Is Killjoy Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1981)

📖 The Core Premise

Killjoy returns to the screen in 1981, bringing a fresh narrative to the Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A romantic rivalry leads to an innocent woman's murder. Or is it a hoax crime, part of a cunning deception? At City General Hospital, two young doctors engage in a move-and-countermove rivalry over Laury Medford. It may be more than Laury's beauty that motivates the men. Her father is the hospital's chairman of the board. Marrying her would be an inside track to the chief of staff post. Meanwhile, a senior hospital staffer, who is the mother of one of the two doctors, plots to enhance her son's chances, a mysterious outsider who says he knew the dead woman tails the two men, and Laury may be more than she appears. Murder? Hoax? The answer isn't revealed till the final freeze-frame."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. The performance by Kim Basinger is a highlight, bringing a palpable intensity to the screen. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Mystery. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Killjoy worth your time? If you appreciate Mystery, Thriller, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. It stands out as one of the stronger entries of 1981, offering enough depth to satisfy critical viewers while remaining accessible to casual audiences.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Killjoy is a solid addition to the genre. With a runtime of 96 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Definitely Watch.