Benny Loves Killing (2012)

Directed by Ben Woodiwiss

Written by Ben Woodiwiss

Stars: Pauline Cousty, Canelle Hoppé, Kristina Dargelyte, Kelli White


Thanks To Ben Woodiwiss for sharing his dark drama Benny Loves Killing with me.  This UK film recently won Best Horror Film award at The Oregon Independent Film Festival but while an award is well deserved don’t be fooled into thinking this is some splattery slasher flick or even an out and out horror film per se.

Ben was kind enough to share some insight into the film prior to my watching it and to back up what he told me, Benny Loves Killing has some elements usually found in horror films and the core plot is a young lady (the titular Benny) attempting to make a horror film while attending film school. The process of actually trying to create an independent horror film, really takes its toll on Benny and she begins to tread a very dark path which actually serves as the main horror element of the film. Its far more about real life horrors such as drug addiction and obsession then about who has been murdered and by whom etc ,and the film, for these reasons, ultimately becomes something far smarter and disturbing than your run of the mill horror film.

Benny Loves Killing is one of those films that should be seen without too much prior knowledge – the title does suggest a bloodbath but if you go in knowing that definitely isn't the case then I would hope that audiences will be taken by surprise by this film. I hesitate to say pleasantly surprised because the film isn't pleasant by any stretch of the imagination – but it’s not supposed to be.

The core actress in the film, Pauline Cousty as Benny turns in an outstanding performance. Coustys Benny is a deeply flawed character, living on the very edge and at any time you may expect her to fully tip right over it. She shines many times throughout the film in her dark role - my favourite scene was a rather awkward/painful audition. In this scene Pauline Cousty really demonstrates some impressive acting skills and I have no doubt she could go from this role to something the polar opposite and still nail it.

The film is very well made,professionally shot and extremely well written. Whether Ben and company decide to go for a full on horror film next or even delve into a separate genre of film, I would be very interested to see it.

Check out the Benny Loves KillingFacebook site HERE and find out more about the film, hopefully you guys will get to check it out soon!