Killer Whale is reminiscent of the killer shark movies audiences were spoiled with throughout the 1990s, yet it feels noticeably more grounded and contemporary in its approach. Rather than leaning entirely into camp or excess, the film finds a satisfying balance between old-school creature-feature thrills and modern suspense filmmaking.
L-R: Virginia Gardner as Maddie and Mel Jarnson as Trish in the thriller KILLER WHALE, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
Director Jo-Anne Brechin (One Perfect Match) delivers a refreshing effort that breathes new life into the very small but oddly fascinating subgenre of killer whale movies. It’s clear from the opening moments that Brechin understands what makes these films work: momentum, tension, and characters that feel real enough for the audience to invest in when the water starts turning dangerous.
One of the film’s greatest strengths is its ferociously fast pacing. Killer Whale wastes very little time getting to the point, and, once it does, it never lets up.
The story moves with confidence, trusting the audience to keep up rather than holding their hand with excessive exposition. This relentless forward motion works perfectly for the genre, keeping tension high and nerves frayed as each sequence escalates the danger. There’s a strong sense that no scene is filler, and that commitment to urgency makes the viewing experience all the more engaging.
Visually, Killer Whale is far more striking than one might expect. The colors practically pop off the screen, thanks to impressive production and costume design which elevate the film beyond typical creature-feature expectations. There’s an almost deceptive brightness to the look of the film at times, teasing the brain into expecting something happy or light before plunging back into dread. That contrast works beautifully, making the darker moments feel even more unsettling. It’s a smart visual choice that gives the movie its own identity rather than mimicking the murky, gray aesthetics often associated with aquatic horror.
L-R: Virginia Gardner as Maddie and Mel Jarnson as Trish in the thriller KILLER WHALE, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
At the center of the film is Virginia Gardner (Halloween; Starfish), who delivers an admirable and grounded performance as the lead. Gardner brings a sense of emotional realism that anchors the film, making the escalating danger feel personal rather than purely spectacle-driven. She never overplays the fear or heroics, instead portraying a character reacting naturally to extraordinary circumstances. In a genre that often leans heavily on exaggerated performances, Gardner’s restraint is refreshing and ultimately more effective. Her performance helps sell the stakes, ensuring the audience cares not just about what happens next, but who it happens to.
It’s also worth noting how Killer Whale arrives at a time when killer whale and killer shark movies haven’t always been treated with much respect. Over the past decade, the genre has often been dismissed or reduced to intentionally absurd gimmicks. While there’s certainly room for fun, over-the-top entries, it’s genuinely nice to see a film like Killer Whale take its premise seriously without becoming self-important. It respects the audience and the genre, proving that there’s still room for well-crafted, suspense-driven creature features.
The film’s suspense is another standout element. Killer Whale is a white-knuckle, finger-popping exercise in tension, carefully building dread and releasing it in bursts that keep viewers on edge. Brechin understands when to show and when to withhold, allowing anticipation to do much of the work. The sound design and score further enhance this tension, creating an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic even in wide-open waters.
Ultimately, Killer Whale demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible, preferably with an audience. It’s the kind of movie where collective gasps, nervous laughter, and held breaths enhance the experience.
A still from the thriller KILLER WHALE, a Lionsgate release. Photo courtesy of Lionsgate.
Even more impressively, it arrives early in the year and boldly disrupts the tired notion that January is a throwaway month reserved for films not good enough to compete during awards season. Killer Whale proves that solid genre filmmaking can thrive at any time of year, as long as it’s crafted with care, confidence, and a genuine love for suspense.
In theaters, on VOD, and digital January 16th, 2026.
For more information, head to the official Jaggi Entertainment Killer Whale webpage.
Final Score: 3 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews, streaming
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