I Am Not a Serial Killer Blu-ray Review

The Blu-ray presentation of "I Am Not a Serial Killer" delivers a gritty and evocative visual experience that meshes seamlessly with the film's tone and aesthetic. Shot in 16mm and presented in a 1.66:1 aspect ratio, the image retains a highly textured, grainy quality that bolsters the period crime documentary feel, reminiscent of the 1970s. While this serves the film's atmosphere well, it inherently limits the potential for high-definition clarity. Colors remain vibrant and well-defined even within the murky environment, offering strong black levels that handle darker sequences reasonably well. However, viewers should temper their expectations regarding shadow detail; the final reel particularly suffers from poor blacks and visibly subpar effects, reflective of the 16mm format's limitations.

The AVC encoded image further preserves the 16mm cinematography's textured charm, providing a filmic grain that infuses a sense of life and eeriness into each scene. Detail is satisfactory but inconsistent; broader shots bathed in daylight reveal more about the small town architecture and character interactions, whereas mid-range and darker scenes often blur into heavy grain noise. Colors are well-rendered, capturing the essence of neon lighting and wintry backdrops effectively, enhancing colder, brighter hues juxtaposed against vivid reds and lifelike skin tones. Although the source material is free from significant damage, inherent issues such as debris and hair persist. Fans of the 16mm aesthetic will appreciate this faithful transfer, though it remains an undeniably challenging presentation in technical terms.

The audio presentation of "I Am Not a Serial Killer" on Blu Ray is brought to life through a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track, which does commendable work within its constrained parameters. The mix is dialog-heavy and foreground-centric, sometimes faltering in delivering ultimate clarity and engagement. Although the sound design aims for a gritty, grungy atmosphere that mirrors the darker undertones of the storyline, the inherent limitations in material occasionally lead to a somewhat unremarkable auditory experience. Despite this, it effectively captures the tension during critical moments, utilizing nominal atmospherics to draw listeners into the narrative's ambiance.

This sound mix excels in articulating the mysterious mood intended by O'Brien, despite leaning towards a frontal presence. Dialogue exchanges are rendered with clarity, and emotional peaks are mindful and well-handled, resonating effectively in echoed settings and bizarre narrative developments. The instrumentation, especially the organ-dominated score, sounds full and provides depth to the action, employing tasteful volume surges when necessary. Ambient sounds like wintry Minnesota winds and subtle school bustle are evocatively detailed, though other sound effects remain understated yet precise. Overall, while it may not be an exceptional audio presentation, it remains faithful to the film's stylistic intentions and low-budget constraints.

The extras on the Blu Ray of "I Am Not a Serial Killer" offer an engaging, albeit brief, insight into the making of the film. The content ranges from behind-the-scenes looks at creature/effects design to the evolution of key scenes over multiple years. Notably, the 2011 Test Film features a young Max Records in early work on the film, providing an intriguing glimpse into its developmental stages. Similarly, the 2011/2015 Scene Comparison showcases differences in tone and maturity of the lead actor across years. The Puppet Shoot focuses on the intricate design of the central creature, created by fantasy filmmaking veteran Toby Froud. Rounding off the disc are thoughtfully selected deleted scenes and comprehensive storyboards. Together, these extras offer fans a compact but detailed look at the film's creative process.

Extras included in this disc:

• Deleted Scenes: Expands on John's interactions in his town.
• 2011 Test Film: Early work starring a 13-year-old Max Records.
• 2011/2015 Scene Comparison: Compares tone and maturity changes in a key scene.
• Puppet Shoot: Focuses on creating the film's centerpiece creature.
• Photo Gallery: Pictures of the puppet from design to execution.
• Storyboards: Detailed look at three major sequences.
• Theatrical Trailer: Official trailer for the film.

"I Am Not a Serial Killer" spins a quirky indie mystery into a compelling narrative, ensuring an engrossing watch with its $1.45 million budget. The storyline follows John Wayne Cleaver, a teenager with sociopathic tendencies, as he grapples with his dark inclinations while becoming fixated on a series of violent deaths in his small town of Clayton, Minnesota. We witness John, portrayed admirably by Max Records, as he juggles a fascination with serial killers and assists his mortician mother with body preparations. His investigation into the murders grows obsessive, especially as he uncovers peculiar evidence pointing to his seemingly benign neighbor, Mr. Crowley, played with surprising menace by Christopher Lloyd.

The film's strength lies in the interplay between its characters, particularly John's uneasy alliance with Crowley. This dynamic is heightened by O'Brien's deft direction, which balances unsettling characterizations with the unfolding horror narrative. With tangible influences from "We Need to Talk About Kevin," "The Babadook," and "Donnie Darko," O'Brien navigates a coming-of-age story layered with macabre curiosity and gruesome discoveries. The mystery element is enriched without relying solely on shock value, allowing viewers to appreciate the film’s dramatic and psychological depths.

John’s introspection and his interactions with family and therapist Dr. Neblin add complexity, exploring themes of isolation and adolescent turmoil against a backdrop of death. The film doesn’t shy away from rich emotional undertones, presenting a nuanced view of a young individual teetering on the brink of darkness. The narrative challenges John’s perception of morality as he delves deeper into Crowley’s terrifying secrets, pushing him to question his own nature. Supported by superb performances and a well-crafted script, "I Am Not a Serial Killer" offers an impressive amalgamation of horror, character study, and indie ingenuity.

"I Am Not a Serial Killer" is a commendable low-budget horror film that impressively thrives on its scrappy, yet atmospheric, execution. The film features striking cinematography by Robbie Ryan, who adeptly captures the duality of a murder spree amidst the cold isolation of a Minnesotan winter. The 16mm film choice lends a gritty texture that suits the genre, effectively camouflaging budget constraints, particularly in the earlier acts. This visual style underscores the dual nature of the narrative—both foreboding and deeply engaging—and adds layers to the authentic small-town setting that is central to the film's charm.

The character-driven story is elevated by thoughtful costume design, with notable elements such as John’s panda hat symbolizing his unnerving quest. The film is structured to maintain a coherent progression through its beginning, middle, and end, all while preserving suspenseful twists rooted in emotional depth and supernatural intrigue. This literary structure ensures that the film remains focused and satisfying without falling into cliché obsessions with the mechanics of murder. The incorporation of emotionally charged surprises enriches the storyline, pushing the narrative towards a compelling and bizarre conclusion.

Despite its technical limitations, "I Am Not a Serial Killer" succeeds as a captivating mystery flick with an intriguing story arc and engaging, if unconventional, visual style. The frigid setting and nuanced character presentations make it a unique addition to the horror genre. While it may not boast high-end production values, the blend of spooky atmosphere, heartfelt storytelling, and unexpected plot developments make it worth exploring. You can buy "I Am Not a Serial Killer" on Blu-ray here.