Casting Kill (I) (2023) User Reviews

B grade trash

[fjosh-10470 · 2/10 · 22 September 2023]

The script is particularly bad. It takes a common genre of horror and violence against women and the misogynistic pitfalls and cliches that plague similar works. It somehow keeps you bored throughout-like when one seemingly disturbing act turns out to "just" be homicide, the clearly psychopathic mummy issues underlying the character's misogyny, the worst popcorn ever, and of course the unexpected ending that shows the different depths of depravity within all of us. The context of an acting casting call both creates a over the top theatrics while being brutally honest about the very real nightmares within the industry. Overall, the script is witty, provocative, cogent, and all too relevant.

Of course, it comes to life with stellar acting, most notably from the lead Rob Laird as Arthur Capstone. The script demands a lot of him, and he meets the challenge heroically: treading the tightrope between deadpan and camp with Olympic precision to create a character who feels uncomfortably real, like a living nightmare. Scenes with him and Jack Forsyth-Noble as Domenic; they fed off each other's energy so beautifully and hilariously that you almost lost sight as to who was the true antagonist.

Overall, it's a no watch for wide ranges of audiences: anyone who loves horror, comedy, black comedy, social commentary, and honestly should avoid at all costs.

Great film

[paularainbird-75046 · 10/10 · 13 October 2023]

First time I saw this film was on dvd, second time seen at The Lavenham Film Festival, Suffolk, where it won three awards at the Gala Awards night, which was very well deserved. Enjoyable film from the start to the end, with plenty of laughs throughout. Great casting, all characters were convincing and natural Would happily watch again Great cast,, each character drew you in.

Brilliant Director and Writer, who have recently won awards for their newest fillm, Best Geezer, which is heading off to Hollywood to be screened. Really nice couple who I wish well with their current and future ventures. Casting Kill, please give it a watch and review.

Gives new meaning to the Casting Couch

[daveoblade · 10/10 · 12 October 2023]

I have seen this twice now. Dark horror comedy at its best. Well shot great actors and great script.

The writers and Directors of this film are at the top of their game, as are the actors. Think twice before you go to an audition.

A dubious casting director lures unsuspecting actors to audition for a big part in a top film. Set in Londonin a basement flat, it is atmospheric and creepy, yet laughs are to be had at just the right moments. British Independent filming at its best, you could be forgiven into thinking it had a sizeable budget. Well worth a watch.

Gives a new meaning to The Casting Couch.

A fantasic chill and a thrill!

[rty-35667 · 9/10 · 18 January 2023]

An expertly written and tightly woven thriller. An amazing music score drives this film through a series of tense and chilling encounters. There is a traditional feel to this movie where the emphasis in on the story telling rather than cgi distractions. No half hearted mumbling here ....the performances are delivered with conviction and clarity. In classic hitchcock style there are some truly memorable jaw dropping moments of horror. There are some twists and turns at the end which will satisfy fans of the psychological thriller genre. Let's hope this is the big one for Raya films as they go from strength to strength.

A proper black comedy that leaves you thinking

[danneiledavis · 10/10 · 6 March 2023]

I knew to expect horror; I did not expect such wit and humour as well! The unexpected one-liners and situational comedy were such a delight amidst all the creepiness. This was just an excellent black comedy, and every piece came together to fuel its success: from the near cinematography to the haunting score.

The script is particularly fresh and irreverent. It takes a common genre of horror and violence against women but avoids the misogynistic pitfalls and cliches that plague similar works. It somehow keeps you engaged, surprised, contemplative, and freshly horrified throughout-like when one seemingly disturbing act turns out to "just" be homicide, the clearly psychopathic mummy issues underlying the character's misogyny, the worst popcorn ever, and of course the unexpected ending that shows the different depths of depravity within all of us. The context of an acting casting call both creates a heightened reality of over the top theatrics while being brutally honest about the very real nightmares within the industry. Overall, the script is witty, provocative, cogent, and all too relevant.

Of course, it comes to life with stellar acting, most notably from the lead Rob Laird as Arthur Capstone. The script demands a lot of him, and he meets the challenge heroically: treading the tightrope between deadpan and camp with Olympic precision to create a character who feels uncomfortably real, like a living nightmare. I particularly loved scenes with him and Jack Forsyth-Noble as Domenic; they fed off each other's energy so beautifully and hilariously that you almost lost sight as to who was the true antagonist.

Overall, it's a must-watch for wide ranges of audiences: anyone who loves horror, comedy, black comedy, social commentary, and honestly just well-done art.

Suspense, wit and a reminder not to be blinded by stardust. Hollywood opportunity anyone?

[helen-476 · 8/10 · 4 May 2023]

How many actors would gather at a slightly dingy casting suite for a shot at a role in a Hollywood movie? Plenty, it would seem - and without doing the necessary checks to see whether the opportunity is quite what is advertised.

Caroline Spence's darkly witty script and James Smith's taut direction deliver a thriller that does more than hint at the horrors within the story, yet we don't see much in the way of blood and gore.

I saw this film at its London premiere where an appreciative audience gasped and laughed together. The impressive score by Shaun Finnegan is more than the icing on the cake - it is a main ingredient in the recipe and a vitally important part of the overall feel of the film.

There were strong performances from all the lead actors with John Laird as Arthur Capstone giving a portrayal of a deeply (oh-so-deeply) disturbed man hidden not very far beneath the swaggering exterior. He gets away with arrogant and controlling behaviour almost entirely unchallenged because of the status he claims and the supposed potential rewards he offers (ring any bells anyone?). However he comes up against the determined Domenic (a tremendous performance from Jack Forsyth-Noble) who is like a public-schoolboy, self-interested version of Columbo who simply won't give up. Notable performances too from Rachel Chima, Gareth Tidball, Ian Renshaw and from Andrew Elias as the disconcertingly pragmatic caretaker.

It's hard to believe that this was shot in just 6 days and it is testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the production that Raya Films has delivered such a great looking film in such a short time.

A Sweetly Horrific Chiller!

[tbamberger-46267 · 9/10 · 5 March 2023]

A well scripted, performed, filmed & scored horror film that reflects the movie industry tropes with aplomb and dark humor. The journey of auditioning actors and their archnemesis in the guise of a casting director, moves you through the day in the life with the added twist of horror (no spoilers!). The story is told with an ode to Hitchcock flare and a fun, popcorn worthy viewers experience. The musical score perfectly reflects the genre, though at times, seems to overshadow the scenes - but we get it! You think you know which characters you're rooting for, but you don't. So, enjoy the plot twists and the shocking, delightful journey, where you come to feel for everyone in it - in this industry.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU SEE THIS FILM!!

Chills and Thrills.

[PaulDBrazill · 10/10 · 11 May 2023]

Casting Kill. Which was shot super- quickly, with a small crew, and on a very limited budget, is a very stylish suspense thriller set in the underbelly of Hollywood filmmaking Nothing is ever quite as it seems and, indeed, Casting Kill has more twists and turns than a corkscrew. The whirlwind indie writer/ director team of Carline Spence and James Smith have been building a well=deserved reputation of late, and they are sure to have another micro - budget hit on their hands with CASTING KILL, a tense and stylish horror/ thriller hybrid with plenty of short, sharp shocks. Like a kick in the eye from a stiletto heel.

Stylish and inventive Horror!

[singhlall · 8/10 · 19 January 2023]

I had the pleasure of watching the World Premiere in the UK and all I had high expectations looking at some of the great indie actors and crew involved. This is a pacy, well written tale of the perils of the dreaded casting call. The lead cast are convincing and put in a great performance. The sinister cockney caretaker is a blast and adds depth to the film. The film is shot in London and has found some lovely hidden location to shoot in. The lead casting agent is great as a sinister yet insecure agent. The plot has a number of twists and a satisfying ending which leaves it open to a sequel? Well done to all involved.

I can never eat popcorn again!

[tarahetherston · 10/10 · 5 March 2023]

What surprised me was the dark humour I hadn't expected. Surprising more scary was the portrayal of how human nature can be in the intent for success and money!

Interesting plot... Strong well thought out characters Would be a film I would watch twice for sure.

I would love to see a follow up and find out what happens next to the characters.

The mindset behind the story was very disturbing but deliciously intriguing.

To find humour in darkness is an accomplishment demonstrated here with outstanding writting skills and performance of cast combined

Food for thought.... (watch for the popcorn)

A disturbingly classic and funny horror

[cashain · 10/10 · 5 March 2023]

I loved this film. With all the references to the classic horror genre subtly put in place, it's a wonderful feel good movie on a small budget.

I usually walk into indie films with a lot of trepidation even though the anticipation of something new is the latent promise. Indie horror like this are places where universal stories can find new life in the hands of skilled creators who display resilience and creativity in the face of limited finances.

This film didn't disappoint and the cast, scenes and storytelling was on point in this regard.

PS. Check out the Kromanti rum in the cupboard ! ...

Chilling thriller

[hannahholt-22567 · 10/10 · 5 March 2023]

Casting Kill is an intense thriller, it's highly entertaining and equally disturbing horror with a splash of Hollywood glamour, a pinch of American Psycho and a touch of Hitchcock.

Rob Laird's portrayal of the psychotic killer is brilliant, his manipulative grilling of the vulnerable actors...or should we say his prey...as he uses his power to humiliate them as they sell their soul...quite literally for a part in his fictions films is edge of your seat chilling.

Brilliant story telling, fantastic score, there are some truly jaw dropping moments. Think twice before taking popcorn into this movie!

Fun light hearted horror.

[lena-56914 · 9/10 · 5 March 2023]

Unexpected twists in this very enjoyable and well executed film by Raya Films. At the start of the film you really have no idea where it will eventually lead. An actors worst nightmare led by Rob Laird in a chillingly cool, skin crawling manner. Great cast ( really enjoyed Jack Forsyth Noble as Dominic as he manages to get under the skin of this supposed Hollywood Director). A terrific score by Shaun Finnegan which enhances the mood dramatically. It's a well written script by Caroline Spence, interspersing humour whilst maintaining an air of suspense with atmospheric cinematography by James Smith.