Opening with a homage to ‘Jaws’, ‘Killer Mermaid’ quickly switches tone to a european horror in the veins of early 2000’s “classics” as ‘Catacombs’ and ‘Train’ where the joys of youth involve globe trotting to Europe’s holiday vacations only to end up in a journey to the wrong part of town.

 

For ‘Killer Mermaid’ that vacation is Montenegro and that wrong part of town is an island called Mamula. For two Americans (Kristina Klebe and Natalie Burn) returning to see an old college friend, upon their arrival the sight of an isolated prison on an island steals their attention but what lurks below will make them wish they had steered clear.

 

While the first half hour of scene setting is as expected, a little bland with the expected boob, bad dialogue and mysterious characters, once the existence of a mermaid is made, the film finally invites a little danger that becomes almost as gory as the acting. For those expecting a rampaging mermaid in the ocean picking of her prey may get a little disappointed as much of the death happens off screen or under mury waters that make it difficult to see exactly what is going on.

 

When we do see exactly what is going on, the mermaid in question oozes beauty until her true monstrosity unravels itself. The blend of CGI and prosthetics makes the threat a little questionable but the relationship between her slave/lover and her control is an interesting use of the sea creatures mythology and one that builds character around the usual creepy old man. Although there are a number of brutal scenes, often at the hands of her slave, the rest of the inevitable doom for the group of friends lies with the fish girl and in comparison, feels too tame.

 

Todorovic delivers a stunning picture postcard for Montenegro, all accompanied by bikini shots and torsos, yet the real punch lies in what remains. The open ending could put this as a great starting place for the franchise but for the title star, this creature feature demands to be bigger, bolder and bloodier. There won’t be any awards for ‘Killer Mermaid’ but what we get here is a good old fashioned creature feature that requires nothing but a bag of popcorn and a blank mind.

 

Director: Milan Todorovic

Year: 2014

Running Time: 94 minutes

Age Rating: 15

 

Reviewer: Martyn Wakefield