Far more unsettlingly savage than most horror thrillers, director Chris Sivertson’s potently pulpy and purposefully lurid drama is based on the cult novel by Jack Ketchum. Smalltown pretty boy Ray Pye (fearlessly played by Marc Senter) is a charismatic sociopath who thrill-kills two young women in the woods. Four year later, he is still the chief suspect, but the unhinged Casanova is too crafty to incriminate himself—until, that is, he falls for Katherine (Robin Sydney), a well-bred beauty who wants to take a walk on the wild side. As the film focuses on the ineffably perverse relationship between Ray and Katherine, Sivertson ratchets up the suspense and boldly introduces an element of romantic tragedy. The results make for one of the most original and powerful American independent films of recent years. A festival highlight, but be warned that the horrific climax will test the strongest of stomachs.

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FINAL JOURNEY
directed by Brendan Muldowney.
IRELAND, 2006. COLOUR. ANAMORPHIC. DOLBY STEREO. 3 MIN.