Review: Killbird

Release date: May 19, 2020
Running time: 85 minutes
Starring: Elysia Rotaru, Stephen Lobo, Tahmoh Penikett, Aaron Douglas

When Taylor (Rotaru)'s car breaks down in back country Oregon, she looks for some help to either get her car started or get a ride into town.  However, the only cabin that she sees is occupied by Riad (Lobo), a paranoid conspiracy theorist who has isolated himself in the woods.  Taylor soon becomes his prisoner after Riad assumes that she is another cog in the conspiracy out to get him.  

The majority of Killbird involves the interactions between Riad and Taylor, and thankfully these two are very good on screen.  Rotaru is believable as a trapped traveler just trying to get her car started and doesn't overact during the situation.  She stays cool and calm throughout this ordeal.  And Lobo has the more difficult task of playing a conspiracy theorist, who has to go through a wide range of emotions throughout this adventure.  Together, they make for some interesting, tense situations that will keep the audience engaged during the slower parts of this ordeal.  There are a few other characters that come in and out of the movie, but the majority of the interactions are from these two.  

The story of Killbird will appeal to those interested in conspiracy theories or thrillers.  The movie does a good job of weaving together several different conspiracy threads as Riad spouts the various theories that he has.  Sure, some of them are a little far-fetched and it doesn't explain exactly what is happening, but overall the conspiracy tie-ins are enjoyable.  And the story, although it starts off relatively slowly, definitely picks up towards the end.  It has plenty of plot twists and conspiracy tie-ins to keep you guessing throughout.  And Killbird has surprisingly good production values for a small indie film.  The acting is good, the effects are good, and the camera angles are well chosen.  Killbird also doesn't try to do too much; it does just enough to wet your conspiracy appetite without going off the deep end.  And in the end, it provides an enjoyable thriller that is easy to spend an evening with. 

Killbird will appeal to thriller and conspiracy theory fans, with its strong leads, good production values, and story with plenty of twists and turns. 

Rent it.

For additional information about the film and to rent / buy it, check it out here.

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