Kiernan Shipka, a young actress, has been making waves in the horror genre with her consistent and impressive performances in multiple films and television shows. Despite her youth, she has demonstrated a level of proficiency that is rare in the horror genre, which is dominated by a new generation of scream queens and kings. Her latest venture, Prime Video’s Totally Killer, is a testament to her control over the camera and her remarkable talent in both comedy and horror scenes.
Shipka’s performance in Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, which premiered on Netflix, solidified her position as a skilled actress in the horror genre. She played the role of Sabrina Spellman, the daughter of Lucifer, with conviction, going a complex story filled with supernatural threats, demons, ghouls, and witches. Her portrayal of Sabrina helped transform the character from a campy figure to a compelling heroine, making her the perfect fit for the role.
Shipka’s involvement in other horror projects, such as The Silence and The Blackcoat’s Daughter, further highlights her versatility and skill in delivering compelling performances in atmospheric and chilling films. In The Silence, she played a young girl trying to survive an apocalypse brought on by sound-guided aliens, showcasing her ability to adapt to different genres and tone. In The Blackcoat’s Daughter, she delivered a restrained, melancholic, and somber performance as a girl possessed by an evil entity in a boarding school, demonstrating her range and capacity for emotional depth.
Kiernan Shipka (Via Kiernan Shipka/Twitter)
In Totally Killer, Shipka shines as Jamie Hughes, a girl who travels back in time to stop a serial killer who took the lives of three girls from her hometown and eventually found his way to her own mother. With her smug demeanor and quick wit, she navigates the film’s blend of comedy and horror with ease, making the most of her scenes and allowing her scene partners to shine. Her final confrontation with the killer in a spinning carnival ride is a standout moment, showcasing her range and charming fear.
While Shipka has consistently proven herself to be a capable performer in various horror films, her lack of high-profile or prestigious horror movies may be the reason for her delayed recognition as a scream queen. However, with her impressive track record and versatility, it’s about time she receives the recognition she deserves. Shipka’s unwavering commitment to the horror genre and her ability to deliver compelling performances make her a standout in a crowded field of young actors and actresses.
