Anyways, streaming on Jio Hotstar India, Psycho Killer is a good watch for folks who enjoy movies focused on hunting down serial killers. However, don't expect Silence of the Lambs or anything remotely related to Hannibal Lecter. I must say that James Rogers' voice justifies his selection for the role, but was it all natural or modulated using some technology - I guess we will never know! What I can be sure about and guarantee to fellow gore content-loving folks is his mask. The makers of the Psycho Killer really did their groundwork to come up with the mask used in the Psycho Killer. It is not a superhero mask for sure. It is not anything like the weird face mask used in 'In Violent Nature' or Jason's outings, but there is nothing remarkably detailed about it. But it fits the character of James Rogers so well. His masked appearance is what convinces you of his ability to kill without remorse. The best thing is that the choice of mask or the reason to wear it is not dissected by crime scene investigators or criminal psychologists in the Psycho Killer movie. Our guy is intent on wearing it; he wears it so well, the mask makes him look dark & menacing, and therefore, it is good to go - as simple as that!
If everything is working just fine in the Psycho Killer, how come the movie is not trending?
Because there is a massive goof-up by the directorial team. We have consumed millions of content streaming minutes and even before that, seen a hell lot of TV about serial killers and mass murderers. The audience for this type of content has matured. The targeted audience demands something more. You cannot just say that the killer is obsessed with Satan and worships the Antichrist, and therefore, he is about to rip apart human bodies. This is exactly where Psycho Killer goes horribly wrong. There is literally nothing that even tries to hint at what is fueling this rage in James Rogers' character. Yes, he wants to open a door to Hell by killing everyone in his path, but people like me need to know more - how did this transition happen? Loving Satan can be generic. Everyone who loves Satan is not supposed to kill at large. Are there several killings the Psycho Killer has in mind that help him qualify to reserve his spot alongside Satan?
The team of Psycho Killer did really well, but messed up a bit in not storyboarding the character well. We don't need every killer out there killing because of childhood abuse or an inherent tendency to consume human flesh, but you can just say that Satan lovers must murder a lot to help them ascend. Come to think of it, the makers of Psycho Killer handled Seven too - and this was a well-executed movie throughout!
What is really good about the movie Psycho Killer?
The use of dark spaces, the emptiness around standalone pharmacy stores, the hollowness of rented rooms, and how vulnerable people are when they are not in a crowd. The masked murderer is very believable.
Is there a lot of gore in Psycho Killer?
Not really. There are a couple of scenes that could be slightly over-the-top for folks who usually don't watch such movies, but largely, the violence is suggestive. The scene with a hammer being put through the head, too, does not show the brain being splattered as usual, as you might have seen in some gore-heavy or horror movies.
Are there detailed dead body examination scenes in Psycho Killer?
Nopes. These days, most movies will include autopsy scenes with a detailed investigation of the dead and their dead body parts. The Psycho Killer does not go that way - even the crime scene investigation is lightweight.
Is the Psycho Killer also a revenge thriller?
The story says so, but the state trooper who is out there trying to avenge her husband's murder loses the intensity of her purpose somewhere down the line. You really don't feel her soul tortured with the need to kill/punish the masked man who shot her husband in front of her.