The latest horror film, Psycho Killer, has received a wave of negative reviews since its release in cinemas across the United States on October 13, 2023. Directed by Gavin Polone and written by Andrew Kevin Walker, known for his work on *Seven* and *Sleepy Hollow*, the film features Georgina Campbell as Jane, a highway patrol officer on a quest to find the man who murdered her husband. However, early critiques suggest that audiences may want to reconsider their plans to see this film.
The plot unfolds as Jane discovers that her husband’s murder is part of a larger pattern of violence, leading her into a perilous encounter with the infamous ‘Satanic Slasher’, portrayed by James Preston Rogers. Despite a promising premise, critics have described the execution as lacking.
Scathing Reviews Highlight Film’s Flaws
Commentary from various film critics has been harsh. The Epic Film Guys tweeted that Psycho Killer is “a dull, uninspired mess,” pointing to “weak performances” and a “chopped up plot” that leaves viewers feeling unfulfilled. They noted that featuring a veteran actor like Malcolm McDowell as the marquee name raises concerns about the film’s quality.
Similarly, Erick Weber of Midnight Movie Talk declared the film “inconceivably awful,” criticizing it as “one of the dumbest scripts” ever adapted for the screen. He suggested that audiences might consider legal action against 20th Century Studios for the disparity between the film’s trailer and its actual content.
Other reviews echoed similar sentiments. AllAboutMovies described the film as “below average” and “slow for no reason,” stating that Campbell was the only redeeming quality. “It’s an abysmally dull, disorganized film, littered with lazy creative choices,” wrote Courtney Howard from Fresh Fiction TV, lamenting the treatment of Campbell’s character.
Mixed Reactions from Viewers
Not all feedback has been negative. Some viewers found redeeming qualities in the film. Anthony Dapuzzo, a podcaster from Never Split Up, acknowledged that while the film is “simple and straightforward,” the stylistic approach and portrayal of the antagonist offered some entertainment value. He remarked that it could be a suitable option for a “rainy night at home.”
Another viewer, Roodie, praised Campbell’s performance and expressed enjoyment in following the mystery. He described the film as a “fun slasher with throwback vibes of the 2000s.” Despite some muted kills, he felt that the film was worth a watch.
SillierDeadite added that Psycho Killer is reminiscent of detective thrillers rarely seen in recent years, suggesting it dives deep into the darker aspects of human nature and could establish a new horror icon.
As the film continues its run in theaters, it remains to be seen how audience reactions will shape its legacy. For those intrigued by horror, Psycho Killer offers a mix of opinions and expectations, but caution may be advisable based on early reviews.
