Birder

"Birder" feels like ordering two different movies and somehow getting both at once. And you know what? Individually, they're fantastic! On one side, you have a dark satire that dives into how gay men literally risk their lives for... well, let's call it a unique trophy. On the other, there's a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, with that good kind of tension that makes you hold your breath with every scene.

Now, when these two films come together, things get a bit muddled. It's like mixing pizza with ice cream-each one is great on its own, but together they leave a slightly odd taste. The first half, which leans into darker and more violent elements, really shines and could've gone even deeper into those themes. But despite the uneven tone, the film still delivers a unique experience that leaves you thinking, "What did I just watch?"

Highlight? The cinematography! The visuals are stunning, with no shyness in showing what needs to be shown-nudes included. The film doesn't hold back on the boldness and rawness of its scenes, which only adds to its visual impact. And the script? Straight to the point, no fluff, which is always a plus.

"Birder" may be a bit messy, but it's the kind of mess you want to revisit just to make sure you didn't miss anything.

Michael Emory delivers a chilling performance as Kristian, who is a stone cold killer behind the mask of hottie charisma and confidence.

He is an ambush predator hiding in plain sight, with the script cleverly having him drop the odd clue to his true nature. One standout moment is his "live free or die" exchange - a philosophical slip that hints at his empty and fatal worldview.

The end is about the most perfect ending I have ever seen, just perfect and earned.

The movie is grim, inevitable, and haunting, it works as the flip=side to Stranger by the Lake, instead of trying to escape the killer we anxiously follow him from kill to kill.

It's a great thriller that will stay with you long after it ends.