Can't Kill This

Can't Kill This is a fascinating film that's part adventure, part comedy, and part fantasy. Released in 2019, the movie is directed by Federico Scargiali and features a motley troupe of actors, including Bill Hutchens, Josephine Scandi, and Brutius Selby. The narrative unfurls and tightens around a peculiar plot, which breathes a rejuvenating breath of life into the classic idea of an indestructible man. It captures the spirit of comical chaos and the blissful enchantment of unforgettable journeys with a touch of philosophical inquiries about life and death.

Bill Hutchens delivers an excellent performance as Tony, a man who discovers that he can't die. Tony's hamartia is that he constantly finds himself dodging face-to-face confrontations with unexpected accidents, extreme disasters, violent encounters, and even suicide attempts, yet surviving them all, much to his own chagrin. Hutchens brings the eternal character convincingly to life—as paradoxical as it sounds—with his comedic timing and facial expressions, making looming death seem enchantingly amusing.

Josephine Scandi takes the role of the alluring yet quirky Angie, who becomes Tony's unexpected partner in crime. Angie’s encounter with the trying-to-die-yet-unable-to man sparks curiosity and compassion in her, leading her to assist him in his seemingly absurd death quests. There's an odd camraderie that builds between the pair as they journey through a series of hilarious, sometimes absurdly dangerous exploits. Scandi's command over her character's nuances provides an engaging contrast to Hutchens's Tony, bringing a delightful chemistry to the screen.

The duo’s unpredictable journey leads them to the eccentric Fudo, played capably by Brutius Selby. Fudo serves as the enigmatic guru who possesses the knowledge to end Tony's unasked invincibility. Selby's performance adds a fresh layer of mystery and comic relief, fueling the outrageous plot even further.

The audience is taken on a wild run as Tony and Angie leapfrog ridiculous perils and unlikely rescues. Despite their hopes pinned on a hopeful solution from Fudo, what awaits them at the journey’s end is anything but what they—or the viewers—can anticipate.

In a clever twist of storytelling, the film tips its hat to traditional motifs of mortality and perpetuity, highlighting the desire for everlasting life while pointing out its potential pitfalls. It delves humorously into the existential dread of an everlasting existence, a concept often romanticized unknowingly. The script skilfully laughs at the face of the cruising morbidity, painting a bleak picture in a robe of rib-tickling comedy. Wrapped up in the theatrics of an absurd premise, the film subtly asks its audience to contemplate the value of mortality and the true weight of a life lived with a finite horizon.

Can't Kill This employs the quintessential road trip narrative with a surreal, comic twist. The spellbinding vistas of an unknown land serve as an underlying metaphor for the internal journey the characters embark on. Set against the backdrop of picturesque landscapes and charming towns, directors Scargiali’s keen eye for detailed symbolism brings out the delicate nuances of life and mortality.

The film is embellished with an impressive blend of visual effects that complement its unconventional narrative. The creators have made an audacious attempt to couple graphic imagery with a humor-laced script, transcending the traditional comedic route for something far more engaging and unique. Despite its fantastical narrative, the film provides relatable humor, offering consistent chuckles, if not resonant, hearty laughter throughout the runtime, without neglecting the broader themes and the philosophical undercurrents.

Gorgeously shot and impeccably performed, Can't Kill This translates a potentially dark theme into a film that is surprisingly light yet contemplative. Its well-timed comedy, coupled with memorable performances by the leads, makes this movie an enjoyable watch. The energetic concoction of spirited performances and an unusual storyline make it a particularly captivating film, offering not only amusement and laughter but also a subtle, thought-provoking commentary on life and its timeless mysteries. Despite it being a comedy, Can’t Kill This manages to touch the viewers on a deeper level, making them ponder the tenuous threads of mortality and life’s innate cravings.