Is it possible for love to be deadly?
Can a single glance have the power to end a life?
These are the haunting questions that lie at the heart of Looks That Kill, a mesmerizing dark romantic comedy that will leave you breathless.
Written and directed by the brilliant Kellen Moore, this 2020 American masterpiece delves into the complexities of love, life, and the extraordinary power of appearances.
Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the story behind Looks That Kill, a tale that will challenge your perceptions and ignite your imagination.

Synopsis
In the dark and twisted world of "Looks That Kill," we meet sixteen-year-old Max, a boy burdened with a deadly secret. His face, so angelic, possesses the power to take lives. Isolated and alone, Max's existence takes an unexpected turn when he crosses paths with Alex, a girl harboring her own peculiar affliction.
Alex suffers from a rare heart disease that causes her heart to grow with every emotion she experiences. Happiness, anger, sorrow, jealousy - any feeling could be fatal for her fragile heart. Fate brings these two outsiders together after Max accidentally kills his therapist with his lethal face.
On the brink of self-destruction, Max contemplates jumping off a bridge, but Alex intervenes with a promise: "You jump, I'll jump".
Their bond deepens as they embark on a whirlwind adventure of forbidden love. Alex reveals a secret place she has never shared with anyone before - a retirement home where she volunteers. Among the residents is Esther, a woman battling Alzheimer's, who chronicles her descent into the depths of the disease through her novel.
However, their romance begins to unravel when they crash Max's best friend's school dance. In a cruel twist of fate, bullies expose Max's face, leading to the tragic death of his friend's girlfriend.
Max finds himself behind bars, but he is soon released on bail.
Rushing to Alex's side in the hospital, he discovers the truth - her condition was never curable, and the medicine she took to suppress her emotions was no longer effective.
She had willingly stopped taking it to experience the joy of falling in love with him.
In a heart-wrenching plea, Alex asks Max to end her life by revealing his face to her. Overwhelmed, he flees, unable to fulfill her request. But as Alex's life hangs in the balance, Max must confront his fears and return to her side.
Finally, he unveils his face, only to realize that his love for her defies the lethal power of his appearance.
Alex, however, succumbs to natural causes, leaving Max devastated.
In a poignant tribute to his lost love, Max finds solace in the nursing home where Alex volunteered. He assists Esther in completing her novel, honoring Alex's memory. And as he stands on the bridge where their paths first crossed, Max releases a box of celery-flavored Jello into the air, symbolizing their unique connection.
With newfound purpose, Max embraces his destiny as an angel of death, granting euthanasia to those who seek solace in his face, allowing them to pass away peacefully and content.
"Looks That Kill" is a dark romantic comedy that delves into the complexities of love, mortality, and the power of acceptance. Prepare to be captivated by a tale that will leave you questioning the boundaries of life and death.

List of Chapters:
- The Genre of "Looks That Kill"
- Release Date and Main Characters
- The Central Theme of the Movie
- The Tone and Visual Style
- Notable Supporting Characters
- Memorable Scenes and Moments
- The Message of the Film
The Genre of "Looks That Kill"
The movie "Looks That Kill" (2020) belongs to the genre of dark romantic comedy. It combines elements of romance and comedy with a darker and more unconventional tone. Other sources, such as IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, also categorize the film as a comedy and romance.
The movie review from Parent Previews describes it as a combination of dark comedy and teen weepy romance.
Overall, "Looks That Kill" can be classified as a dark romantic comedy film.
Release Date and Main Characters
The movie "Looks That Kill" was released on June 19, 2020. The main characters in the film include:
- Max Richardson, played by Brandon Flynn
- Alex, played by Julia Goldani Telles
- Dan, played by Ki Hong Lee
- Jan Richardson, played by Annie Mumolo
- Paul, played by Peter Scolari
These characters play significant roles in the story and contribute to the development of the plot.
The Central Theme of the Movie
The central theme explored in the movie "Looks That Kill" is the ups and downs of being lethally attractive. The story revolves around Max, a teenager with a unique condition: a face so angelic that it can be lethal to anyone who sees it.
Throughout the film, Max grapples with the challenges and consequences of his extraordinary appearance.
The movie also delves into other themes such as love, friendship, loyalty, and the concept of living.
It explores the complexities of relationships and the impact that Max's condition has on his interactions with others.
Additionally, the film touches on the concept of unconditional love and how it can change one's perspective on their own identity and worth.
While "Looks That Kill" is primarily described as a dark romantic comedy, it also veers into euthanasia territory, adding another layer of complexity to the story.
The Tone and Visual Style
The movie "Looks That Kill" has a wry, tongue-in-cheek tone and goes for dry humor. It combines elements of dark comedy, romance, and a touch of magicality. The film has been compared to the visual styles of directors Wes Anderson and Tim Burton, with hints of the magicality seen in Michel Gondry's works.
These visual cues add to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere of the film, enhancing the storytelling experience.
The tone and visual style of "Looks That Kill" contribute to its unique and captivating nature.
Notable Supporting Characters
In addition to the main characters, there are a few notable supporting characters in "Looks That Kill" (2020). These include:
- Ki Hong Lee as Dan
- Annie Mumolo as Jan Richardson
- Peter Scolari as Paul Richardson
While these characters play important roles in the story, the focus of the film primarily revolves around the relationship between Max and Alex.
Memorable Scenes and Moments
"Looks That Kill" (2020) features several memorable scenes and moments that contribute to the overall impact of the film. Some notable ones include:
- Max's Attractive Face: Max's incredibly attractive face, which is lethal to anyone who sees it, sets the stage for the story and creates a visually striking element.
- Max's Encounter with Alex: Max's first encounter with Alex, where her nonchalant response surprises him and sparks their connection, stands out as a memorable moment.
- Max Opening Up to Alex: As Max and Alex grow closer, Max gradually reveals parts of his face to her, showcasing their bond and his trust in her.
- Romantic Teen Fable: The movie transitions from a dark comedy to a romantic teen fable, adding depth to the story and exploring themes of love and acceptance.
These scenes and moments leave a lasting impression on the audience and contribute to the overall narrative of the film.
The Message of the Film
The movie "Looks That Kill" conveys a powerful message about love and self-acceptance. It teaches us that it's okay to be different and that true love means accepting someone for who they are, flaws and all.
The film explores the complexities of relationships and the impact that Max's lethal appearance has on his interactions with others.
It also touches on the concept of unconditional love and how it can change one's perspective on their own identity and worth.
While the film takes unexpected turns, including delving into euthanasia territory, it ultimately delivers a thought-provoking message about the power of love and self-acceptance.
Discussion topics


Final analysis and implications
So, you've just finished watching Looks That Kill, huh? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into the depths of this dark romantic comedy and unravel its twisted tale. Get ready for some mind-boggling revelations and thought-provoking moments that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about love and life.
From the very beginning, this movie grabs your attention with its unique premise. A young man cursed with a deadly beauty, condemned to kill anyone who lays eyes on him. It's a bizarre concept, isn't it? But somehow, it works. As we follow Max, our protagonist, through his journey of self-discovery and forbidden love, we can't help but be captivated by the complexity of his situation.
Throughout the film, we witness Max's struggle to find acceptance in a world that judges solely based on appearances. It's a theme that hits close to home for many of us, as we live in a society obsessed with image and superficiality. But Looks That Kill takes it to a whole new level, forcing us to confront the consequences of our obsession with beauty.
As Max navigates the treacherous waters of high school, he meets Alex, a girl who sees beyond his deadly looks. Their connection is instant and undeniable, but it's also dangerous. Every moment they spend together is a ticking time bomb, threatening to end in tragedy. And yet, they can't stay away from each other. It's a love story like no other, filled with passion, fear, and an overwhelming sense of urgency.
But here's the thing that really gets under your skin: despite the absurdity of the situation, Looks That Kill manages to strike a chord of truth. It forces us to question our own prejudices and biases, to examine the way we judge others based on their appearance. It's a wake-up call, reminding us that beauty is not everything and that true connections go beyond the surface.
So, as the credits roll and you sit there, contemplating what you've just witnessed, remember this: Looks That Kill may be a dark romantic comedy, but it's also a mirror reflecting our own flaws and insecurities. It challenges us to look beyond the surface and find the beauty within ourselves and others. And that, my friend, is a thought worth pondering long after the movie ends.
LOOKS THAT KILL Official Trailer (2020) Brandon Flynn, Romance Movie HD
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Links and references
Looks That Kill explained / Understanding the ending and story - CO1 2020
Looks That Kill / Alternative ending - CO1 2020
Love in the Shadows, A Dark Comedy That Will Steal Your Heart - CO1 2020
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