When the Screaming Starts (2022) Story Synopsis
When Norman Graysmith is invited into the home of an aspiring serial killer, Aidan Mendle, he believes he has the subject for the documentary that will make his career.
When the Screaming Starts (2022) dishes up a distinctly British mockumentary-style horror with wickedly sharp wit and dark comedic undertones.
When the Screaming starts tells the often hilarious, wickedly witty tale of young oddball Aidan - a warped sociopath with lofty aspirations to achieve the ultimate societal status of an infamous serial killer. (Satire)
Who, wishing to spread the news of his sinister machinations, agrees to play the primary role in a thrilling documentary charting his ambitiously twisted rise to prominence.
During the filming of which, Aiden comes to the rather sadistic conclusion that serial killing is somehow less fulfilling or fun without similar-thinking psychos to share that morbid sensation with. And so, resultingly, he embarks on a darkly comic killing recruitment process.
A refreshingly novel concept, which, in a darkly hysterical twist, leads to deadly consequences. Thematically, though, When the Screaming Starts delivers distinctly British flavors. Quirkily portrayed, off-quilter characters, deadpan humor, lingering expressions, and dingily depressing interiors make it undeniably so.
Elsewhere, When the Screaming Starts is brimming with belly-achingly humorous scenes, on-point in both delivery and execution - helped immensely by a picture-perfect cast and razor-sharp script. But it is, by and large, firmly focused on the funny side of events comparatively to its more subtly suggestive horror tones.
Still, some of the character arcs and the film's more dramatic segments evoke a sense of horror in inventive ways. But mainly, how the different serial killer stereotypes interact and the darkly comical ways these conflicting characters clash is what triggers the most laughs.
All in all, When the Screaming Starts (2022) will make for worthwhile viewing for fans of authentically British comedy horror.
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