Sometimes, we can get a little too into a game. When a group of friends gets together for a little TTRPG action, they roll for initiative — and meet their doom. The DM’s newest creation, the Red Nun, turns out to be more than a plastic figure; it is a demon hellbent on ending the game with blood on her hands. The group must play to free her, or meet a bloody fate. Total Party Kill takes on a whole new meaning in this short.
When an all-female TTRPG group uncovers a sinister demonic presence hidden within one of their game’s miniatures, their fantasy adventure spirals into a terrifying battle for survival-where the stakes are all too real.
Total Party Kill, IMDB
I will do my best not to put too many DnD puns into this review… but it will be hard! Laura (Fayna Sanchez), Tracy (Sarah Nicklin), Flynn (Grace Lacey), and Chloe (Christine Celozzi) roll their dice and deal out attack after attack against Deanna’s (Elyse Willems) newest pawn. As it turns out, Temu was a bad choice, as the ladies start seeing a ghostly figure appear, who then manipulates them into harming themselves. As the Red Nun (Soren McVay) shrieks, forcing them to free her from her molded confines, the women face tortuous deaths and nerve-racking rolls. There is blood, and there is no turning back.
Total Party Kill wouldn’t normally be in my lineup of to-watch movies; I am not a TTRPG (tabletop role playing game) girlie. I am, however a fan of horror comedies, which Total Party Kill definitely is. Each character has their own personality and brings something unique to the table. Cocky players, chaotic players, noobs — there’s something for everyone to cling on to. If any movie was perfectly cast, Total Party Kill is on that list, as the energy from the players bounces effortlessly off of one another. They are believable in more than one way: they could actually be friends, and they could actually play a version of DnD.
But don’t let Total Party Kill‘s comedic foundation deceitfully lead you down a path of light. There is evil afoot, and the Red Nun doesn’t play nice. No one is safe as she bangs heads into tables, slashes with knives, and makes the players choke as their eyes tear up with blood. While she’s aura farming with her gray, crackled hands and malevolent cackling laughter, the ladies are literally fighting for their lives. Not a drop of blood was misplaced and completely out there for the camera to focus on. We can feel their fear as they slowly die in agony, the others totally helpless and unable to leave. The camera work makes the already-small room feel like its closing in on everyone there… or shall I say, everyone who’s left.
Total Party Kill is exactly what I needed to see to boost my interest in tabletop gaming. It’s right up my alley — actors I love, terrific writing, perfectly-timed comedy with splatters of death in between, and just all-around fun. It’s serious, but unserious. Believable, but preposterous. Total Party Kill brings that imagination to life, only that level of gameplay comes at a price… and that price is a lot cheaper on Temu than it is on Etsy.
Total Party Kill premiered at Cinequest 2026 on March 14th, and will have a second screening on the 17th. For more madness, follow the movie on Instagram!
