KALAMAZOO, MI — A new thriller with deep connections to Kalamazoo is now showing at downtown’s latest movie theater, KP Cinemas, until Friday, Jan. 12. The film, “He Went That Way,” has a limited theatrical release in just 25 theaters across the U.S. this week, with plans to be available on streaming services starting Friday.
Produced by Kalamazoo College alumni Hugh Broder, the film is based on the book “Luke Karamazov” written by Kalamazoo College Professor Emeritus Conrad Hilberry. The story is adapted from a chapter about Kalamazoo-born serial killer Larry Ranes’ road trip with celebrity animal trainer Dave Pitts.
Ranes, who was convicted of the first-degree murder of one of his five victims, had a four-day road trip with Pitts, who ended up being the sole survivor of Ranes’ crimes. The film stars Jacob Elordi as Bobby Falls, a character based on Ranes, with Zachary Quinto playing Jim Goodwin, based on Pitts.
From the inception to the theatrical release, “He Went That Way” took 19 years to come to fruition. Despite the challenges faced during the production process, the film showcases the curiosity, creativity, and an in-depth exploration of different perspectives valued by Kalamazoo College.
The movie provides a peek into the intriguing story of a killer’s decision to spare a victim, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. “He Went That Way” not only entertains but also delves into the psychology behind the decisions made by its characters.
Following the limited theatrical release, the film is set to be available on popular streaming platforms, including Apple TV and Amazon Prime. This gripping thriller promises to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and its intimate ties to the city of Kalamazoo, where the roots of the story were born.