Looks That Kill is a quirky and charming romantic comedy-drama that follows the life of a young man named Max Richards (played by Brandon Flynn). What makes Max different from the other boys his age is that he has a rare genetic disorder that gives him a killer good looks â quite literally! Meaning, he is so attractive that anyone who stares at him for too long or has a prolonged interaction with him ends up with a fatal heart attack.
Because of this, Max has grown up sheltered and homeschooled, living with his overprotective mother (played by Annie Mumolo). An introverted and lonely teenager, Max spends most of his time in his room or hanging out with his only friend, a ghost named Hugo (played by Tom Proctor). Itâs not until Max meets a girl named Alex (played by Sofia Carson) that he dares to venture out into the world.
Things are far from smooth sailing when Max first meets Alex, considering his condition. But as luck would have it, Alex has a heart condition that places her outside of the risk category for Max's good looks. A positive and bubbly person, Alex takes a liking to Max and sets out to help him experience life outside his sheltered bubble. With Alex by his side, Max begins to discover more of his true self and learns to embrace everything that life has to offer.
The storyline of Looks That Kill is incredibly heartwarming, funny, and poignant all at the same time. The movie explores the themes of self-discovery, love, and acceptance while handling its central topic of Max's lethal good looks delicately. Itâs refreshing to see a movie that realistically portrays a young adult's coming-of-age while blending it with a supernatural twist.
The cast of Looks That Kill is fantastic, with Brandon Flynn and Sofia Carson delivering remarkable performances as Max and Alex that make it easy to root for their characters. Their chemistry is palpable, bringing a lot of humor and energy to the story. Annie Mumoloâs portrayal of Max's mother is also great, adding a level of emotional depth to the narrative.
The film's production design and cinematography are both top-notch, and the soundtrack is adequately curated, adding to the whimsical nature of the story. The movie was directed by Kellen Moore and written by both Moore and Lara Azzopardi. They should be commended for crafting a unique and engaging story that is well-executed in every way.
The only drawback to the film is that some of the jokes and scenes may be predictable or cheesy for some viewers. Some might find the premise of the film too absurd or contrived, but itâs worth giving Looks That Kill a chance. Itâs a fun movie that offers something different from the standard romantic-comedy tropes.
Overall, Looks That Kill is a must-watch movie for anyone who enjoys a good romantic-comedy, quirky indie flick, or heartwarming coming-of-age story. Itâs a movie that showcases the beauty of unconventional love, the power of acceptance, and the importance of embracing one's true self.