SPOILER-FREE PLOT SUMMARY
Film director Dan (played by Jason Segal) and actress wife Lisa (Samara Weaving) head to a cabin in the woods for the weekend, but they’re not just going to “get away from it all.” Instead, unbeknownst to the other, they each plan on killing their partner and collecting the insurance money as not only a way to get out of a loveless marriage but to navigate a way out of their serious financial troubles. Unfortunately for him, Dan’s plans come unraveled when Lisa discovers the weapons he’s hidden away. But, coincidentally, Lisa’s plans come unraveled when an unexpected accomplice (Jake Curran) shows up to finish the job Dan had planned out. If those wrinkles weren’t enough, the couple then encounters some recently escaped convicts (Timothy Olyphant, Keith Jardine and Juliette Lewis) which make their plans for the weekend even more questionable.
SPOILER-FREE REVIEW
Movies like VIOLENT NIGHT and COCAINE BEAR that tried to be campy but didn’t lean in enough only wish they had the same level of absurdness as OVER YOUR DEAD BODY. A film that doesn’t take itself too seriously — which is it’s biggest strength — this Jorma Taccone-directed relationship comedy is hilarious at times but joyful even when it’s not.
Writers Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher take ultra-relatable themes such as nagging, pet peeves and lack of appreciation and turns a fun premise into an irreverent comedy that will have legs long after it leaves theaters. From the cereal flakes on the floor to the key on top of the door, the duo took their time to ensure a true attention to detail, something not always found in the genre.
And their script is only enhanced by the performers and visual effects. Segal and Weaving are excellent as the combative leads, Olyphant, Jardine and Lewis are compelling villains and even Paul Guilfoyle gets his moment to shine. Dancing in rhythm with the actors is the CGI to make it all come together. From surprise shots fired to heads being blown off with tongues sticking out, the effects team puts this one over the top.
It may not be predictable how the events unfold but, if you’re looking for a movie where you don’t know the ending, unfortunately OVER YOUR DEAD BODY is pretty predictable from the trailer. There are plenty of twists and turns en route to the finale but you already know how the story ends.
This movie isn’t going to change your life but it will let you enjoy it for a couple hours. A bloody, well-written, campy pile of fun, OVER YOUR DEAD BODY is a must-see if you enjoy the comedy genre and can stomach grisly imagery. Going up against MICHAEL and the long-lasting PROJECT HAIL MARY at the box office, streaming may be where it captures audiences.
JKG SCORE: 7.0
Untitled Film Project 