Women Who Kill

Women Who Kill is a darkly comedic indie film that seamlessly blends elements of romance, suspense, mystery, and horror. This uniquely constructed narrative is the brainchild of writer and director Ingrid Jungermann, who set out to create a film that challenges the limits of genre and expectation. Released in 2016, Women Who Kill stars Annette O'Toole, Sheila Vand, and Deborah Rush in leading roles.

Set in Park Slope, Brooklyn, the story revolves around the characters Morgan (played by Jungermann) and her ex-girlfriend Jean (played by Rush), whose relationship follows a somewhat peculiar pattern given their mutual involvement in their shared podcast about female serial killers. They share an interesting working relationship, investigating female serial killers and discussing them in their show simply named "Women Who Kill." As they dig deeper into vicious criminal profiles week after week, it becomes apparent that they’re absorbed in a world that’s as thrilling as it is unsettling.

The unexpectedly light-hearted tone of Women Who Kill finds grounding in the unique relationship dynamics presented in the film. As Jungerman's character, Morgan, explores a newfound relationship with the enigmatic Simone (played by Vand), the thin line between her work in the spine-chilling world of serial killers and her personal life starts to blur. Vand's character brings in much of the film's suspense with her character's mysterious nature and uncanny familiarity with the breed of killers covered in their podcast.

Annette O'Toole joins the cast as Lila, Jean's eccentric and overly protective mother. Her character offers comic relief amidst the unconventional plotline and tense inter-personal encounters. The power dynamics between her character and Jean offer an interesting subplot to aim at exploring the intricate relationships in the movie.

The brilliance of this film lies in its contradictions. It is a film about female serial killers that doesn’t gore the viewers with graphic content; instead, it seduces them with a captivating psychological peek into the moral gamut run by its protagonist. It is a film about romantic relationships that upends the standard love story. As Morgan starts to question Simone's past, the underpinnings of a psychological thriller become stronger – with quirky humor and an authenticity that only independent cinema can bring providing a counterbalance to the suspense.

The underlying theme of the movie beyond its obvious title can be noted in how Women Who Kill explores fear and anxiety that comes along with personal vulnerability in relationships. It asks audience members to consider what's scarier - the potential of physical danger or emotional risks involved in letting someone in, trusting them, and allowing oneself to be known fully.

Writer and director Ingrid Jungermann makes keen observations about the human condition through the film’s exploration of diverse and complex characters, carefully chosen settings, and an ever-present undercurrent of subtle humor. She also provides a fascinating, albeit humorously warped, exploration of modern dating and its uneasy amalgamation of intimacy and anonymity.

The direction is crisp, assured, and perceptively sharp. Jungermann's ability to weave a narrative that is as unexpectedly humorous as it’s suspenseful is a testament to her unique perspective and vision as a filmmaker.

From its gripping opening to its chilling finale, Women Who Kill defies categorization, showcasing instead an engrossing blend of intrigue, comedy, romance, and suspense. This is a movie that takes pride in its contradictions, presenting familiar elements in an entirely fresh and satisfyingly twisted context.