Director Laura Murphy bases her debut feature, F Marry Kill, on a popular internet question. The film is written by Ivan Diaz, Dan Scheinkman, and Meghan Brown and is produced by Lionsgate.
Fresh off a breakup, true-crime junkie Eva Vaugh (Lucy Hale) is shoved into the dating app world by her besties Kelly (Virginia Gardner), Robin (Bethany Brown), Anthony (JayR), and older sister Valerie (Brooke Nevin) at her 30th birthday party. She quickly meets the charming Mitch (Brendan Morgan), former classmate Kyle (Jedidiah Goodcre), and home security installer Norman (Samer Salem).
Juggling three men is tough work, but when new details about a series of murders are revealed on her favorite podcast, Eva suddenly finds herself at the center of a real murder case! As the men she's dating display questionable behavior, she realizes that one of them could be the infamous "Swipe Right Killer" who is terrorizing the city. It's up to Eva and her loyal friends to figure out which man is a f-boy, a potential husband, or a killer.
Lucy Hale remains absent from A-list status, which surprises me, but she continues to establish herself in mid-range budget films while remaining my favorite actress to watch. Hale successfully portrays Eva, blending enthusiasm and anxiety through an everywoman performance that feels authentically charming.
The script remains within the bounds of Lifetime style sharp wit and humor yet deserves recognition for providing a fresh approach to the typical rom-com formula. Hale demonstrates her acting ability through distinct performances when Eva dates her three possible romantic partners.
Romantic comedy enthusiasts will predict the film's romantic resolution and engage with the new narrative approach used leading up to it. The third act's surprise reveal appears unexpectedly sudden when identifying who conceals the sinister secret. Horror fans will no doubt quickly deduce this secret.
F Marry Kill maintains an even approach to its comedy and thriller elements without going overboard. The film reveals its murders indirectly because its script focuses on mystery elements and comedic situations. Eva's engagement with her beloved true-crime podcast reveals a thoughtful critique of society's fascination with true crime, which positions the film as both relevant and timely.
Eva's best friends deliver supporting performances that offer comedic and emotional support and ground the narrative through their displays of friendship and loyalty. The infectious friendship between the characters makes their antics enjoyable, transforming the film into a fast-paced adventure. The visual style of F Marry Kill echoes the electrifying atmosphere of city life through vibrant colors and energetic camera movements that mirror Eva's dynamic character.
F Marry Kill is a delightful blend of genres that should entertain most viewers as a one-time watch. If you're a true-crime junkie or a rom-com aficionado, this film is a fun, entertaining watch that will leave you questioning just who you're swiping right on.
F Marry Kill opens in select theaters and will be available today.
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