The action scenes in “Boy Kills World” are portrayed with incredible intensity and realism. Cameras move swiftly over, under, and through the crowds of armed characters, capturing every moment of violence with unflinching precision. Limbs break, bodies fly through the air, and blood is spilled in these violent sequences. The film’s portrayal of violence is similar to that seen in other fight scenes, such as the Frosty Puffs massacre. It connects all violence with video games, like how the character draws inspiration from a “Street Fighter” game for his voiceover narration.
The filmmakers behind “Boy Kills World” are too self-conscious in their approach to the action scenes, hindering their effectiveness. The meta-criticism within the film adds layers of complexity to the narrative but does not necessarily add depth to it. It makes it impossible for audiences to passively watch the film and disrupts the Boy’s revenge plans without providing meaningful conclusions.
The lack of trust in the audience’s ability to connect emotionally with the film is evident in “Boy Kills World.” Despite actors like Copley, Skarsgård and Ruhian delivering their roles effectively, it feels like it could have been directed and scripted by Van Der Koys themselves.