Killer Whale (dir. Jo-Anne Brechin)

By: Dave Hughes

Ask any child of the 1990s who has seen the film Free Willy (1993) and they will likely describe Orcas as lovable creatures capable of connecting with humans on deep emotional levels. However, reality dictates that Orcas are formidable predators with a vicious streak and an unrelenting drive to capture their prey. Killer Whale is a horror thriller by director Jo-Anne Brechin(This Dog’s Life) that attempts to transform the beloved animal into a feared beast and a lethal force of nature.

Starring Virginia Gardner (Fall) and Mel Jarnson (Mortal Kombat), Killer Whale follows two friends whose vacation descends into a nightmare after they become trapped in a lagoon with Ceto. This particular Orca possesses a predatory malice that far exceeds typical animal behavior. Gardner serves as the emotional anchor of the production. Her extensive background in the horror genre provides immediate credibility and gives her a distinct advantage when portraying a character gripped by visceral terror.

Unfortunately, outside of Gardner’s performance, the film struggles to maintain any sense of momentum or narrative coherence. Director Jo-Anne Brechin attempts to establish both the whale and the human leads as empathetic figures, yet both efforts ultimately fail to resonate. The antagonist and the protagonists appear to be victims of a lackluster script and poorly developed character arcs. This lack of depth prevents the audience from fully engaging with the life-or-death stakes of the situation.

Killer Whale also falls victim to the constraints of a restricted budget. There is very little believability in the film's tropical locations, which often feel artificial and confined. When the characters become stranded on a rock surrounded by Ceto, the audience is frequently pulled out of the experience by the poorly designed environment. It is difficult to remain invested in the life-or-death struggle when the digital backdrops and green-screen work are so distractingly apparent.

Films like The Shallows (2016) and Open Water (2003) make the audience feel the tension note by note as the real fears of the ocean are exposed. Killer Whale has a lot of the fear telegraphed and given away moments before the audience can feel any tension. Moments of tension are dissipated by a weak script filled with all too familiar coincidences and mysteries that the audience knows well before the leads in the film do. 

Director Jo-Anne Brechin makes a noble attempt to raise awareness regarding the ethics of animal captivity. Much of the dialogue between the trapped leads revolves around their shared guilt for Ceto’s former life in an aquarium. While providing a valid motivation for the Orca’s aggression toward humans, this thematic point eventually feels heavy-handed. The audience is repeatedly bombarded with the message rather than allowed to absorb it through subtle narrative cues. This lack of nuance transforms a poignant social commentary into a repetitive distraction that halts the film's momentum.

Target Score 2/10: Despite a lead actress well-versed in the genre, Killer Whale falls into familiar cliches and heavy-handed messaging that other films have executed more effectively. The production is ultimately hindered by a deeply forgettable supporting cast and an incoherent script. This attempt at a creature feature fails to stay afloat, leaving even the most dedicated horror fans wanting more.