Killer By Nature and Insane Research Methods: A Movie Review

Killer by Nature Poster

*There is the potential for spoilers in this review.

Director/writer: Douglas S. Younglove.

Killer by Nature is a drama from writer and director Douglas S. Younglove. Younglove is a relative newcomer to filmmaking; however, he has found support through Bleiberg Entertainment. Bleiberg is currently looking to sell this title domestically and internationally for a hopeful 2010 release. The film stars well known actors including Ron Perlman (Enemy at the Gates), Armand Assante (The Bleeding) and horror icon Lin Shaye (2001 Maniacs). Younglove's latest takes on the already resolved nature vs. nurture battle in the Psychology world and the film asks the question: are behaviours, feelings, thoughts pre-destined? Here is one vote for self-determination and the director seems to echo this thought in a climactic, character revealing finale, which will leave viewers questioning their own views on the topic.

Killer by Nature begins with central character Owen (Zachary Sherman) experiencing murderous nightmares and sleep walking episodes. His sleep disorder receives treatment from a soon-to-be dead psychiatrist, Dr. Ramos (Svetlana Efremova). Other characters turn up with fatal knife wounds after Owen comes in contact with them. A subtle misdirection involving random murder is used in an attempt to bring in greater funds to support research involving pre-determination theories.

This film is melodramatic at times, but there are only a few flaws in execution and the film takes on an interesting premise, nature vs. nurture. Here is your brief lecture on the topic. This debate has mostly been resolved in favour of a 50%/50% spread between the influence of genetics and environment. The environment e.g. low socio-economic status, abusive family situations or secure attachment styles will influence behaviour to a degree. However, genes also play a role in behaviours as alcoholism, even temperaments, or hostility are generally passed down in some form to the next generation. So, the debate on this topic is essentially finished, with some research ongoing and seeing these kinds of themes in a dramatic thriller shows some complexity in writing. Poor lighting in a parking lot, a couple quick scene transitions, and a far-fetched ending only mildly dampen an enjoyable, thought-provoking cinema experience.

Speaking of the climax, the ending adds in so many twists that the final scene will be covered in an unspoiler styled way, here. One character would like others to believe that there is a murderous gene that is passed from one serial killer to the next. The way this character goes about proving this is not through conventional research, but through hypnosis and the implantation of murderous suggestions. Of course, these evil manipulations are discovered, with more killings the end result.

Overall, Killer by Nature is an entertaining time spent with blood effects and solid acting from the performers (those mentioned above). The film's story is intriguing and while the ending sets up a possible sequel, Killer by Nature is centrally a well-written and directed drama involving psychological concepts. Hopefully, Bleiberg Entertainment will receive offers from distributors soon, so that more viewers can see this film. Many more poorly made films have found distribution, which they might not have deserved. You know who you are! A few more details on the film below.

Photography/composition/lighting: 7 (-1 for a darkly lit parking lot scene, -1 for an overly quick scene transition involving a therapy session, -1 for spotty static, occasionally, on the screen).
Writing/story/subject: 7 (-1 for lack of believability, -1 for a far-fetched ending, -1 for not making a strong stand on nature vs. nurture in the film's social message - or a combination of the two).

Overall: 7 out of 10 (the film is simply a lot of fun to watch and the film holds the attention).

Killer by Nature at Bleiberg Entertainment:

Killer by Nature at Bleiberg

Another article on Killer by Nature at Shock Till You Drop:

Killer by Nature at Shock

A previous article on the film here at 28DLA:

Killer by Nature w/Synopsis Here at 28DLA

*More details to come.

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Posted in: 2010,armande,bleiberg entertainment,climax,douglas s. younglove,ending,horror,jungian psychology,killer by nature,movie synopsis,psychological,ron perlman,thriller,writing