Introducing Kyle Gallner, Indie Prince of Screams

Into the Gallnerverse

Who is Kyle Gallner? You’ve likely seen some of his filmography. From Jennifer’s Body to Scream (2022) to the Smile franchise, Kyle Gallner has the making of a modern scream king. His high energy yet serious demeanor is consistently magnetic on-screen. Gallner has plenty of screen-grabbing performances that have both become iconic (the opening scene of Smile 2 is one of the best opening slasher sequences of recent years) and somehow still under-recognized. Ironically, Gallner is getting snubbed similar to the horror genre itself – he’s a personification of the historic lack of recognition film critics give horror. Gallner’s filmography isn’t perfect but it’s captivating; from actual indie classics to soon-to-be cult favorites and every thriller in-between, Gallner should soon become a household name – or at least known in any house where I’d want to be invited to the party.

Filmography Breakdown

Strange Darling: I saw this movie at 11PM in a small Alamo Drafthouse theatre in the middle of the week – admittedly, I only attended because Mike Flanagan gave it a fantastic review I read on the Alamo app. I was cautiously optimistic as I sat down and was promptly jolted to the edge of my seat by Gallner’s opening sequence with Willa Fitzgerald. A smart, nonlinear thriller with seductive performances where both Gallner and Fitzgerald truly shine. With few supporting cast members, Kyle and Willa truly carry this film on their backs, weaving a story that beautifully disrupts everything you thought you knew about the characters. Gallner’s masterful performance as the Demon sets the tone and creates the chaos for the narrative that’s unfolding in a disorienting spiral.

The Passenger: I watched The Passenger for the first time alone on my couch, anxious to stream another Gallner thriller and The Passenger not only delivered – it lingered. It prompted an immediate second watch the coming weekend. This is one of the few thrillers where I cried – twice. Not quite an opening scene but, the first 20 minutes of the film take you from a small-town diner to an unhinged, bender of a roadtrip with a most unlikely duo – and Gallner in the driver's seat (literally and figuratively). The balance between thriller and budding male friendship is delicate and Gallner tows the line so beautifully and poetically, it tears at the heartstrings. I would be remiss not to mention the fuzzy, green sweater Gallner dons for much of the film that juxtaposes the violence he creates yet compliments the complicated, sensitive nature of his character, Benson.

Jennifer’s Body: God, where to start with Kyle’s small yet impactful role in this queer, cult classic? Asking someone on a date to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show is iconic enough in its own right but coming from the mouth of emo Kyle Gallner makes it that much better. This death is truly where the plot turns; Jennifer isn’t just killing jocks and jerks – she’s killing the outcasts too. If it were almost any other actor, appearing in Jennifer’s Body may have been their small claim to fame – but it was Kyle Gallner. In many ways this performance is Gallner’s breakout role as the bad boy of horror – lip ring and piercings included. 

Smile and Smile 2: I’ll be the first to admit, much of the Smile marketing dampened the impact this film could have had as a horror movie. However, Kyle yet again succeeds at playing two horror tropes: disbelieving cop and broody ex-boyfriend. He reluctantly agrees to help his ex-girlfriend investigate while simultaneously falling back in love with her and protecting her when push comes to shove. Swoon. It’s reminiscent of Josh’s character in Insidious or even Nancy’s dad in A Nightmare on Elm Street – they had their girls' backs. Kyle knows how to tap into these horror tropes when needed yet keeps things fresh and exciting, adding layers of depth and character you don’t always see in those tropes. His survival at the end of the first film ensures the audience there will be a sequel where he’s at the helm – the perfect setup for Smile 2’s opening sequence. Gallner's performance perfectly facilitates the transition of the first film into the second film and effectively sets the tone for a bigger and better sequel!

I absolutely could go on – but you get the picture. I personally cannot recommend these flicks and others he’s a part of enough to any film fans but more specifically and lovingly, horror fans. Kyle is spellbinding in a way that feels almost old-Hollywood: magnetic, hypnotic and unshakeable. Somewhere in the (hopefully not-so-distant) future, Kyle Gallner will be lauded amongst the horror icons – Bruce Campbell, Matthew Lillard, Jaime Lee Curtis, Robert Englund and there, standing proudly beside them, the Indie Prince of Screams himself.

Honorable Mentions

Red Eye

Dinner in America

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