by Michele Pearson:
You can sometimes end up kicking yourself when you find an early film from a director whose style you like. I watched Derek Cole’s 2012 haunted house film, Revenant and loved it. So when I ran across The Mutilation Man on Amazon Instant, I added it to my list to watch. After getting a chance to watch it, I’m actually surprised. While there were some flaws, overall I was impressed with how well this film was put together.
I’m not sure where to classify this horror film. It’s part slasher, part torture and starts off with a bang. A man is bound in his garage, pleading for his life with a masked man wielding an ax. Ok sir, you have my attention. We are then introduced to Roy (Twardokus) and Jessica (Carmichael), a couple happily celebrating their sixth wedding anniversary. Sometime in the night, the same masked man breaks into their home, drags the couple to their garage and, without saying a word, begins to systematically torture them. Though Roy begs for an explanation, the masked man offers none. However, the lead detective (Gale) investigating the first murder, is tracking down a link he believes exists to tie all victims together.
There are parts of the film that do drag a bit but none for very long. Without giving away any details, the special effects on the torture sequences are very realistic and cringe worthy. Twardokus and Carmichael are effective in making you feel what they are feeling and the silent masked killer is definitely one to add to the ranks of Jason Voorhies and Michael Myers. He offers no reaction, no emotion and no explanation. His control and determination to carry out his work makes him truly terrifying. The torture scenes were, I think, better done than those in the original Hostel and gore hounds won’t be disappointed.
If you enjoy indie horror and like your movies a little bloody, this is definitely one to check out. It is available for rent and purchase on Amazon Instant as well as on DVD.
Michele Pearson is a contributor for DarkMedia. She covers Vampire Diaries and any other films, books, etc that come her way. She reads everything from Lonesome Dove to Game of Thrones and loves epic tv series like Doctor Who and Star Trek: TNG. Michele also loves a good horror film and was able to channel that love as a judge for Shriekfest 2012. Follow her on Twitter at @GirlInRowB and check out her blog at http://www.girlinrowb.com.
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