Turns out the dentist isn’t the only thing you need to be scared of when it comes to teeth! Imagine a slasher on the hunt for those pearly whites sitting so prettily in your mouth. How he takes them isn’t so pretty though. The R.I.P Man comes ready to do just that — ripping through a group of students faster than cake causes cavities.
As a serial killer with a peculiar oral disease continues to murder young adults in a quaint town, a determined detective attempts to piece together the killer’s identity and motivations. The grizzly teeth gimmick murders overshadow the normally safe area, as a vulnerable young man, must revisit his unknown past and put an end to the gruesome death – dealings.
The R.I.P Man
Having been diagnosed with anodontia and horrible mouth sores since birth, Alden Pick goes on a rampage through the city. Stalking a group of college kids before the attack, he corners them and while a victim is wounded, he pries teeth from their mouth to add to his collection. While police investigate, they find the murders are tied together by one piece of evidence: a chattering teeth toy. Two worlds collide when the police discover Alden’s identity and link his motive to the set of students.
The R.I.P Man is solidly in slasher territory while offering a slightly goofy angle via Alden’s attire, gummy smile, and crazed eyes. He sports all black almost-tactical attire and even a customized “RIP” mouth guard. But don’t let the gimmick fool you, the kills feature plenty of blood and gushy carnage. The R.I.P Man treats you to thick, crimson blood and tooth-ripping sounds that are enough to make you cover your ears. I will also say I was pleasantly surprised by one or two jumpscares early on. Alden’s look isn’t necessarily the scariest, but his relentless quest for the teeth of those who have wronged him is slasher-worthy.
Story-wise, The R.I.P Man travels the usual route of hunter and hunted: the first victim is killed, police investigate, red herrings within the friend group, more deaths, a deadly realization, final showdown, and surprise ending. What this movie lacks in unique plotlines, it pushes forward in character development and editing. There are several individuals who not only know more about this murderous man but almost downplay his crimes when questioned about them; it’s almost campy in a way, how nonchalant this feels at times. But as soon as the blood starts flowing and people are getting stabbed, The R.I.P Man shows you don’t need high grade effects and close-ups to get the point across; its editing proves that sometimes, less is more.
While I do wish The R.I.P Man would let up a little on the mention of “an oral disease called anodontia,” I do appreciate its inclusion as it gives Alden a convincing reason for his killing spree. I wouldn’t say it’s completely plausible, but it certainly is entertaining and gives us a not only the background for his madness, but a killer look and even crazier reason to keep all of those pulled teeth.
The R.I.P Man begs the viewer to “rest in pain” as he drills his way through mouths wide open. I wouldn’t put this at the top of the Slasher tower, but it fits in nicely with more niche horror movies, especially those surrounding teeth.
Stay up-to-date with all things The R.I.P Man on Instagram and web. Stream on Apple TV and Just Watch. Follow writer/director Jamie Langlands and writer Rhys Thompson for more.
