Don't Kill It

Don't Kill It, directed by Mike Mendez in 2016, is a reawakening of the old-school horror genre combined with thrilling action and traces of dark humor. Dolph Lundgren, known for his roles in action films like Rocky IV and The Expendables, embodies the character of Jebediah Woodley, a seasoned demon hunter with an intimidating physique, sharp wits, and unconventional techniques. His timeless role is complemented by Kristina Klebe's part as FBI agent Evelyn Pierce, her sharp intellect and skeptic nature providing a juxtaposition to Woodley's esoteric and unconventional line of work. Along with them, Tony Bentley illustrates an authentic character as Sheriff Deacon Shepherd, the local law enforcement authority with a fearless and authoritative personality.

Situated in the eerie and remote backwoods of Mississippi, the movie opens with the peaceful life in the small town of Chickory Creek disrupted by a series of horrifically mutilated bodies and inexplicable violent incidents. Underneath these terrifying events lurks an ancient demon, released inadvertently by the locals from its imprisonment for centuries inside an old artifact. The town becomes ground zero for mayhem and bloodshed, with its peaceful façade dissipating rapidly as the demon's possessive powers wreak havoc among the town's folk.

As the demon transcends from one body to its killer after each death, it becomes nearly immortal—killing it only enhances its power. An early encounter triggers an intriguing game of cat and mouse, as every fatal encounter fuels the demon’s wickedness, triggering an unpredictable chain of events.

To combat this terror, Jebediah travels to the chaos-ridden town, armed with arcane knowledge and unique armaments designed specifically to entrap demons. Simultaneously, Evelyn Pierce, an FBI agent with ties to the town, is dispatched to investigate the carnage and brutal murders. Skeptical of the dark arts and dismissive of Woodley's cryptic knowledge, Pierce brings a rational lens to the mysteries engulfing the town, representing the audience's shock and disbelief at the otherworldly happenings.

Their paths cross, and an unlikely alliance forms between the hardcore demon hunter and the traditional law enforcement agent. While the hardened agent is initially reluctant to accept the existence of the supernatural, she soon has no choice but to rely on Woodley's bizarre techniques to untangle the unusual series of occurrences. These contrasting perceptions give way to an intriguing dynamic between the two main characters, making for a unique blend of horror, suspense, and buddy cop movie elements.

As the bloody and relentless rampage continues, years-long peace and tranquility turn into an eerie cacophony of death, casting a dark shadow over Chickory Creek. The task of trapping and eliminating this evil force while avoiding the cycle of kill-and-possess becomes an intense, thrilling challenge. The small-town horror setting, combined with the need for unorthodox methods, forms a nail-biting narrative as human courage prepares to face off against the formidable supernatural creature.

The film's darkly comedic undertones provide a refreshing disparity from traditional horror movies, offering well-timed absurdity to cut through the gore and tension. Don't Kill It cleverly amalgamates horrifying scenarios with pockets of humor, creating a compelling balance that keeps the viewer engrossed while not entirely absorbed in terror.

With a perfectly gruesome and eerie aesthetic, Don't Kill It serves not only as a thrilling supernatural battle but also as a subtle commentary on the ills of society, hinting at the demon as a metaphor for the horrors humans can inflict upon one another. It is a nostalgic nod to the beloved B-movie horror tradition, with enough inventive splatter and plot twists to keep audiences on their toes.

Moreover, Dolph Lundgren's performance as the grizzled demon hunter underpins the film's aesthetic. He brings a blend of heroic poise and nuanced vulnerability to his role, lending a surprising depth to the otherwise tongue-in-cheek character. Similarly, Kristina Klebe ably portrays the skeptical agent, her steely demeanor and practical approach providing a fascinating contrast to Lundgren's wayward hunter.

To sum up, Don't Kill It is an enthralling, bloody ride down a supernaturally haunted small town, punctuated with splashes of black humor, an unusual duo of protagonists, and enough twists and turns to keep viewers engaged until the end credits roll. Its unique blend of horror, action, and comedy makes this 2016 movie an unmissable addition to the genre.