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I Need You to Kill

Name: I Need You to Kill
Director: J. Elvis Weinstein
Released: 2017

Representation Score

2.5/10

Limited

2017

TV-MA

Director

J. Elvis Weinstein

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

I Need You to Kill is an observational documentary that centers on the professional journeys of its male protagonists. The film follows the expansion of Western stand-up comedy into Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau, focusing on the logistical challenges faced by the comedians. Since the narrative revolves around a specific demographic of Western comedians, it lacks intentional progressive representation. The structure emphasizes the comedic circle of the protagonists over a multifaceted social commentary or the disruption of conventional hierarchies. While the international setting provides some ethnic exposure, the local populations mainly serve as a backdrop for the American acts. This results in a film that explores professional growth rather than the overlapping aspects of identity.

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Category Breakdown

Does I Need You to Kill have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film centers on three male comedians and does not include any queer-coded narratives or non-cisgender identities.

How does I Need You to Kill portray gender?

Limited

The story focuses on a male-dominated professional environment in stand-up comedy, offering limited visibility for women's perspectives.

How racially and ethnically diverse is I Need You to Kill?

Fair

Although set in Asia, the main characters are American performers. Local populations mainly serve as the audience rather than having central roles.

How does I Need You to Kill represent religion and culture?

Limited

The film documents the expansion of Western stand-up comedy into new markets without delving into cultural critiques or deeper social commentary.

Does I Need You to Kill include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not address visible or invisible disabilities, nor does it explore neurodivergence or sensory experiences.

Present on Screen

Offers a unique look into the emerging stand-up comedy scene in Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau.
Documents the professional anxieties of touring comedians in a global context.

Limited or Absent

Does not provide representation of female perspectives or non-male identities within the comedy industry.
Local Asian populations lack independent narrative arcs or influence beyond serving as the audience.
Does not engage with queer-coded narratives or diverse gender identities.

Official Synopsis

'I Need You to Kill,' follows three American comics - Chad Daniels, Pete Lee, and Tom Segura on a six show tour through three of the world's newest stand-up comedy scenes: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Macau. The film explores the anxieties and surprises of taking your act halfway around the world as well as giving a ground-floor glimpse into Asia's newest growth industry - stand-up comedy.

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