for his family’s murder at the hands of the ruling family. The violence throughout the film is so extreme that it becomes almost comical, highlighting the absurdity of real-world violence.
The boy sees visions of his sister, who acts as his conscience throughout his journey. Even though she’s not physically present, her presence keeps him grounded and reminds him of what’s right and wrong.
The Verdict
Nick and Kari recommend the movie with some reservations due to the violence. They agree it’s entertaining but ultimately recommend streaming it at home. While the action and visuals might be better on the big screen, they believe the movie is more suited for home viewing due to the violence and the focus required to follow the plot. Although the message is clear but conveyed visually, the over-the-top villains are a true highlight. Despite a scattered beginning, the movie eventually pulls itself together and finds its focus.
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