Looks That Kill

Looks That Kill is a tragicomic 2020 film that ingeniously blends humor, drama, and romance in a captivating narrative that arrests viewers with its unique premise. It lurks in an unexpected corner of the romantic comedy genre where the unusual meets the familiar, providing a cinematic breath of fresh air to its audiences.

The central protagonist of the movie is named Max Richards, played by Brandon Flynn, who is better known for his role in "13 Reasons Why". Max was born with a fatal, bizarre condition, one that characterizes this movie’s unique premise - he is so attractive that anybody who gazes at his face could drop dead on the spot. His striking good looks may seem like a blessing at first glance, but in reality, they are nothing short of a curse that isolates him from the external world. This isn’t a typical physically attractive lead who turns heads wherever he goes. Here, they produce a lethal reaction that forms the narrative anchor for the entire film.

Max struggles with the arduous task of trying to live a life cloaked in normality and spends his time concealing himself from people to prevent any tragic mishaps. This means going out in full face covering every single day, living a fraught life of heightened anxiety from being a threat to the life of anyone who as much as lays eyes on him. Fan favourite, Brandon Flynn, is absolutely superb in his portrayal of Max, bringing out the character’s inherent vulnerability and emotional depth.

Tom Proctor, an eminent actor popular for his appearances in “Guardians of the Galaxy” and “12 Years a Slave”, also stars in this movie in a supporting role. His robust screen presence adds great value to the story. Annie Mumolo, known for her comedic roles, adds another layer of humor to the tragicomic screenplay. She plays an important character in the story whose interactions with Max contribute significantly to some of the movie’s most poignant and hilarious moments.

Looks That Kill gradually evolves into a stirring drama when Max crosses paths with Alex, a vibrant and vivacious young woman with her own set of life-threatening issues. Their quirky journey, as they navigate their own internal struggles and search for normalcy, forms the crux of the movie. The ensuing narrative is filled with a series of unexpected encounters and hilarious twists, which provide ample scope for both entertainment and contemplation.

The film is peppered with comedic moments, with its humor derived from the absurdity and cruelty of Max’s predicament. The situations that arise from Max’s "fatal attractiveness" are played with both comic and tragic undertones. However, Looks That Kill is far from simply a comedy. It’s a story that explores the profound loneliness and struggles associated with being different.

This all culminates in an engaging blend of satirical social commentary and a love story, narrated with an air of dark humor. It argues against the conventional notions of beauty and attractiveness and redefines the meaning of being "good-looking." The film also explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and finding love in the most unexpected places. Max and Alex’s strange journey of self-discovery proves to embody heartwarming moments that resonate with audiences long after they’ve left the theater.

Directed and written by Kellen Moore, the movie is an absolute delight in terms of storytelling and creativity. The film blends a beautifully written script and a well-handled camera to effectively communicate a captivating narrative. It further brings home dark humor, all while tackling a unique and beautifully tragic love story. The characters are all well cast, and the dynamic performances contribute immensely to making the film a thoroughly entertaining watch.

To sum up, Looks That Kill is a strangely endearing film that serves as a brilliant fusion of drama, romance, and comedy. It navigates themes of physical allurement, self-discovery, acceptance, and love with dexterity. It isn’t your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy but an eccentric tragicomic spectacle that leaves you pondering over the notions of beauty and normalcy. With its intriguing premise and balanced execution, Looks That Kill is a memorable addition to the genre, offering audiences an exceptional viewing experience.