Genre: Horror / Thriller / Creature Feature

Director: Jo-Anne Brechin

Starring: Virginia Gardner, Mel Jarnson, Mitchell Hope

Release: January 16, 2026 (theatrical & digital)

Overview:

Killer Whale is a modern creature-feature that pits humans against one of the ocean’s most iconic predators. Best friends Maddie (Virginia Gardner) and Trish (Mel Jarnson) embark on a healing getaway in a secluded tropical lagoon, only to find their escape turning into a nightmare when a massive orca named Ceto—fueled by vengeance from years of captivity—begins stalking them and a small group of vacationers. What starts as a peaceful retreat soon becomes a desperate battle for survival against an apex predator that refuses to let them leave alive.

What Works:

Fresh (If Familiar) Creature Concept:

The idea of an orca as the central antagonist—a departure from the usual shark or big cat movies—is instantly intriguing and taps into audiences’ primal fears of the unknown deep. The revenge twist (an animal fighting back because of past mistreatment) adds emotional stakes beyond pure survival horror.

Solid Performances:

Virginia Gardner and Mel Jarnson carry the film with convincing chemistry and layered reactions to escalating terror, grounding the horror in human emotion and making the peril feel real.

Tight Runtime & Pacing:

At just under 90 minutes, Killer Whale keeps its tension taut and doesn’t overstay its welcome—leaning into suspense over filler.

Final Verdict:

Killer Whale is a dependable creature thriller that offers enough suspense and aquatic mayhem to entertain fans of the genre, even if it doesn’t fully reinvent the wheel. Its unique killer whale premise gives it identity, but familiar survival tropes and uneven execution keep it from being a standout. It’s a fun watch for fans of sea horror, creature features, and R-rated jump scares—especially on a rainy night in.

“Sometimes paradise is just a lagoon waiting to snap.”