Women Who Kill

Women Who Kill is a engaging and witty dark comedy directed by Ingrid Jungermann about true crime podcasts and lesbian relationships that premiered at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. The movie is not only hilarious and well-written, but also a refreshing homage to the true-crime genre that's become ubiquitous in recent years.

The movie follows two Brooklyn-based friends, Morgan (played by Jungermann) and Jean (played by Sheila Vand), who produce a popular true-crime podcast about female murderers. Their chemistry is natural and easy, and they bounce off each other with sharp, yet subtle humor. However, things begin to change when Morgan ends her mysterious relationship with her ex-girlfriend, Simone (played by Annette O'Toole), while at the same time developing a romantic interest in a beautiful food co-op owner. Of course, this new relationship takes up a lot of her time and leaves Jean feeling abandoned, but what's more, Morgan starts to see some eerie parallels between her own life and the cases she covers on her podcast.

The film's main strength is its writing. The story is cleverly plotted and quick-witted, with an equal balance of humor and tension. As Jean and Morgan try to solve the mystery of what really happened to Simone, the film takes on various darkly funny sub-plots that are equal parts absurd and compelling. The characters are well-rounded and their interactions are both captivating and hilarious. The dialogue is gorgeously crafted and the humor is insane, but never forced. A lot of the humor is based on the characters' shared quirks and the way they deal with each other in everyday situations, which makes them all the more relatable.

The acting of the three leads is superb, each delivering a unique performance that adds to the film's uniqueness. Annette O'Toole is powerful, embodying a character that is both mysterious and mesmerizing, while Sheila Vand is a comedic revelation, her perky character serving as the film's glue. But most of all, Ingrid Jungermann's performance as Morgan is incredibly compelling. Jungermann gives an effortless performance, blending humor and a disconcerting vulnerability that makes Morgan intriguing and relatable.

In addition to its writing and performances, the film's darkly atmospheric cinematography is also noteworthy. The film is set entirely in Brooklyn, and Jungermann, who also wrote and directed the movie, creates an intriguing, sometimes eerie world that complements the plot and the characters' moods. The film's cinematography is filled with distinctive shots of New York's urban landscapes, offering a mood and vibe that's like no other film.

Overall, Women Who Kill is a gem of a movie that speaks to fans of the true-crime genre, romantic comedies and darkly comedic thrillers alike. The movie is perfectly cast, and the chemistry between the actors is entertaining and endearing. The plot is intriguing, and the writing is tight and nuanced. All that, combined with the clever cinematography, makes for a movie that is both engaging and entertaining from start to finish. This movie is recommended for anyone looking for a great night in with great company.