I Blame Society, An Excellent Original Serial Killer Film

Well, not really a new serial killer per se… I Blame Society is more of a mix of what would happen if the guy from the Creep movies was a woman. The narrative for this POV-style story also has hints of 2017’s Capture Kill Release and channels the enthusiasm of another cuckoo bananas character Rebecca from Superhost. But fans of witty counterparts that scoff in the face of menial formula-driven filmmaking scripts will undoubtedly get a kick out of Gillian. Gillian is making a film about creating the perfect likable lead. And she happens to be working out how to become the perfect murderer.

The kills in the I Blame Society movie are cheap and nasty. They come off with the superficial flare of how I imagine a stage play murder would be carried out. Fortunately, not everyone Gillian unceremoniously murders gets stabbed. Some of them are poisoned and some of them are set up in an array of accidental death scenarios that encase Gillian’s knack for getting away with killing people.

It all begins simply enough. Gillian is a burgeoning indie filmmaker who finds respectful feedback for her efforts lacking. But this girl believes in what she is capable of. So with that in mind, she pockets the ideas given to her by two obnoxious film executives and decides to enact their suggestions verbatim.

I Blame Society Review

She recreates her filmmaking idea titled “I, Murderer” as a new and improved venture. Opening scenes see her interview her friend Chase about whether she would make a good killer. Subsequently, she claps off an example about who she would murder using Chase’s girlfriend as an example. Chase is understandably unnerved as is her boyfriend when she begins to illicitly tout her vision to the highest bidder. Her tone is methodical and venomous while maintaining a stoic and bubbly outer shell. This is an unhinged individual with all the poise of someone who is steadfast in her composure.

“I Blame Society” can disturb and shock despite its humble cinematography. When not reliant on Gillian’s preferred stabby-stabby nature, her use of poison is executed with more care. It’s in these somber and tenacious moments that the film is at its darkest. It’s also when I Blame Society’s razor-sharp wit and unnerving comedic accents are at their best. In one scene Gillian lures a homeless person into her lair with the promise of sex… and a sandwich. When her victim isn’t as upbeat about the idea of free sex, she throws in the offer of food to sweeten the deal.

Repo Man Blames Society Too

The man follows with all the enthusiasm of a mouse knowing the cheese he is about to eat is most surely a trap. But Gillian’s sweet and well-spoken nature hides her intent well. Gillian gets to see the man by asking him questions about his life. She learns his name is Phil and gets the low down on where he comes from and who might miss him. Everything she does comes in handy when she pens a convincing suicide note and orchestrates the perfect way for him to be found.

I Blame Society is not your average independent shaky-cam POV movie. Gillian Wallace Horvat’s feature film directorial debut is wickedly decisive in what it wants to say. Those who get it will appreciate all the subtle name-drops, satire, and themes it includes. Everyone else will just hate it.

I Blame Society is rated

3.75 Man Bites Dog gender-swapped serial killers out of 5

Produced by Nowhere. Distributed by Cranked Up Films. I Blame Society is available to watch on the Shudder platform in the USA. Watch for free in Australia on TubiTv or with a subscription to Apple iTunes.

• Director
  • Gillian Wallace Horvat
• Writers
  • Gillian Wallace Horvat
  • Chase Williamson