Perpetrator (2023) – Movie Review and Summary (with Spoilers)
“Perpetrator” is more interested in ways to use and shoot blood than truly give life to its characters and anything it sets up plot-wise.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Film Summary
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Jonny is quickly approaching her 18th birthday, and weird things are happening. There are constant nose bleeds and weird morphs of her face, and then she finds herself sent away to live with her weird great aunt Hildie. But maybe this isn’t the worst thing, as Hildie has some answers regarding what Jonny is going through. But, at the school Jonny is now enrolled in, there have been a series of kidnappings, and if Jonny isn’t careful, she might be next.
Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Jonny
Jonny is a 17-year-old girl struggling with a father whose inconsistent behavior makes her want to run away and gain her freedom, even if it means stealing.
Hildie
Hildie is Jonny’s mysterious aunt who dresses like she enjoys a good Victorian fair.
Jean
Jonny’s mom, who she thought abandoned her a long time ago.
Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
The Humor
“Perpetrator” exists in a world where you can have blood and guts but not necessarily be scary. Instead, there is humor, often in the form of awkward moments, like the kidnapper noting they are f***able, or other weird happenings throughout the school, like a guidance counselor who seems to be going for plastic surgery perpetually. It all is comical in ways that never veer towards corny but are certainly in line with the type of jokes the horror genre loves to use to poke fun at what is the norm and accepted.
On The Fence
How It Rushes Through Character Development & Story
A lot in “Perpetrator” is established but not dove into. There is the establishment of certain people having powers, the kidnapper focusing only on girls and potentially it being for body parts. Then there is Jonny’s mom Jean, who hasn’t been part of her life. Many different storylines are established that could draw you in further but like an action movie that just wants to get to its next chase or shootout, for “Perpetrator,” it can feel like the storyline is an afterthought to show some blood.
Now, yes, we learn who the kidnapper is, about Jonny’s parents, and how the kidnapper chooses their targets, but the why of anything is rather weak. The same goes for when you want more information about this power Aunt Hildie says is part of the family and other families. Anything that could call for a microscope, follow-up questions, or lingering too long on something that requires explanation is set aside for it gets in the way of showing pools, or a literal pool, of blood.
General Information
| Director(s) | Jennifer Reeder |
| Screenplay By | Jennifer Reeder |
| Based On | N/A |
| Date Released (Film Festival – Tribeca Film Festival) | June 11, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Action, Comedy, Crime, Fantasy, Horror, Young Adult |
| Film Length | 1 Hour 41 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Not Rated |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Jonny | Kiah McKirnan |
| Hildie | Alicia Silverstone |
| Jean | Melanie Liburd |
Things To Note
Why Is “Perpetrator” Rated Not Rated
- Dialog: Some cursing
- Violence: Blood (So Much Blood), and fight scenes
- Sexual Content: Two characters do get intimate, but nothing notable happens
- Miscellaneous: Conversations About A Miscarriage
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FAQs
Why Is the Film Called “Perpetrator?”
You can correlate the title of the movie with the kidnapper, who isn’t given a name.
How Was The Twist(s) and Ending?
It’s a bit weak, but it goes with the film’s tone.
Is There A Mid-Credit or Post Credits Scene?
No
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