Alexandre Ajas Maniac

A psychopath on the loose. Or should I just say, a young boy with unresolved mother issues as a result of which others (girls, in particular) have to suffer?

Once he sets his eyes on the next target, nothing gets in the way. Very cunningly he establishes where the victims live and like a skilled craftsman carries out his hideous crimes, without remorse, second thoughts or hesitation.

Pivotal to the story is the appearance of an artist who has an acute interests in these plastic mannequins something that appeals greatly to the disturbed young man. Much as his instincts are ever present she somehow causes him to not be himself which is no little thing.

Great job has been done to bring intensity on the screen. We follow the troubled man, we agonise as he prepares his next murder, we feel sorrow when he indulges his animal instincts. Elijah wood is outstanding as the loner with a dark secret.

Another plus would have to be how the director gives it a very 80's look and feel without ever misleading us from the fact that it is a very modern day story.

Ultimately, although the direction by a Frenchman has its obvious advantages it remains a Hollywood movie. Hyperbole, gory scenes for the sake of it and a sense of stretched reality deprive this appealing story from further deserved points.