Bill Skarsgård, the youngest of eight siblings and six of whom are actors, has carved out a niche for himself in the industry as the go-to Skarsgård for roles with a creepy edge. From portraying a dangerous stranger in “Barbarian” to embodying Pennywise the Dancing Clown in “IT,” he has demonstrated his ability to bring an unsettling presence to the screen. However, in “Boy Kills World,” Skarsgård showcases a different facet of his talent as he takes on the role of an action star.
In this film, Skarsgård plays Boy, a character driven by a singular purpose – revenge. His target is Hilda van der Koy, played by Famke Janssen, the head of a ruling family in a totalitarian state that conducts annual executions of dissidents and traitors. Having suffered personal loss due to these state-sanctioned killings, Boy seeks retribution against anyone who stands in his way.
Skarsgård’s portrayal of Boy, who is deaf and mute, brings a unique dimension to the character. His performance is reminiscent of a deadly Buster Keaton, with Boy’s thoughts expressed through voiceover. While Skarsgård shines in the role, the film struggles to fully capitalize on his performance, blending elements of comic violence, dystopian world-building, and diverse character archetypes borrowed from various sources.
The plot of “Boy Kills World” is at times convoluted with an abundance of flashbacks and revelations that detract from its potential for high-octane action. Despite this, it offers entertaining characters, fast-paced runtime and plenty of adrenaline-fueled set pieces. With some editing adjustments
