‘He Went That Way’ Review: Jacob Elordi Plays Serial Killer

In the year 1964, a professional ice skater and animal trainer named Dave Pitts found himself on a peculiar journey with his chimpanzee companion, Spanky. Little did he know, they would soon cross paths with a young hitchhiker named Larry Lee Ranes, who was amidst a spree of violent acts.

This encounter, which later inspired Conrad Hilberry’s novel ‘Luke Karamazov,’ serves as the backdrop for the film ‘He Went That Way,’ marking the directorial debut of the talented cinematographer Jeff Darling, tragically lost in a surfing accident in 2022.

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Within this cinematic tale, Jacob Elordi takes on the role of Bobby, the audacious and ruthless killer, while Zachary Quinto portrays Jim, the reserved trainer with a string of personal dilemmas, from a shaky marriage to financial woes and uncertainties about Spanky’s future in showbiz. Despite the looming threat Bobby poses to Jim’s already tumultuous life, an unexpected bond forms between the two characters.

Elordi’s portrayal of Bobby, however, falls short of the mark compared to his previous roles in ‘Priscilla’ and ‘Saltburn.’ It appears as though the actor, known for his role in ‘The Kissing Booth,’ is eager to shed his teen-heartthrob image and delve into more complex characters.

Yet, his performance comes across as somewhat exaggerated and disjointed, although not entirely out of place within the film’s context. Elordi’s attempts to channel the essence of iconic American male actors of the past, such as James Dean and Matt Dillon, feel somewhat forced and disconnected from Quinto’s more subtle approach.

Nevertheless, ‘He Went That Way’ is eccentric, with Evan M. Wiener’s script peppering Elordi’s dialogue with a profusion of expletives reminiscent of Al Pacino’s iconic role in ‘Scarface.’ However, the film’s true charm lies in the archival footage of Spanky’s actual ice skating, a delightful highlight amidst the chaotic narrative.