Self-help books, vision boards, crystals – the pursuit of a better life is a booming industry. But what happens when the quest for self-improvement takes a decidedly dark turn? A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life, directed by Staten Cousins-Roe, explores this question with a darkly comedic edge. The film follows Lou, played by Katie Brayburn, a woman trapped in a dead-end job and suffocated by her overbearing mother. Her escape comes in the form of self-help seminars until she meets Val (Poppy Roe), a charismatic life coach with a deadly secret: she’s a serial killer. This sets them on a road trip filled with violence, leading to a confrontation that questions the very nature of identity and morality.
A Road Trip Through Self-Help Hell
The film’s premise revolves around Lou and Val traveling through the UK, encountering various self-help communities. These communities, with their bizarre rituals and questionable philosophies, serve as the backdrop for Val’s murderous tendencies. The humor derives from the juxtaposition of these absurd situations with the brutal reality of Val’s actions.
This dynamic draws comparisons to films like Submarine and Thelma and Louise, offering a uniquely British brand of black comedy. The audience is invited to sympathize with Lou and Val, despite their gruesome acts, as they target individuals within these niche healing communities. The film subtly questions how much access to self-help depends on money rather than will. The target is not always the individual but the system of self help in general.
The Murky Morality of Murder
However, the film stumbles when it comes to providing a clear motivation for Val’s killings. While the critique of self-help gurus is evident, Val’s actions often seem driven by pure contempt, rather than a deeper ideological motive. This lack of explanation leaves the audience wanting more, particularly in an era where serial killer narratives like American Psycho and Killing Eve delve into the psychological complexities of their characters.
Furthermore, the film’s narrative relies heavily on convenient plot devices. The police investigation is largely absent, and the characters’ lack of concern for evidence strains believability. This allows the story to progress, but it sacrifices a degree of realism and tension.
The Fight Club Twist: Are Val and Lou the Same Person?
The film’s ending introduces a twist, reminiscent of Fight Club, suggesting that Val might be a figment of Lou’s imagination. The film hints at this possibility throughout, with Val rarely existing independently of Lou. During a meditation scene, Val’s face morphs into Lou’s, further solidifying the twist. The ambiguity is heightened, yet not fully explored.
This twist could provide a compelling explanation for the murders, framing them as a manifestation of Lou’s repressed rage and frustration. However, the film doesn’t fully commit to this interpretation. This is where the ending of A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life Ending Explained falls short. The twist is not clearly executed, and ambiguity doesn’t work in the film’s favour, when the question is so pressing.
A Missed Opportunity for Depth
Ultimately, A Serial Killer’s Guide to Life is an entertaining, albeit flawed, addition to the British independent film scene. It offers moments of dark humor and a critique of the self-help industry. However, it falls short of its potential due to a lack of character depth and a somewhat ambiguous ending. Lou never fully develops as a character, remaining a passive participant in her own story. While the film raises interesting questions about identity, morality, and the pursuit of self-improvement, it doesn’t quite deliver on its promise to subvert the serial killer genre. The film would have benefitted from a more explicit exploration of Lou’s transformation and a clearer understanding of Val’s motivations.
