Happy Death Day Review: 5 Ups & 5 Downs

4. The Mystery Is Genuinely Compelling

Happy Death Day Killer
Universal

While it doesn't always work as a horror film, as a whodunnit it is much more compelling, quickly setting up a gallery of potential killers among Tree's friendship group and leaving the viewer to try and figure it out ahead of the inevitable reveal.

It's easy to get invested in the mystery and figuring out who it is, and while mileage will vary on the quality of the eventual unmasking, the ride getting there is breezy fun.

The basic idea is your typical murder mystery slasher film nonsense, but the time loop twist gives it enough extra edge to feel fairly fresh, despite the movie's many flaws.

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Contributor

Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes). General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.