“Amazing things can happen when you relinquish control and are open to what the universe can do.” You might expect to hear this concept from a therapist but not from a film editor. Still, Ivanka Lawrence embraces letting the script and characters speak to her directly, coming alive in her work on films like Have You Ever Wanted to Kill Somebody. The title is somewhat a misnomer for this the production which received the award for Best Romantic Comedy Film at the Houston Comedy Film Festival and was nominated for Best Drama Film at the Oniros Film Awards. This is just one of the surprising traits of a film that continuously displays an original and unique approach to storytelling.

Stressful situations bond people together; this is the cornerstone of Have You Ever Wanted to Kill Somebody. Alex and Sam are complete strangers who meet on an airplane and connect over the fear of flying. While the potential for disaster may have sparked their interaction, the ensuing conversation beautifully portrays the idea that sometimes, instead of actively seeking love, it finds us when we’re open and receptive to the universe’s potential for serendipity. This resonates with the belief that letting go of control can lead to profound encounters and relationships. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity in fostering meaningful connections.

The charm of this film is in its ability to be authentic rather than following some trope that is tried and true in its appeal. The characters and their willingness to be vulnerable sets Have You Ever Wanted to Kill Somebody apart from the vast majority of films centered on a romantic meet-cute. This is only achieved through the creative cleverness and skill of the filmmakers behind this enchanting film. Editor Ivanka Lawrence stipulates, “What particularly resonated with me about this film was its non-judgmental approach to human emotions and experiences. It created a space where characters felt validated, heard, and understood—a rarity in storytelling that often emphasizes conflict or resolution over empathy and acceptance. This aspect of the film highlighted the power of empathy and the impact of feeling truly seen and valued.” These qualities are crystal clear in Ivanka’s sculpting of scenes which intensify the familiarity and emotional honesty of the main characters. One of the earliest scenes, in which Sam’s expression of her fear evolves into blurting out her attraction to Alex and desire to have sex with him, showcases how thoughtful editing choices can amplify the comedic beats and emotional arcs within a scene, ultimately enhancing the film’s narrative impact. When turbulence escalates Sam’s terror, the predominant use of close-ups and extreme close-ups both creates intimacy and conveys the suffocating atmosphere within the limited space; an implication that it’s what we make events mean to us which decides the path we will embrace. This approach immerses the audience in Sally’s vulnerable state of mind, fostering empathy and connection with her emotional journey. Not to be overlooked is the fact that the entirety of this film takes place on an airplane in tight quarters. The transitions between scenes uses fade elements which alleviate any sense of redundancy in the action of the film and the dialogue. In fact, the editing leverages the limitations of the filming location as an asset with the constrained environment of the airplane cabin intensifying the characters’ interactions and emotional dynamics. As time passes, the audience witnesses the gradual development of a relationship, as these strangers move from initial awkwardness to moments of shared understanding and closeness.
Have You Ever Wanted to Kill Somebody is a pleasant surprise. One doesn’t expect anxiety to be so closely related to a supportive romantic relationship but, as with the title of this film, you can never be too sure that you know what a new venture has to offer.
Writer : Basil Thomson