"The Inhabitant" directed by Jerren Lauder is a horror/mystery thriller that tells the story of a teenage descendant of Lizzie Borden who is caught between paranoid visions and a festering schizophrenia amid a series of small-town murders. The film is a slow-burn, atmospheric horror that relies on tension and suspense to keep the audience engaged. The cinematography is excellent, with dark, moody lighting and claustrophobic camera work adding to the film's eerie atmosphere. The performances are strong, with Odessa A'Zion delivering a standout performance as the tormented teenager. While the film is not without its flaws, including some pacing issues and a predictable plot twist, it is a solid addition to the horror genre that will satisfy fans of slow-burn horror. Overall, "The Inhabitant" is a well-crafted horror film that is worth a watch for fans of the genre.
The Girl with the Needle is a film by Swedish filmmaker Magnus von Horn, in a very different tone from his previous feature, Sweat. Here, in a gothic fairy tale style for adults set in the early 20th century, we follow the story of a pregnant woman who, unemployed and facing the disappearance of her husband, takes a job as a wet nurse for an older woman, unaware that the she harbors a dark secret. Inspired by the true story of the infamous Danish serial killer Dagmar Overbye, the film unfolds like a feverish nightmare in beautiful black and white, exploring how precarious social conditions can create the most terrifying monsters.
Woman of the Hour, Anna Kendrick's directorial debut, explores the story of serial killer Rodney Alcala, who murdered over 130 women. Going beyond the obvious, the film moves away from the perspective of the psychopath, focusing on a group of women who experienced Alcala's violence in different ways. Kendrick and screenwriter Ian McDonald delve into how these victims were silenced by society and reveal the invisible connection between them. By portraying Alcala as a genuine threat, devoid of charm, the film creates tension and revulsion in the viewer, emphasizing the need to change the perspective on gender-based violence.
Few movies portray the ethics of killers (not counting, of course, the slasher horror films). One of the rare examples is 'Monster: Desejo Assassino', starring Charlize Theron and directed by Patty Jenkins - and now, 'Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile'. The feature film brings the emotional angle of the protagonist, a beautiful, charismatic and bloody serial killer who terrorized the US during the 1970s. Here he is played by Zac Efron, former teen star who demonstrates a wide range of acting, managing to capture the essence of Bundy. The rest of the cast is also starred, including Lily Collins ('The Mortal Instruments'), Kaya Scodelario ('Predadores Assassinos' and 'Maze Runner'), John Malkovich (who needs no introduction), Jim Parsons ('The Big Bang Theory') and even a cameo from James Hetfield (himself, the vocalist of Metallica). The movie has its problems, being uneven in some moments, but will satisfy those looking for good performances or who want to understand the mind of a killer - or of his victims.