'The Killgrin' Review: A Chilling Psychological Thriller
- Romey Norton
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
By Romey Norton - April 11, 2025
Horror fans, brace yourselves for a supernatural spiral into madness with The Killgrin, the latest psychological shocker hitting theatres and VOD on April 25. Blending the eerie unease of classic ghost stories with modern psychological grief, this indie horror gem is set to haunt audiences. Fans of slow-burn horror in the vein of The Babadook or Hereditary will find plenty to sink their teeth into here.
At the heart of The Killgrin is Miranda, played with quiet intensity by Konstantina Mantelos. Reeling from a personal tragedy, she’s desperate to reclaim control over her life. When conventional therapy fails to ease her grief, she turns to alternative healing methods, only to receive a chilling diagnosis from a spiritual healer: her aura is infected with a sinister entity called a ‘Killgrin.’ If that doesn’t sound unsettling enough, this malevolent force feeds off her misery, growing stronger as her despair deepens.
What begins as skepticism soon morphs into terror when Miranda notices that those closest to her are dying in gruesome, inexplicable ways. Is it a curse? A manifestation of her trauma? Or something far darker? The film cleverly keeps audiences guessing, drawing them into Miranda’s unravelling psyche while tightening its grip with atmospheric dread.
Directed by Joanna Tsanis, The Killgrin thrives on psychological tension rather than cheap jump scares. The film’s visual storytelling is a highlight—moody, dimly lit interiors and dreamlike sequences blur the line between reality and nightmare, making Miranda’s journey feel both intimate and disorienting. The sound design, filled with eerie whispers and unsettling distortions, adds another layer of unease, ensuring that even the quiet moments feel ominous. I enjoyed that the film didn’t opt for cheap CGI when it comes to the scary bits (not giving too many spoilers). The last 10 minutes are the most intense and gruesome, and using prosthetics etc really helped bring those final scenes to life.
Mantelos is captivating as Miranda; a woman who’s struggling to differentiate between psychological distress and paranormal affliction makes for a compelling, emotionally charged watch. She has great chemistry with her main co-star Adam Tsekhman, who provides the film with a lot of comedic relief. His character is cheeky but untrustworthy, and their relationship flits between being comfortable and then cringe.
While the film’s methodical pacing may not be for everyone, those who appreciate horror that lingers in the mind rather than relying on immediate shocks will find The Killgrin a rewarding experience. The ending is more poignant and meaningful than I anticipated, and might leave you wondering and feeling how you deal with your demons. Either way, the film shows us that therapy is not a bad idea.
As the latest entry in Dark Sky Films’ impressive horror catalog, The Killgrin solidifies itself as a must-watch for fans of cerebral, dread-infused storytelling. If you’re looking for a horror movie that goes beyond the surface scares and leaves you unsettled long after the final scene, this is one to add to your watchlist.
Want to dive into more spine-chilling horror reviews? Check out Film Focus Online for the latest takes on Dark Sky Films’ releases, such as Hood Witch and the intense psychological thriller Lifeline.
The Killgrin releases in cinemas and digital platforms April 25
Want more film reviews? Check out more content on our website Film Focus Online!
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