The Babysitter: Killer Queen – Film Review

The Babysitter: Killer Queen, directed by McG and released in 2020, promised to be a blood-soaked, high-energy horror-comedy sequel to its predecessor, The Babysitter. With the return of the devilishly charming and murderous babysitter Bee (Samara Weaving), expectations were high for a film that would amp up the stakes and deliver a thrilling experience. Unfortunately, the sequel falls flat, failing to capture the magic that made the first film a cult hit.

The film picks up two years after the events of the first installment, following Cole (Judah Lewis) as he struggles to move on from the traumatic events he faced. The plot, however, feels forced and lacks the originality that made the first movie so enjoyable. It relies heavily on recycled elements, leaving viewers with a sense of déjà vu rather than excitement. The pacing is erratic, swinging between chaotic, action-packed sequences and long stretches of tedious exposition. The story’s lack of coherence makes it challenging to invest in the characters, resulting in a disjointed viewing experience.

One of the major shortcomings of Killer Queen is its failure to provide meaningful character development. While the first film introduced quirky and memorable characters, the sequel reduces them to mere caricatures of their former selves. Cole, who was relatable and endearing in the original movie, feels flat and uninspired here. Samara Weaving’s return as Bee brings some energy to the film, but her character lacks depth and purpose. The new additions to the cast, including Jenna Ortega and Emily Alyn Lind, are talented actors trapped in poorly written roles, preventing them from showcasing their full potential.

The horror-comedy genre demands a delicate balance between scares and laughs, and Killer Queen struggles to find this equilibrium. The horror elements feel forced, relying heavily on jump scares and gore without building genuine tension. While the first film had a playful and dark sense of humor, the sequel’s attempts at comedy often fall flat. The witty dialogue and clever references that made the original movie so enjoyable are sorely missing, leaving viewers with uninspired one-liners and predictable punchlines.

Visually, Killer Queen maintains a vibrant and stylish aesthetic, with bold colors and creative camera work. McG’s direction is competent, capturing the frenetic energy of certain scenes effectively. However, the visual appeal can only do so much to compensate for the film’s lackluster storytelling and character development. While there are moments of visual flair, they are overshadowed by the film’s overall shortcomings.

The Babysitter: Killer Queen fails to recapture the essence of its predecessor, delivering a disappointing sequel that lacks the wit, charm, and originality that made the first film a cult favorite. With a poorly executed plot, underdeveloped characters, and a lack of genuine scares and laughs, the sequel struggles to justify its existence. While the film has its visually appealing moments and occasional bursts of energy, they are drowned out by the overwhelming sense of missed opportunity. For fans of the original film, Killer Queen is a letdown, offering little more than a diluted rehash of the first movie’s formula.