Simon Cartwright (Paalo rotundo) is an institutionalized serial killer who enlists renowned psychiatrist Karen Shumacer (Rebecca Hobbs) to re-assess his case in an attempt to get a re-trial which may set him free. This sets the scene for a two day interview process which is the heart of The Ugly, a terrifying film out of New Zealand from writer/director Scott Reynolds.

As the interview process unfolds, Schumaker is exposed to Simon's recollections of his tortured past ,including many memories of his abusive, psychotic mother Evelyn (Jennifer Ward-Lealand in a stand out turn which makes Momma Bates look tame by comparison).

I loved this flick. It is suspenseful and well written, and it wastes no time in throwing the viewer off-balance with it's unique visual stylings (Simon's pursuit of a deaf victim is unusually effective).

The brilliant masterstroke of the The Ugly is that it is left to the viewer as to whether or not Simon is simply a skilled manipulator or there are definite influences of the supernatural at work here.

The kills are plentiful but bizarre to say the least. Whenever Simon takes another random life, they gush a jet black fluid resembling motor oil rather than blood. For that reason, I leave it up to the viewer to determine whether or not The Ugly is truly a "gory" film. I did not, however, feel that this hallucinogenic twist detracted from the film. I felt it was a strength- another level on which the film works to suggest the events within may simply be the perspective of a diseased mind.

Is it perfect? No, of course not. I felt the final shot was disappointing, with the filmmakers copping out with another one of those tried and true last minute "was this a dream or not" numbers. And the Hobbs character grows a bit too agitated with Simon by film's end for my taste. Last time I checked, the best way to reach a serial killer who is already institutionalized is NOT to scream at them.

Minor qualms, though. Overall, a very satisfying effort which draws the audience in and allows us to witness firsthand the creation of a truly brutal serial killer. There is also a terrific string accompaniment on the soundtrack during the murder sequences which effectively realizes the growing panic and horror of the victims and the viewer, courtesy of maestro Victoria Kelly.

Scary and thought provoking, and featuring stellar performances all around, The Ugly remains one of my favorite films.

Ten out of Ten frequently Utilized Straight Razors

This review is for the unrated VHS version. An unrated dvd is also available from Trimark Video.