Review of The Killer Inside Me (2010) by Brandy T — 30 Sep 2010

This movie reminds me of an old adage that goes: Appearances can be VERY deceiving!! A clean cut, charming, law enforcing and law abiding citizen can be a murderer..On the surface, Lou Ford (Casey Affleck) is a deputy sheriff in a sleepy Texas town and he is such a sweet guy. He is friendly with the locals, soft-spoken, intelligent, but alas, that`s just the surface, as Ford harbors a dark secret. Turns out, Ford`s completely psychotic, and prone to bursts of uncontrollable violence and m-u-r-d-e-r.

This is the kind of movie that you rather watch with someone else because it leaves you feeling sort of sad, empty, and down. I must warn potential viewers that it was very difficult and painful to watch scenes of sheer BRUTALITY and violence inflicted against defenseless women, in particular the Jessica Alba chacter OMG. I understand the director wanted to portray this man's inhumanity, callous and evil nature but my God, I thought it went a bit overboard resulting in a very polarizing film no doubt! What we need to remember in this instance is that this is a serious look at the mind of a serial/psychotic killer so expect some gruesome scenes of violence and most likely the majority will despise, abhor and hate Lou Ford. Casey Affleck is nothing short of extraordinary. Special note also has to be made of both Jessica Alba, and Kate Hudson, who play Ford`s two lovers/victims, as they both made a VERY brave choice by appearing in a film that`s way outside their comfort zones. So what is the plot about?

As I already mentioned, Lou is totally psychotic, refraining from an urge to hit and kill women who remind him of his nurse, his father's mistress. He already has killed a little girl but his half-brother Mike went to prison in his place. One day, he's asked by the sheriff to visit Joyce Lakeland (Jessica Alba), a prostitute, who soon falls in love with Lou and his sexual violence. Together they plan to leave town after having swindled Chester Conway, a rich businessman whose son Elmer has become sexually involved with Joyce. Storyline continues from there. This movie has some unexpected twists and turns and an explosive ending. Recommended!