Kill Keith

Kill Keith is a 2011 film - a hybrid of comedy, horror, and romance with a hint of mystery. Directed by Andy Thompson and marked with performances by Marc Pickering, Susannah Fielding, and David Easter, the film is a surprisingly hilarious journey that creates a fine line between the entertainment industry and the macabre workings of a madman.

The unique title, Kill Keith, ignites curiosity from the very start. Transposed from its literal sense, the premise of the film revolves around the life of Keith Chegwin, a somewhat fictional TV presenter who is at the top of his game in the world of breakfast television. Chegwin's likable public persona hides a man who's ambitious and determined, never hesitating to climb the heights of success even at the expense of his colleagues. He prepares for his career-defining moment - becoming the prime time show host, while unaware that he's the target of a vengeful foe.

The plot takes a sinister turn when this ambitious entertainer unwittingly lands on the death list of an obsessed fanatic. The obsessive villain starts a lethal hunt, stalking celebrities associated with breakfast television shows, before setting sight on Keith Chegwin. Amidst the blend of comedy and horror, the audience is taken on a journey through the eerie back alleys and dark corners of the celebrity world where the question remains - who wants to kill Keith?

Marc Pickering stars as the naïve and bumbling daytime TV employee, Danny. Danny dreams of more within the television industry than his current role cleaning up after celebrities and lacks the courage to express his love for his colleague Dawn (Susannah Fielding). Their chemistry on screen brings about an unexpected romantic subplot to the thriller.

Susannah Fielding, widely known for her stage acting skills, takes on a different persona as the compassionate, resilient Dawn, who unknowingly finds herself at the heart of the sinister plot. Fielding's portrayal brings a refreshing perspective to the story, alternating between her role as the object of Danny's admiration and her involvement in the unfolding drama.

David Easter plays Tony Blackburn, a fellow TV presenter who crosses paths with Keith and Danny. Easter's interpretation of Blackburn lends a comedic aura, as well as a serious undertone to the plot.

The movie doesn't step into extreme gore; instead, it follows a comical take on horror, often managing to meld the two seamlessly. The film could well fall into the British tradition of television satire, combined with a dash of slasher horror. The murders are mostly suggested, not shown explicitly, following a 'less is more' approach that intensifies the suspense.

Kill Keith also has a host of cameo appearances from prominent UK television icons such as Tony Blackburn and Joe Pasquale. These appearances tend to accentuate the suspense while infusing a slice of reality into the film.

Under the genial guidance of Andy Thompson, Kill Keith balances its comedic disposition with thrilling experiences, managing to keep audiences guessing until the end. Its script, co-written by Thompson, is smart, original, and steers clear of predictability.

The movie's location, a gloomy television studio itself, adds to the overall suspense – filled with winding corridors, deserted late-night sets, and unidentified noises. The occasional jump-scares accompanied by an agile and eerie background score make for an engaging watch.

With its quirky plotline and unconventional mix of genres, Kill Keith proves to be a distinctive addition to the British comedy-horror film trend. Respecting audience intelligence, the film doesn't bank on cheap jump scares and excessive gore, instead, the film succeeds in maintaining a creeping feeling of unease throughout, peppered with lighter comedic moments.

Kill Keith is a refreshing deviation from stereotypical horror films, providing viewers not just gore but also blending humor and a bit of romance. Its charm primarily lies in the versatility and commitment displayed by its actors. The film pays an excellent homage to the cloak and dagger nature of the entertainment industry, as well as the sometimes unconventional paths careers can take. Kill Keith is a must-watch for those who seek a satirical look at the television industry peppered with elements of suspense and a good dose of belly laughs.