I Blame Society is an unapologetic, feminist ‘FUCK YOU’ to Hollywood. More than just a well-paced blaze of murderous self-awareness, I Blame Society blends a distinct sense of charismatic, yet hollow psychopathic rage (remnant of cult classics American Psycho and Serial Mom) with millennial wit, resulting in a freaky fun time from start to finish. 

Written, directed and starring Gillian Wallace Horvat, I Blame Society follows a struggling filmmaker in LA. Desperately attempting to get her debut feature film off the ground, Gillian goes to extreme lengths as her artistic journey takes shape in sadistic serial killer fashion.  What unfolds over the 84 minute run time is nothing short of unhinged, as Gillian carries out a series of hilarious and creepy murders executed in mockumentary style.  Planning and committing the perfect murders is merely the visual aid to Horvat’s regurgitation of her spiteful rage against the patriarchy.

The simplistic narrative, endlessly fascinating main character and low-budget craft a subtly sophisticated charm over the quirky and psychotic writing. Almost like the ramblings of a maniac, I Blame Society is a chaotic experience fuelled ultimately by anger and spite. This is exactly what makes the sheer fun of it so impressive. It’s a perfect example of a film Hollywood is incapable of producing. I Blame Society is a natural reaction to Horvat’s own dismissal from the industry, manifesting as Hollywood’s cinematic reckoning. It symbolises the exhaustion and fatigue women face as a result of the faux-feminist content we are constantly exposed to. It embodies the battle we endure consistently to not just be seen, or heard, but understood. The reclamation of our own stories has only just begun and Gillian Wallace Horvat lunges forward kicking and screaming with this debut feature of horrific comedy.

The most ironic part of I Blame Society is rooted in Gillian’s likeability. Consistently throughout the film we are reminded by film bros that Gillian’s strong female leads aren’t likeable enough — or cool enough. Instead of attempting to reclaim the title of ‘strong female lead’, Horvat rips her apart limb from limb, roasts her flesh on an open fire and dances on her ashes. The entire concept of a ‘strong female lead’ and defining a woman by what makes her ‘likeable’ withholds the portrayal of women on screen from actually representing themselves. Through the radical expression of her unhinged, authentic self, you find yourself constantly rooting for Gillian, with little regard for anyone else, as they all come across as entitled douche bags lacking in a moral compass.

Overall, I Blame Society is a rollercoaster of refreshing and intelligent amusement. Using the horror genre for what it does best, Horvat displays her talent and passion upfront for all to see, and it pays off. Horvat has something to say and this radiates throughout as she is almost sarcastically screaming her points in your face. Not without its flaws, I Blame Society has its questionable moments, but these are brushed over quickly, aided by the sharp momentum of the narrative. Original and revitalising, loathe it or love it, I Blame Society is an unforgettably good time.

I Blame Society is available on Digital Download now

by Kelsie Dickinson

Kelsie (she/her) is a super gay masters graduate from The University of Glasgow. She loves slashers, but hates capitalism. Her favourite films are It Follows, Midsommar, Lost In Translation and Ghost World. Find her on Twitter.