Review of The Honeymoon Killers (1970) by Michael F — 10 Apr 2008

At first, I was reticent to praise The Honeymoon Killers because of its depictions of women (including the strong-willed Martha) as dependent, blissfully naive kewpie dolls, but I realized that this sort of approach is pertinent to its themes. The film hits strong notes about suburban anxieties and familial blight, which must have been particularly resonant in the Vietnam era, during which it was produced. The documentary-style photography gives the film a newsreel feeling, showing the chilling effects of wartime economic and social anxieties at home.

The film reaches its apex during the "marriage" to Janet Fay -- the most fleshed-out of Ray and Martha's victims. The frenzied heights this segment reaches are The Honeymoon Killers' most haunting and effective moment.