Horror Movie Review: We’re So Dead (2025)

Written and directed by Ken MacLaughlin, We’re So Dead is a horror comedy that takes the notion of a ‘Karen’ becoming a slasher villain and literally taking her complaints out on the staff of a restaurant on Christmas Eve. While it’s not the first film to make a Karen the villain, it is the first (that I am aware of) to go the festive route.

It’s the kind of idea that sounds good on paper but has a ‘sort of’ inevitability about it. Where comedy takes precedent over horror, the jokes are fairly predictable, and the only way the film is able to sustain itself, is to start to become more and more absurd. Now, while it is fair to say that We’re So Dead does suffer from some of these problems, it’s also fair to say that it goes above and beyond expectations. Delivering a funny, entertaining, and twisted watch that is kept tight, being around 70 minutes in length.

It’s Christmas Eve and at a small, local restaurant, the big Christmas party that had most of the staff in and counting on a busy, tip-filled night, has cancelled and the boss is insisting that they stay open, and do a deep clean. It’s the kind of night that every service industry person dreads and then the worst kind of customer in the world comes in… a Karen.

Jenna Kanell stars as Ashley, a really likable head server working her last shift. As jaded as she has become by the job, she still cares, but she’s dealing with a frustrating boss, Doug (Kevin Saunders) and colleagues who are in various states of ‘not giving a damn’. A bunch of characters putting on the biggest smile possible to some of the worst people in the world. You don’t have to work in the service industry to understand just how awful it can be for those who do.

Especially when a Karen comes to dine. This Karen is played by Leanna Adams, who delivers a film stealing performance that is hilarious, campy, and threatening. All she wants is things to be perfect, so when it’s not, the staff suffer the consequences. Some of which are eye-watering, and almost always silly and fun.

However, there’s more to this story and as the film progresses, the true history of this Karen will be revealed. It might be my favourite moment of the entire film, not only showing what drove her ‘mad’, but how she might feel justified. It’s hilariously funny.

There very so many times throughout that I was laughing, and most of it was intentional. From the banter between the likes of Darron Cardosa’s Dirk, Ethan Trace’s Peter, Aria Celeste Castillo’s Kylie, and Aaron Goldenberg’s Pancake, to the sweet idiocy of Artemis’ Gina, and the intensity of Olivia Tiedemann’s Chef Liv. This is a cast with chemistry. To the beer tasting scene (hilarious and gross), the creative kills, and potent emotion that comes from the likes of Jenna Kanell and Kevin Saunders. Both of which also happen to be very funny people too.

It should be so basic, and it shouldn’t be as entertaining as it is, but through sheer determination and a ton of talent, We’re So Dead stands tall. Especially when you add in the effort made to make it feel festive too.

I really enjoyed it, even with its issues. Issues like a slow start with muddled sound, jokes that don’t quite land, and an ending that is so crazy, it might be too much for some. Personally, I think if you made it that far, you’ll love it. I certainly did. It’s a great film filled with authenticity, humour, heart, blood, guts, and the Christmas spirit. What more do you need!?