Looks That Kill (2020): Cast, Ratings & Plot
Looks That Kill is a 2020 comedy drama directed by Kellen Moore, starring Brandon Flynn as Max, Julia Goldani Telles and Priscilla Lopez. It runs 1 hour 32 minutes. Its Echo Score is 73/100.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 32m (92 min)
- Director
- Kellen Moore
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- American High
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Looks That Kill About?
The premise of Looks That Kill without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Born with an unusually striking appearance, a teenage boy finds his life filled with humorous and unfortunate situations as he navigates the challenges of being exceptionally attractive. His experiences take an unexpected turn when he encounters a young woman facing her own unique circumstances.
Looks That Kill Themes & Keywords
· 20 tags- boy
- bandaged face
- valentine's day
- first date
- retirement home
- christmas tree
- flatline
- maid costume
- homophobic slur
- high school dance
- mugshot
- bandage over eyes
+8 more Show fewer
- jelly beans
- bullying
- movie theater
- coming of age drama
- romantic comedy
- reference to danielle steel
- written by director
- scene during end credits
Looks That Kill Cast & Characters
Brandon Flynn leads the cast as Max, with Julia Goldani Telles as Alex and Priscilla Lopez as Esther. Directed by Kellen Moore; 32 actors are credited in all.
- Director Kellen Moore
- Brandon Flynn as Max
- Julia Goldani Telles as Alex
- Priscilla Lopez as Esther
-
Annie Mumolo as Jan
Also Starring in Looks That Kill
· 28 more- Tom Proctor Vin
- Peter Scolari Paul
- Ki Hong Lee Dan
- Mick O'Rourke Blind Man
- Michael Callahan Hospital Doctor (uncredited)
- Susan James Berger Rosemary
- Allen Wall Juror #1 (uncredited)
- James A. Pierce III Hospital Nurse 1 (uncredited)
- Alexander Low Pizza Delivery Guy
- Ashley Szczerbacki Movie Patron / Student (uncredited)
- Anthony Traina Wombat
- Jon Peterson Colin Clive
- Sarah Litzsinger New Therapist
- Monique Kim Yu Shen
- Rhaechyl Walker Valencia
- Danny Reuben Clinic Nurse
Show all 32 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Tiffany Milian Erica
- Mary Scarpello Movie Patron (uncredited)
- Lindsay Mushett Dan's date
- Lucia Giannetta Debbie
- Kevin A. Wall Paramedic (uncredited)
- Jude Washock Movie Patron/Valencia's Friend
- Natalie Paige Goldberg Nurse
- Diana Ruppe Officer Suzie Mae
- Tim Simon Waiter
- Sea McHale Craig
- Kendra Kirby Myrtle
- Shari Abdul Burn Nurse
More from Kellen Moore
One more film directed by Kellen Moore: East of Kensington.
Looks That Kill Reviews & Ratings
Our Echo Score gives it 73/100, strongest in art & craft (78) and weakest in story & flow (68).
Looks That Kill Echo Score Breakdown
The film presents a novel premise that mixes dark comedy with teen romance, delivering moments of emotional resonance and visual charm. Critics note a messy execution in direction, while audience feedback highlights strong performances and an appealing soundtrack. Pacing and plot coherence fluctuate, producing both engaging and uneven sequences. Despite narrative gaps, the movie maintains an enjoyable tone that many viewers find worth revisiting. In sum, the work offers an entertaining if imperfect experience.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the direction displays originality but suffers from occasional hesitation, leading to uneven tonal shifts. Cinematography and production design receive praise for whimsical sets and purposeful framing that support the film’s dark‑humor aesthetic. Editing contributes to a brisk pace, though moments of rushed sequencing are noted. Overall, the visual and technical elements are solid, providing a distinctive backdrop despite some inconsistency.
- Character & Emotion 73
Character and emotion are anchored by the chemistry between the leads, whose performances are described as charismatic and nuanced. Supporting actors add comic relief and depth, though several secondary roles feel underdeveloped. Emotional resonance is achieved in moments of loss and tenderness, eliciting genuine responses from viewers. While acting quality is generally praised, the limited material for some characters reduces overall impact.
- Story & Flow 68
Story and flow introduce an unconventional concept that intrigues early on, yet the narrative struggles with coherence as plot holes and implausible mechanics arise. Pacing alternates between rapid, engaging passages and slower, uneven sections toward the climax. Originality is evident in thematic ambition, but execution often muddles the intended messages, resulting in a mixed level of audience investment.
- Sensory Experience 78
Sensory experience benefits from a memorable soundtrack that underscores emotional beats, and sound design that accentuates the film’s darker humor. Visual style combines whimsical set décor with deliberate camera framing, contributing to an immersive atmosphere. While the score and ambient cues are generally effective, occasional tonal mismatches detract from consistency. Overall, the auditory and visual elements reinforce the movie’s distinct mood.
- Rewatch Factor 70
Rewatch factor is strengthened by the film’s blend of humor and heartfelt moments, which many viewers find rewarding on subsequent viewings. The unique premise and strong lead chemistry encourage curiosity about unresolved nuances. Some audience members note pacing issues and plot holes that may lessen repeat appeal, yet the overall charm and emotional payoff maintain a desire to return. Consequently, the movie offers moderate lasting appeal.
Looks That Kill Plot Summary
What happens in Looks That Kill from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
The film follows the poignant journey of Max, a sixteen-year-old boy afflicted with a unique condition that renders his angelic face dangerously lethal. For much of his life, Max has grappled with crippling loneliness until he encounters Alex, portrayed by Julia Goldani Telles, who harbors her own extraordinary affliction—a rare heart disease that causes her heart to enlarge uncontrollably when she experiences any emotions, be it happiness, anger, sorrow, or jealousy.
Full summary
The whole story of Looks That Kill, scene by scene
Looks That Kill Trailers & Videos
The trailer of Looks That Kill.
How Well Do You Know Looks That Kill?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What is the name of the protagonist in the film?
Cars in Looks That Kill
6 cars on screen, including the Volvo 760 and the 1987 Ford Bronco II.
-
Volvo 760 Important role -
1987 Ford Bronco II Minor role -
2006 Ford Crown Victoria Minor role -
2009 Ford E-350 Minor role
Looks That Kill Also Known As
11 alternative titles, including “Looks That Kill - Wenn Blicke töten können” and “凝视猎物”.
- Also known as
-
- Looks That Kill - Wenn Blicke töten können
- 凝视猎物
- Halálosan vonzó
- Lindo de Morrer
- Убийственная внешность
- Miradas que Matan
- Zabójczy urok
- Smrtící krása
- מבט קטלני
- 너의 얼굴은
- Smrtiaca krása
Seen Looks That Kill?
Movies Like Looks That Kill
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including What Love Looks Like, Look Pleasant, Please and Come Look at Me.
Looks That Kill FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Looks That Kill, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Looks That Kill?
Looks That Kill runs 1 hour 32 minutes (92 minutes).
When was Looks That Kill released?
Looks That Kill was released on June 19, 2020.
Who directed Looks That Kill?
Looks That Kill was directed by Kellen Moore.
More films by Kellen Moore Who is in the cast of Looks That Kill?
Looks That Kill stars Brandon Flynn as Max, Julia Goldani Telles as Alex and Priscilla Lopez as Esther, among 32 credited actors.
Does Looks That Kill have a post-credit scene?
No. Looks That Kill has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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