Entertainment One

NEKROTRONIC

Genre: Horror

Director: Kiah Roache-Turner

Cast: Ben O’Toole, Monica Belluci, Caroline Ford, Tess Haubirch, Epine Bob Savea, and David Wenham

Studio: Entertainment One

Runtime: 96 minutes

Release Date: In Select Theaters and VOD August 9, 2019

Rated:

Reviewer Rating ★★★★★

Do you remember having a classmate that was exceptionally adequate? That one person who showed up every day and did their homework, but only did just enough to pass the class? If you know what (or who) I’m talking about, (if you don’t, perhaps you were that student I’m speaking of) then that is sort of how Nekrotronic feels while watching it.

It does a lot quite well and succeeds in its goal of being a fun horror-comedy destined to gain cult status in the future; however, it doesn’t strive for anything better. While I enjoyed watching Nekrotronic, I couldn’t help thinking of what could have been done to make it an even greater film. Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself, let’s go back a bit. 

Directed and co-written by Kiah Roache-Turner, Nekrotronic follows sewage worker Howard (Ben O’Toole) who, after a particularly crappy day at work, pun slightly intended, plays a mobile phone game where he captures demons. Fun fact – Howard finds out he actually comes from a long line of ancient demon hunters known as Nekromancers, you know, the typical lost family history stuff.

He then discovers that the app has been created by the powerful demon Finnegan (Monica Bellucci) who uses it to absorb players’ souls through the power of the internet. Teaming up with demon-slayer sisters Molly (Caroline Ford) and Torquel (Tess Haubirch), Howards sets out to put an end to this dastardly plan.

If you read that plot synopsis and thought to yourself, “this seems like a fun time,” then Nekrotronic is for you. Again, the film is an entertaining time and I do admire Roache-Turner’s direction. He bears no shame in wearing his intent, that being making a comedic B-horror movie, on his sleeve and playing up that angle as much as he can; however, the final product feels as though it’s missing something. While there’s plenty of action to whet your appetite within Nekrotronic, the entirety of the movie never feels greater than the sum of its parts.

Visually the film is a mixed bag. The camerawork is basic; most of the film is shot with medium close-ups that cut back and forth between characters, although the colors are what make Nekrotronic a treat for the eyes. The vibrant palette give scenes life, and the scenes of characters fighting off demons that opt for flooding the picture with neon reds and blues are the most eye-catching and captivating. It gives Nekrotronic a charm that is hard to resist. This charm goes into the special effects and production design as well, which both have an old-school approach to them.

The gore feels like it’s ripped from The Evil Dead series while the technology of the demon hunters is comparable to Ghostbusters with a darker edge to it. There’s an obvious love of classic horror-comedies of the 80s and their influences are felt throughout the film. Roache-Turner keeps the movie’s tongue firmly in cheek which helps Nekrotronic feel joyous, even in the areas where it begins to drag. The humor does rely heavily on being crass but it works, for the most part, especially if you are watching it with a packed theater or big group.

While there is a definite passion in Roache-Turner’s direction, I wish the same could be said about his script which he co-wrote with brother Tristan Roache-Turner. The plot is extremely formulaic. We have an unsuspecting protagonist who finds out he’s part of something bigger than he ever dreamed of, yet he’s reluctant to seize it because he feels as though he can’t live up to those around him.

Those around him think he’s in way over his head and isn’t ready to take on the challenge, and so on and so on. While the brothers’ script is serviceable, along with the short runtime keeping it from overstaying its welcome, it becomes painfully clear from the get-go where the plot is going and the route it will take to get there.

There’s enough snappy dialogue between characters and some intriguing gory action to keep you smiling throughout but you still can’t shake the feeling that you’ve seen this type of film before. The cast’s likability helps alleviate this issue to an extent. O’Toole gives a grounded performance which keeps you rooting for his character. O’Toole’s chemistry with Ford and Haubrich give the script a bit more punch aiding you to stay invested despite the predictability of how the conversation between them will end. 

At the end of the day Nekrotronic is fine for a casual viewing. It’s the type of film you throw on in the background at your Halloween get together with friends. It’s the kind of movie you sort of tune in and out of as the night goes on. For some, that’s all you need, I’m sure there will be plenty of people who will love Nekrotronic for what it is – a slightly entertaining B-horror/comedy flick. I’ll probably stick to the movies this one pays tribute to.

For more on Nekrotronic:

IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7453418/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NEKROTRONICmovie/

All Photos: ©2019 Entertainment One. All Rights Reserved.