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Villains (2019) is a dark comedy thriller that successfully manages to blend humor and suspense into an entertainingly surreal tale filled with twists and turns. The film stars Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe as Mickey and Jules, two amateur criminals on the run from the law after a chain of convenience store robberies, fueled by a duffle bag full of drugs. Their luck eventually runs out and the Bonnie and Clyde duo are forced to find a place to lay low for a while, breaking into the nearest suburban home. While ransacking the place for any valuables, a trip to the basement reveals that they may be in a little over their heads.

It’s at this point where the tension starts to escalate, as the pair run into the homeowners, George (Jeffrey Donovan) and Gloria (Kyra Sedgwick) who are far more sinister than their otherwise disturbingly wholesome appearance leads on. As expected, a twist of fate finds our flawed protagonists at the mercy of the homeowners, only for things to get much worse from there.

Without giving anything more away, the movie succeeds, for the most part, at balancing humor and horror effectively. Most of the suspense and overall discomfort comes from the scenes between the two couples, rather than relying on violence and gore. The few moments that are graphic pack a surprising punch, compared to the rest of the tight-paced film.

The interactions between the cast are certainly one of this film’s strengths, as both Bill Skarsgård and Maika Monroe’s chemistry is clear to see on screen, both doing an excellent job portraying our endearing and comically flawed protagonists. Skarsgård, who is typically known for his darker, more serious roles, demonstrates his versatility through the charming yet foolish potrayal of Mickey. As for Monroe, she provides the perfect mix of toughness and vulnerability.

On that same note, Kyra Sedgwick and Jeffery Donovan, as the sinister homeowners, are quite compelling in themselves. While Donovan’s George remains a menacing figure with a veneer of politeness, Sedgwick’s Gloria is unsettlingly unpredictable. It’s their interactions with Mickey and Jules that provide some of the film’s most gripping and darkly humorous moments, with some of the more disturbing moments playing out between Mickey and Gloria.

I also find it important to note the visually striking style of Villains, as it enhances the film’s offbeat atmosphere, using a vibrant color palette that contrasts the dark themes, creating a truly engaging experience. The production design, particularly the home’s eerie interior that feels like it’s trapped in a different era, really adds to the film’s unsettling charm.

Overall, Villains is a delightfully twisted ride that may suffer slightly from a story that sometimes drags, despite its quick pacing, but is still worth a watch for fans of dark comedies and thrillers. There may not be many memorable moments, but the talent of its cast and creators deliver genuine suspense and laughs that are well worth the 88-minute runtime.

– Anthony

REVIEW SCORE: 7/10