CHILL: THE KILLING GAMES is an '80s-style throwback slasher movie in which a group of kids resurrect a once popular game to stream on the web, only to discover that somebody is taking it very seriously indeed and that person has murder in mind. What follows is a mish-mash of genre tropes, with over-earnest actors and a generally fake feeling to it. What sinks this one is that there are only one or two genuine horror scenes in it.
11 Reviews
Chill
BandSAboutMovies8 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Noelle Bye and Meredith Holland co-directed and co-wrote this movie with Roger Collins, who plays Kyle. The college in this film used to play a game in which players took a piece of paper from a box and learned if they were a killer or victim and acted according. The game ended in 1988 when one player went too far and killed eight students. The game has been illegal since then, but one person wants to bring in back and make it go viral.
This year, the game is going to get played in a theater on campus and live streamed for the whole world to watch. If you've seen Stage Fright, you know what's coming. And despite its low budget, Chill takes the Satanic Panic role playing game mania, ads in some modern internet and isn't afraid to get talky and have some backstory before getting to the killing.
While not all the acting is great, the filmmakers were smart about their script, the lighting and the kills. That's what we're here for, right? Chill is a real surprise, a solid effort that was a rewarding watch. Sometimes taking a chance on new slashers can pay off.
This year, the game is going to get played in a theater on campus and live streamed for the whole world to watch. If you've seen Stage Fright, you know what's coming. And despite its low budget, Chill takes the Satanic Panic role playing game mania, ads in some modern internet and isn't afraid to get talky and have some backstory before getting to the killing.
While not all the acting is great, the filmmakers were smart about their script, the lighting and the kills. That's what we're here for, right? Chill is a real surprise, a solid effort that was a rewarding watch. Sometimes taking a chance on new slashers can pay off.
Solid Indie Slasher with great cast
FatalFollower22 February 2015
I recently watched this slasher/murder mystery film and it was quit the refreshing experience. First, the acting was superb! Roger Conners was perfect for the role as the "final girl/scream queen". His character was well developed and gave viewers a new character worth rooting for! Noelle Bye and Meredith Holland, along with Roger Conners, wrote a great story that took viewers along for an unconventional treat.
The highlights of the film were the following- * great setting, a performing arts building after dark! This echoed other great slasher films, like The Clown at Midnight and Stage Fright (to name a few) * great cast, every character had their uniqueness and charisma that they brought to the role, which made this indie movie rise above others! * cinematography, creative shots with some inventive storytelling kept this movie interesting right from the beginning. * carnage, the movie had a rather high bodycount and at times was brutal. This was all practical effects, no awkward cgi included. * ending, pulled together nicely despite killing off some fan favorite characters. I would highly recommend viewing this when you can, I believe later in 2015 a DVD will be released! Definitely a recommendation to fans of slasher movies, particularly the 80's/90's aficionados!
The highlights of the film were the following- * great setting, a performing arts building after dark! This echoed other great slasher films, like The Clown at Midnight and Stage Fright (to name a few) * great cast, every character had their uniqueness and charisma that they brought to the role, which made this indie movie rise above others! * cinematography, creative shots with some inventive storytelling kept this movie interesting right from the beginning. * carnage, the movie had a rather high bodycount and at times was brutal. This was all practical effects, no awkward cgi included. * ending, pulled together nicely despite killing off some fan favorite characters. I would highly recommend viewing this when you can, I believe later in 2015 a DVD will be released! Definitely a recommendation to fans of slasher movies, particularly the 80's/90's aficionados!
Don't. Simply Put: Don't
jm-vincent28 April 2022
Five minutes into this flick and you know its Amateur Hour. 10 minutes in and you know you're first impression was right. 15 minutes in and - if you lasted this long - you know it's an endurance contest, who will will you or this "entertainment" not worth watching. If you make it as long as 20 minutes, five yourself credit for being stubborn, but recognize that your time is valuable and read a book with this on in the background; the noise ill make you concentrate more on the book. Giving credit where credit is due: The fake reviews rating the flick a solid "10" were at least spaced out over several months, rather than - in most cases - being clustered together in a single month. A strategy much smarter than anything exhibited in the flick itself.
Slow, boring story, horrible acting
ayameofazuma12 March 2022
Trying to watch this movie made me realize I don't give real actors enough credit. Along with everybody else involved in making movies. These are some of the worst actors I've ever seen and it's simply painful to sit through. It's about the quality of a home video some high school kids made for a project. If you still want to watch this because you like horror, just skip to about 45 minutes in and although even that parts slow and boring too, everything before it is completely pointless.
An excellent homage to classic slashers.
t-govannon4 March 2015
I have been watching horror movies for a long time. I started with classic horror in the 70's, and then relished the golden age of the slasher in the 1980's. I've seen so many horror movies, actually, that the vast majority of the modern ones bore me... endless torture porn, poor reboots of classics, and insipid writing have left me as cold towards modern horror as a corpse.
Chill: The Killing Games, however, is different. An homage to the classic horror slashers of the 80's, Chill gets all of the elements right... great characters, a killer (no pun intended) premise, and genuine suspense combine to create a horror film actually WORTH SEEING.
The plot is pretty straightforward (which is a plus, because plots that bend over backwards to be "edgy" or "twisted" often come across as lame): Chill is a popular role-playing game played in a small Ohio town. Everyone draws roles at the beginning of the game, and one person is chosen to be the "killer". The rest are their potential "victims". The killer then uses toy weapons to "get" the others, and anyone who survives the night is the winner. One night in the 1980's, however, people actually died playing the game, and so it went unplayed for years. All of this changes when a group of students decide to revive the game... with deadly results.
One thing this film succeeds at is making the viewer genuinely like the characters. Far too often, characters in these films are introduced just to increase the body count. However, the suspense factor is heightened when one genuinely likes the characters (one of the reasons that Friday the 13th Part IV is so well regarded is this very same thing). Special kudos go out to Roger Conners and Angelia DeLuca for creating likable, memorable characters. And Kelly Roger's goth chick is hilarious.
Now, this film IS micro-budget, and it shows in spots... the audio is a bit uneven, and the soundtrack is a bit odd in spots. But DP/Co- Director Noelle Bye's cinematography is first-rate. Besides, I'd far rather watch a good film with a few technical flaws over a slick production that sucks overall. This Heathen Hippy says to check it out.
Chill: The Killing Games, however, is different. An homage to the classic horror slashers of the 80's, Chill gets all of the elements right... great characters, a killer (no pun intended) premise, and genuine suspense combine to create a horror film actually WORTH SEEING.
The plot is pretty straightforward (which is a plus, because plots that bend over backwards to be "edgy" or "twisted" often come across as lame): Chill is a popular role-playing game played in a small Ohio town. Everyone draws roles at the beginning of the game, and one person is chosen to be the "killer". The rest are their potential "victims". The killer then uses toy weapons to "get" the others, and anyone who survives the night is the winner. One night in the 1980's, however, people actually died playing the game, and so it went unplayed for years. All of this changes when a group of students decide to revive the game... with deadly results.
One thing this film succeeds at is making the viewer genuinely like the characters. Far too often, characters in these films are introduced just to increase the body count. However, the suspense factor is heightened when one genuinely likes the characters (one of the reasons that Friday the 13th Part IV is so well regarded is this very same thing). Special kudos go out to Roger Conners and Angelia DeLuca for creating likable, memorable characters. And Kelly Roger's goth chick is hilarious.
Now, this film IS micro-budget, and it shows in spots... the audio is a bit uneven, and the soundtrack is a bit odd in spots. But DP/Co- Director Noelle Bye's cinematography is first-rate. Besides, I'd far rather watch a good film with a few technical flaws over a slick production that sucks overall. This Heathen Hippy says to check it out.
My Review Of "Chill"
ASouthernHorrorFan26 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
The story revolves around the tragic deaths of a group of college students found dead after participating in a role playing game called "Chill". The original horror took place in 1988, and our film picks up as a new group decide to revive the game on the anniversary. First, the object of Chill (the game) is for everyone to draw a slip of paper from a jar after a séance kicks things off. One will be the killer and the others will run and hide. No one knows who the rest are, killer or victim-in-waiting. I have to say I love this game idea. It brings back a feeling I got from watching a little known 80's role playing horror film titled "Tag: The Assassination Game".
Now the main plot to "Chill" (the movie) has a new group of students playing the game on the anniversary, falling victim to a very real killer, and refueling the horror that plagues the community surrounding the college. There are some slightly weak moments in the story arch, during some of the dialog that solidifies the story feel contrived and not as convincing as other aspects of the story arc. It gets shaky at times, but lets face it, the concept is a gamble. It requires an acceptance of fancy and more whimsical notions of horror story telling-much as nearly every horror film in the 80's demanded. Which is the exact feel and style that "Chill" is going for in this tale.
The special effects and masked killer design is key, shining moments for "Chill". The horror elements are dark, homages to classic horror, and very effective. The quality is a step above the low budget quality of the dramatic aspects that counter this movie's theme. There is plenty of bloodshed, gore, and dark shadowing settings to really show the passion of the film makers for horror. Oh and most importantly- the scenes work. Due to cleverly crafted choices and camera angles the kill/death scenes stand out in "Chill" as quality moments. The killer is masked, hardly scene, until it is too late, intimidating and apparition like. The Dark Ages style of macaw mask and garb reminiscent of plague doctors make for a great horror movie slasher.
"Chill" does have some sound quality issues in scenes that are at the mercy of the crews elements. The mic picks up air and echos in some scenes, not totally overpowering the dialog but it is noticeable, The sound quality issues are 50/50 in the film, there are some nice moments when the crew has control, allowing for some decent character interaction and humorous one-liner moments. Some actors are more comfortable on screen than others, giving stronger performances, but the atmosphere and build-up of suspense never completely faulters in "Chill". The music score and soundtrack are nice, and the sound quality stays intact in that respect. The score is a mix of classic giallo and American splatter films of the 80's.
"Chill" isn't gonna be a film that everyone will enjoy, but indie and micro-budget fans will see the quality moments as true, honest horror that works. The pace is a bit clunky at the beginning of the film, but within 20-25 minutes things pick up and "Chill" moves more like a slasher film should. Overall, the story creates a nice contemporary horror tale that begs of urban legend. The kills and gore show true talent and passion for horror, and the killer is captivating. The ending is a nice surprise ending that really caught me off guard. Very reminiscent of Argento's style of ending a story. "Chill" has some flaws but there is enough of a good horror film here to warrant seeing the film.
Now the main plot to "Chill" (the movie) has a new group of students playing the game on the anniversary, falling victim to a very real killer, and refueling the horror that plagues the community surrounding the college. There are some slightly weak moments in the story arch, during some of the dialog that solidifies the story feel contrived and not as convincing as other aspects of the story arc. It gets shaky at times, but lets face it, the concept is a gamble. It requires an acceptance of fancy and more whimsical notions of horror story telling-much as nearly every horror film in the 80's demanded. Which is the exact feel and style that "Chill" is going for in this tale.
The special effects and masked killer design is key, shining moments for "Chill". The horror elements are dark, homages to classic horror, and very effective. The quality is a step above the low budget quality of the dramatic aspects that counter this movie's theme. There is plenty of bloodshed, gore, and dark shadowing settings to really show the passion of the film makers for horror. Oh and most importantly- the scenes work. Due to cleverly crafted choices and camera angles the kill/death scenes stand out in "Chill" as quality moments. The killer is masked, hardly scene, until it is too late, intimidating and apparition like. The Dark Ages style of macaw mask and garb reminiscent of plague doctors make for a great horror movie slasher.
"Chill" does have some sound quality issues in scenes that are at the mercy of the crews elements. The mic picks up air and echos in some scenes, not totally overpowering the dialog but it is noticeable, The sound quality issues are 50/50 in the film, there are some nice moments when the crew has control, allowing for some decent character interaction and humorous one-liner moments. Some actors are more comfortable on screen than others, giving stronger performances, but the atmosphere and build-up of suspense never completely faulters in "Chill". The music score and soundtrack are nice, and the sound quality stays intact in that respect. The score is a mix of classic giallo and American splatter films of the 80's.
"Chill" isn't gonna be a film that everyone will enjoy, but indie and micro-budget fans will see the quality moments as true, honest horror that works. The pace is a bit clunky at the beginning of the film, but within 20-25 minutes things pick up and "Chill" moves more like a slasher film should. Overall, the story creates a nice contemporary horror tale that begs of urban legend. The kills and gore show true talent and passion for horror, and the killer is captivating. The ending is a nice surprise ending that really caught me off guard. Very reminiscent of Argento's style of ending a story. "Chill" has some flaws but there is enough of a good horror film here to warrant seeing the film.
It's no wonder "Chill" has received so much HOT attention
tiffani-hilton715 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
When you have an independent style horror film most people go in thinking , "yeah, this is going to be rough". The good news is that "Chill" delivers! The premise is one that keeps the viewer guessing in a constant "who-dun-it" motion and changing gears just at the moment we think we have it figured out. The camera work and dialogue deserve some praise as well. Many times in indie film the dialogue seems to be forced and unnatural. In "Chill" it sounds like a bunch of college friends are going through a typical day-which is exactly the point. A personal favorite cinematic moment was the opening credits as we follow Kyle's hat through the campus. There was something old school yet creepy about just watching someone go throughout their day unaware of the horrors ahead. Although there were a few strong performances, a lot of the actors felt a bit green. This is not to say bad: but when you're up against bigger guns, the smaller ones really stand out.
"Chill" does begin a little slow, but as soon as we hit the opening credits it takes flight and finds it's roll. This is one not to miss. Go in with an open mind and passion for indie thriller and you'll leave with your jaw hitting the floor asking for more.
"Chill" does begin a little slow, but as soon as we hit the opening credits it takes flight and finds it's roll. This is one not to miss. Go in with an open mind and passion for indie thriller and you'll leave with your jaw hitting the floor asking for more.
Worth the watch
shatteredimagesfilms20132 December 2015
I am a big fan of slasher movies. I grew up on the 80s slashers. Besides seeing the trailer, I wasn't positive what I would expect from Chill: The Killing Games. I was really surprised at how well this movie was. There are a few down points to the movie, that I will get to in a bit. I'm first going to start off with the positives.
Positives: Acting - Three actors stood out to me. Roger Conners (Kyle), Brad Arner (Jared), and Angelia DeLuca (Maddison). All three of them were literally perfect for these roles. Brad played the douche-bag to perfection. I loved the interaction between Roger and Angelia. They showed real chemistry between them. I'm not taking anything away from any of the other actors. I enjoyed everyone's performances. Kelly Rogers (Raven), David Gilmore (Donnie), and Erinn Bakun (Kelly) were fantastic as well. I wish there was more scenes with Donnie and Kelly as well. Really great job to everyone involved. Another great point for the acting. Each character was different. You didn't have similar characters in the movie. So it is very easy to get behind a character and root for them to survive at the end.
Story - 100% original. This is what you want with a horror movie, especially a slasher movie. Yes it does play the "who done it" role, which is typical now a days. But the story keeps you focused throughout and you never lose your interest. The dialogue had some corny lines here and there. But there was some GREAT lines from Kyle, Roger, and Maddison throughout the entire movie. You also don't see the ending coming at all. That was a great surprise.
Special Effects - I'm not quite sure on the budget of the movie. Regardless what it was. The special effects were on point and not cheaply done. It is very easy to tell, that a lot of thought and effort was put into those scenes. Beautifully done.
Negatives -
Beginning of the movie - The first act of the movie is really slow. This isn't a bad negative. But I can see how some people could get turned off by the movie. A good majority of the first act, is only dialogue and builds the story up. The movie doesn't get going, until the game is about to be played. Then the pacing throughout moves really fast and you don't lose your focus.
Audio - It is very easy to tell there was some audio issues, especially during the indoor scenes. The audio isn't horrible, by any means. But you can tell there was some problems throughout. There was some times during the climax moments, that you couldn't understand the dialogue from the actors.
Even with those two negatives, Chill: The Killing Games is a well put together independent horror movie. I would really recommend this movie to any fan of the genre. You really do get everything you want in a horror movie. Great story, great actors, and fantastic gore.
Positives: Acting - Three actors stood out to me. Roger Conners (Kyle), Brad Arner (Jared), and Angelia DeLuca (Maddison). All three of them were literally perfect for these roles. Brad played the douche-bag to perfection. I loved the interaction between Roger and Angelia. They showed real chemistry between them. I'm not taking anything away from any of the other actors. I enjoyed everyone's performances. Kelly Rogers (Raven), David Gilmore (Donnie), and Erinn Bakun (Kelly) were fantastic as well. I wish there was more scenes with Donnie and Kelly as well. Really great job to everyone involved. Another great point for the acting. Each character was different. You didn't have similar characters in the movie. So it is very easy to get behind a character and root for them to survive at the end.
Story - 100% original. This is what you want with a horror movie, especially a slasher movie. Yes it does play the "who done it" role, which is typical now a days. But the story keeps you focused throughout and you never lose your interest. The dialogue had some corny lines here and there. But there was some GREAT lines from Kyle, Roger, and Maddison throughout the entire movie. You also don't see the ending coming at all. That was a great surprise.
Special Effects - I'm not quite sure on the budget of the movie. Regardless what it was. The special effects were on point and not cheaply done. It is very easy to tell, that a lot of thought and effort was put into those scenes. Beautifully done.
Negatives -
Beginning of the movie - The first act of the movie is really slow. This isn't a bad negative. But I can see how some people could get turned off by the movie. A good majority of the first act, is only dialogue and builds the story up. The movie doesn't get going, until the game is about to be played. Then the pacing throughout moves really fast and you don't lose your focus.
Audio - It is very easy to tell there was some audio issues, especially during the indoor scenes. The audio isn't horrible, by any means. But you can tell there was some problems throughout. There was some times during the climax moments, that you couldn't understand the dialogue from the actors.
Even with those two negatives, Chill: The Killing Games is a well put together independent horror movie. I would really recommend this movie to any fan of the genre. You really do get everything you want in a horror movie. Great story, great actors, and fantastic gore.
An Intense Nerve-Jangler That Keeps You Riveted!
ZombieGuru201219 June 2015
Well, after a chaotically hellish afternoon yesterday, I was delighted to find my reward for surviving it in the mailbox: my DVD of Chill: The Killing Games arrived, and I cocooned off with a nice sticky bowl to enjoy my prize! As expected, it did not disappoint... it had all the excitement and flavor of a Hunger Games/Running Man mashup, but with a healthy (your doctor's opinion of the actual health benefits may vary, lol) dollop of Scream folded into the mix just for fun! The cinematography of Noelle Bye Hansen was incredible, and when combined with a masterfully-scored original soundtrack by Shaun Green and Jason Hursh, the sublime performances of Roger Conners and a wonderfully diverse cast of players, all blend cohesively together to create an intoxicating brew that grows ever more addictive as the story progresses, as it steadfastly compels you towards the nerve- jangling final brainstem twister that ends the story (for now) . I look forward with great anticipation to seeing Chill progress in subsequent installments!
Skot Pierson, Zombie Guru & "Master of All Things Green" Reporting for Zombiepalooza Radio!
_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Skot Pierson, Zombie Guru & "Master of All Things Green" Reporting for Zombiepalooza Radio!
_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
Classic horror with a story to die for!
bryanwdoud1 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
In a cinematic world where everything is being remade and originality is frowned upon, "Chill: The Killing Games" breaks through with an original, compelling story. The way the game Chill itself is described makes you want to get out and reenact it, you know just without all the killing. It may lack in some technical aspects, but it gives it a classic b-movie horror feel which horror fans will love. The cast consist of rookie and veteran indie horror actors that do an excellent job of keeping you believing in their characters. If your looking for an expensive, explosive, Hollywood hoopla this isn't it. But, if you want a solid film that will keep you on the edge of your seat, then make some popcorn, turn off the lights, buckle up, and enjoy the thrilling ride of this indie masterpiece.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
