The new horror film, Psycho Killer, has faced a wave of negative reviews since its release in US cinemas on March 15, 2024. Directed by Gavin Polone and written by Andrew Kevin Walker, known for his work on Seven and Sleepy Hollow, the film follows the story of Jane, portrayed by Georgina Campbell, a highway patrol officer on a mission to track down her husband’s brutal murderer. The narrative quickly escalates into a tense game of cat-and-mouse with the infamous ‘Satanic Slasher’, played by James Preston Rogers.
Initial reactions from critics paint a bleak picture. The Epic Film Guys described the movie as “a dull, uninspired mess,” criticizing its weak performances and a disjointed plot that fails to deliver on the horror front. They noted that when Malcolm McDowell is the most prominent name in the cast, it raises concerns about the film’s quality.
“One of the dumbest scripts I’ve ever seen made into an actual movie,”
declared Erick Weber from Midnight Movie Talk, calling the experience “inconceivably awful.” He suggested audiences might “sue 20th Century for biggest discrepancy between trailer and actual film.”
Others echoed similar sentiments. AllAboutMovies labeled the film “below average” and criticized its pacing, asserting that Campbell was the only bright spot in the project. Courtney Howard from Fresh Fiction TV elaborated, describing the movie as “abysmally dull” with “baffling creative choices” that did not do justice to Campbell’s talents.
Some reviewers offered a more tempered perspective. Anthony Dapuzzo, a podcaster with Never Split Up, acknowledged the film as “simple and straightforward,” admitting it felt generic yet watchable due to its stylistic elements. He expressed enthusiasm for Rogers’ portrayal of the slasher, suggesting it could be a stepping stone for the actor in similar roles.
Fans of the genre also shared mixed reviews. One user on X, Roodie, praised Campbell’s performance, noting that the film had “throwback vibes of the 2000s.” He found certain kills to be particularly striking, indicating that the film may still have redeeming qualities for horror enthusiasts.
Despite the critical backlash, some viewers are finding aspects of the film to appreciate. The debate on Psycho Killer reflects a broader trend in the horror genre, where expectations often clash with execution. As the film continues to screen in theatres, audiences may have their own opinions to add to the conversation surrounding this latest horror entry.
For those intrigued by upcoming horror films, further details can be found in our guide to the latest releases.
