Boy Kills World is set in a dystopian future where the Van Der Koy family, led by Hilda (Famke Janssen), rules a city with ruthless authority. To maintain their power, the family annually executes a public purge, eliminating twelve individuals deemed to be in opposition. During one such event, a young boy is gravely wounded, witnessing the deaths of his mother and sister. He is subsequently taken in by a mysterious mentor who subjects him to rigorous training, preparing him for revenge. The boy, known only as Boy (Bill Skarsgård), is rendered mute and deaf by his injuries. To cope, he develops an internal monologue (H. Jon Benjamin), voiced by a character based on an arcade game he shared with his deceased sister. The time arrives for Boy to enact his plan to eliminate the Van Der Koy family. However, a formidable army of highly trained soldiers stands in his path, a challenge that proves to be less daunting for the exceptionally skilled and battle-ready Boy. A violent confrontation ensues, filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Boy Kills World distinguishes itself by being an original concept, not derived from existing TV series, comic books, reboots, remakes, or sequels. Directed and co-written by Moritz Mohr in his directorial debut, the film presents a uniquely chaotic experience unlike many others. While the core narrative is relatively straightforward and familiar, its execution is novel. The protagonist’s deafness, and the resulting manifestation of an internal voice independent of his own, adds a layer of dark humor and surrealism, particularly evident in encounters where he struggles to interpret speech, leading to comedic misunderstandings.
Boy Kills World possesses a distinct visual style, characterized by a dreamlike and surreal quality, effectively conveying the protagonist’s subjective perspective. The film deliberately omits details regarding the world’s specific context, leaving it ambiguous whether it’s set in the future or an alternate reality. This ambiguity serves as an intriguing backdrop, allowing the events to take center stage without being bogged down by excessive exposition.
Bill Skarsgård previously delivered a compelling performance in IT and consistently impresses across his filmography. In this role, he convincingly carries the entire film, establishing himself as a potential action star. His upcoming portrayal of Brandon Lee’s iconic character in The Crow is highly anticipated.
The action sequences are expertly choreographed and exceptionally violent, yet retain a sense of dark humor. The film effectively balances extreme violence with comedic elements, a challenging feat successfully achieved by the director.
However, the film’s nearly two-hour runtime feels somewhat excessive. Boy Kills World would have likely benefited from a more concise edit, perhaps trimming 20 minutes for a tighter and more engaging experience. As it stands, the pacing falters slightly, leading to a sense of restlessness approaching the final confrontation.
In conclusion, Boy Kills World is recommended as an action film that delivers a unique blend of over-the-top humor and intense action, setting it apart from conventional genre offerings.
