‘Most Likely to Murder’ Is The Horror/Comedy Most Likely to Make You Laugh

While it took several years for pals and writing partners Dan Gregor and Doug Mand to finally get their film Most Likely to Murder made (Gregor also directs), there’s really no better time for it. The horror/comedy genre has never been hotter, and while this project leans much more into comedy territory, there are enough elements of a good horror movie to keep viewers on their toes, too.

Adam Pally stars as Billy, a guy who works in the bathroom at a hot Vegas club but pretends he’s much cooler than he is when he returns to his Long Island hometown. When he thinks he sees his neighbor and former recipient of his high school bullying, Lowell (Vincent Kartheiser), up to some shady business, he sets out to prove that Lowell is indeed a murderer. Except it looks a bit desperate, considering Lowell is now dating Billy’s former flame, Kara (Rachel Bloom), and the general consensus around town is that Lowell is actually a decent guy.

Pally easily caries the film on his shoulders, employing both physical and dry humor, dipping into action sequences and vulnerable moments like a pro. Bloom makes the most of her screen time, showing off a bit more of her dramatic chops, and giving us a preview of what Rebecca Bunch without the bubbliness might look like on the next season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend. And let’s be honest, Kartheiser as the creepy potential murderer is spot-on casting. Mand adds a lot of heart and way too much chin beard as Billy’s bestie, Duane, and John Reynolds (Search Party), Hasan Minhaj (The Daily Show) and John Lutz (30 Rock) all contribute to the chuckles.

That’s not to say the horror part of the film is ignored though. There’s a tense scene in a backyard that will have your neck muscles tightening, along with a couple of jumps, creepy stares, and menacing moments that are balanced with the silly moments into a satisfying blend. But it is perhaps the feelings of the hometown return that are best captured, both heart-warming and cringe-worthy, and often at once. From hoping to spend time with an old flame, to the memories kept within a childhood bedroom, to realizing but not fully admitting that perhaps your friends have grown up and you haven’t, it’s the honesty and reality of these moments that give the heightened scenes their payoff.

Most Likely to Murder is a competent first feature from Gregor and Mand in their respective roles as writer/director and writer/performer, and their distinct sense of humor signals at least a career of cult films ahead of them. This one manages to be weird and silly and creepy in all the right places, and is simply a good time that will keep you guessing just as much as it has you laughing.

Where to watch Most Likely to Murder