Villains (2019)
Villains (2019) is a darkly comedic thriller directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. The film stars Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe as Mickey and Jules, a couple of small-time criminals on the run after a heist gone wrong. While fleeing from the authorities, they find themselves in a secluded house in the middle of nowhere, where they encounter a seemingly sweet elderly couple, George (Jeffrey Donovan) and Gloria (Kyra Sedgwick).
However, things take a twisted turn when Mickey and Jules uncover a horrifying secret about the couple’s true nature. The elderly couple is not what they appear, and soon the criminals find themselves trapped in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The film takes a dark, uncomfortable approach, blending elements of horror and suspense with moments of quirky humor.
The relationship between Mickey and Jules is central to the film’s dynamics, showcasing their vulnerability and desperation as they try to navigate a world that’s quickly spiraling out of their control. Meanwhile, George and Gloria’s sinister motives and bizarre behavior create a tense, unnerving atmosphere throughout the film.
While Villains presents a familiar set-up of characters in a confined space, it sets itself apart with its unpredictable twists, offbeat humor, and strong performances, particularly from the leads. The dark humor contrasts with the grisly horror elements, and the film does an interesting job of playing with genre conventions, mixing suspense and tension with absurdity.
In the end, Villains leaves the audience with a sense of dread and uncertainty, exploring themes of morality, survival, and the lengths people will go to when pushed to the brink. It’s an unpredictable and disturbing ride that offers a fresh take on the crime thriller genre.
