F*** Marry Kill (2024) by Laura Murphy: The Dating App Killer

The Dating App Dilemma: One Swipe Away from a Killer

Short Summary: A 30-year-old true-crime fanatic, Eva Vaugh, finds herself in a terrifying and darkly comedic situation when she re-enters the dating world via dating apps. As she juggles three different men, she realizes one of them could be a serial killer dubbed the "Swipe Right Killer." With the help of her friends, she must figure out which one is the "f-boy," the potential husband, or the murderer before it's too late.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22528200/

Link Review: https://punchdrunkcritics.com/2025/03/marry-kill-59496/

About movie: https://www.lionsgate.com/movies/f-marry-kill

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/f-marry-kill (US), https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/f-marry-kill (Australia), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/f-marry-kill (Canada), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/f-marry-kill (UK), https://www.justwatch.com/it/film/f-marry-kill (Italy)

Detailed Summary: A Deadly Game of Three-Card Monty

• When Eva Vaugh turns 30, she is pushed by her friends to get back into dating after a long-term relationship ends.

• She joins a dating app and quickly starts seeing three different men, each with their own unique personality and potential red flags.

• At the same time, a local true-crime podcast she obsessively listens to starts detailing a series of murders committed by the "Swipe Right Killer," who meets his victims through dating apps.

• Eva, being a true-crime enthusiast, starts to put the pieces together and fears that one of her three dates might be the killer.

• The movie follows her and her friends' increasingly frantic and sometimes humorous attempts to investigate each of the men and determine which one is a harmless date, a potential partner, or a homicidal maniac.

Director's Vision: Balancing Humor and Horror

• The director, Laura Murphy, aims to blend the genres of comedy and thriller, creating a "whodunit" story with a whip-smart, comedic tone.

• She uses a visually dynamic style, including on-screen text and freeze-frames to introduce characters and their traits, which gives the film a fast-paced, pop-culture feel reminiscent of a VH1 production.

• Murphy's vision is to explore the modern fears and anxieties surrounding online dating, while also poking fun at the pervasive nature of true-crime obsession.

Themes: The Modern Dangers of Dating and True Crime Culture

• Online Dating and the Fear of the Unknown: The film directly addresses the very real anxieties women face when meeting strangers from dating apps. It plays on the "what if" scenario that is often a running joke or a genuine fear in the minds of people navigating the online dating landscape.

• True-Crime Obsession and its Consequences: The movie highlights the cultural phenomenon of true-crime podcasts and shows. Eva's obsession with her favorite podcast drives the plot, but also shows how this fixation can blur the lines between entertainment and real-life paranoia.

• Friendship and Female Solidarity: The movie emphasizes the importance of a strong support system. Eva relies on her friends to help her navigate the dating scene and the terrifying possibility of dating a serial killer, showcasing a dynamic of female friendship and collective vigilance.

Key success factors: A Fun Ride with a Charismatic Lead

• Lucy Hale's Performance: Critics widely praised Lucy Hale's "delightfully sloppy" and comedic performance as Eva. Her portrayal grounds the movie and makes the absurd premise feel relatable and entertaining.

• The Genre Blend: The film's combination of a rom-com and a murder mystery is a key factor. It appeals to a broad audience who might be looking for a lighthearted thriller or a dating comedy with an unexpected twist.

• Relevant and Timely Premise: The movie capitalizes on two major cultural trends: the widespread use of dating apps and the immense popularity of true-crime media. This makes the film's plot feel current and relatable to many viewers.

Critics' Reception: Mixed Reviews, but Praise for its Charm

• Punch Drunk Critics: The site gives the movie a "3 overall score," noting that while it "gets the true crime obsession and dating Hellscape exactly right," the final act is an "outright disaster" that undermines the film. However, it praises Lucy Hale's "genuine and funny" performance.

• Collider: The review describes the film as a "genuinely hilarious and often tense look at meeting strangers online," but ultimately feels it "doesn't quite live up to its potential" due to its unrewarding ending.

• Film Reviews by Mark: This review gives the movie a "B-" grade, calling it "the worst good movie of the year." The reviewer found the plot engaging and the cast attractive, noting that it kept their interest despite some of the jokes not landing.

• Overall Summary: The critical reception is mixed, with many reviewers finding the film's premise and Lucy Hale's performance to be its strongest points. However, a common criticism is that the ending is convoluted, unsatisfying, or undermines the cleverness of the rest of the film.

Reviews: A Fun Watch, Perfect for a Night In

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film has a 54% positive rating from critics on the site, with an average rating of 5.2/10. This indicates a mixed but slightly negative consensus.

• Review Nation: This site calls the movie a "mediocre thriller rom-com" that is "somewhat great." It praises the engaging plot and unexpected twists, recommending it as a perfect "Saturday night viewing with your closest girlfriends."

• Overall Summary: Audiences and critics generally agree that while F** Marry Kill* may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it is an enjoyable and engaging watch. It's the kind of movie that is perfect for a casual viewing, particularly with friends.

Why to recommend movie: A Perfect Blend of Thrills and Laughter

• The "What if?" Factor: It's a fun and relatable movie that plays on the common anxieties of modern dating and the true-crime craze.

• Lucy Hale's Charisma: Her performance is the anchor of the film, providing a compelling and humorous lead that makes the movie a worthwhile watch.

• Entertaining and Fast-Paced: The film doesn't take itself too seriously and moves at a brisk pace, making it an easy and entertaining watch for a relaxed evening.

Movie Trend: The Dark Comedy Thriller The film follows the trend of dark comedy thrillers that blend humor with a high-stakes, dangerous situation. This genre has gained popularity by subverting traditional thriller tropes and using comedy to explore serious subjects like violence and social anxieties.

Social Trend: True-Crime Obsession The film is directly a part of the social trend of true-crime obsession. It taps into the huge market of podcasts, documentaries, and fan culture surrounding real-life crime, reflecting how this form of entertainment has become a part of everyday life for many people.

Final Verdict: A Swipe-Right-Worthy Watch F** Marry Kill* is a fun, modern, and engaging movie that is perfect for anyone looking for a film that is both a comedy and a thriller. While its ending may not satisfy everyone, the charismatic performance by Lucy Hale and its clever premise make it an enjoyable ride. It’s a film that you wouldn't necessarily "marry" for its cinematic greatness, but it's definitely a worthwhile "f**k"—a fun, no-strings-attached movie night.