It’s impressive how some filmmakers can take a one setting short and turn it in to an event filled picture filled with sharp writing and rich characterization. “Time to Kill” is based on one character and one setting and still feels more complete than most films I’ve come across. Christopher T. Wood who penned the film, also gives a top notch performance as a hit man waiting for his target, and might be waiting for his target for as long as his patience and endurance can hold out.
Writer Wood is vicious hit man Harris, who’s been sent to the house of a target to await his arrival and murder him. The problem is the man is a sexual deviant with a house teeming with fluids and sexual devices of all kind, and Harris may draw a line sooner or later. While waiting, Harris is tasked with killing time, and writers Wood and Scott Frank, and Justin Rettke come up with some hilarious scenarios. Harris must face an irritating and overbearing mother, an obnoxious friend, and the random evidence of sexual escapades left around the house that Harris must stomach, or else face his bosses.
Wood’s performance is very natural as a straight man dropped in to a hilarious and absurd situation, while the writers along with director Rettke explore the doldrums and mundane aspects of often sensationalized jobs like being a hit man for the mafia. With a light touch of dark comedy resonant of “Pulp Fiction,” Justin Rettke’s “Time to Kill” is a hilarious and very entertaining short film that should go over well with audiences that appreciate subtle and well timed comedy films. I hope we get to see more of Christopher T. Wood and Justin Rettke in the future. If this short is any indicator, they can deliver a potentially excellent comedy with enough resources and time.