Horror and Elijah Wood. Those two things usually don’t go together. But in the case of Maniac, they go together like two peas in a pod. In this remake of the 1980s film of the same name, Wood plays Frank Zito, a disturbed young man who has a tendency to kill young women and then scalp them.
Shot from the POV of Zito, the film brilliantly puts you into the mind of a serial killer, whether you like it or not. It’s strange watching the killings take place from Frank’s point of view, being in his mind as they happen, but it’s very effective and works perfectly within the film.
Wood is fantastic in the role too, giving us one of the best psycho killers in recent memory. The violence is brutal and at times, tough to watch, as this hard-hitting horror flick is definitely not afraid to shy away from a bit of blood and gore. It may not be meant for the mainstream audience, which is perhaps why it isn’t being discussed a whole lot. But for those who like their horror twisted, gritty and unflinchingly brutal, Maniac is for you.
Shane Carruth impressed critics and audiences alike with his festival hit, Primer, back in 2004. An ingenious sci-fi thriller, the film left many scratching their heads and wanting more from the promising young director. This year, Carruth returned with Upstream Color, an even more puzzling film that once again, impressed just about everyone.
Unfortunately, it’s difficult to say too much about this film without giving crucial plot elements away but I will tell you that it’s every bit as good as Primer, if not better.
Upstream Color is truly a beautiful, mesmerizing and powerful film, one that is an essential experience for any moviegoer. It may not connect with everyone due to its unconventional narrative, but if you are able to see the film for what it is, you’re in for an absolutely wonderful little treat.
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